Gaucho wrote:If they bow out the same way there will be no supporters left.
It's funny to me that after years of disappointing results and two straight humiliations, a third humiliation is necessary.
My concern used to be that the Pens played recklessly and with an arrogant, inflexible system built around the notion if they played their game, the Pens could beat anyone. I believe that changed last year. The Pens started playing a much more responsible game last season. But now there are new issues.
A new problem is that when the Pens play responsible defense, offense really struggles. I don't think DB knows how to coach offense. I think he has relied on Sid and Geno to figure it out. I don't think that's a good recipe for success in 2013. I think the NHL is more tactical than the way DB coaches it.
A growing problem is accountability. The amount of negative body language expressed by Pens players is concerning to me. I think it's because the Pens play lazy and unfocused at times. Malkin and Letang have at least half a dozen wtf moments per game since the Pens won the cup; they appear to do whatever they want. I don't like that. If the coach isn't holding players accountable, I put the blame on him.
I also have concerns about DB's leadership. If he does not take ownership of issues or hold himself accountable, how can he expect the players to? He is constantly making excuses like the Pens are the only team for which the puck bounces.
IMO, the players like DB because he lets them do what they want.