The Stars keep rolling. And because you mentioned Gulutzan's excellent performance this season, I will add that there is an excellent chance that they get totally shut out in the post-season voting for Hart, Norris, Vezina, Adams, etc., etc. I really don't know that they get the respect around the league that they deserve -- except their opponents on the ice.
I'm intrigued by Hyry and his faceoff technique from the left side. He has to be one of the few players that flips his stick over to mimic being on his strong side.
It’s something you’d expect to see other teams get better at countering as the become more familiar with him. But right now, it’s really working wonders.
I am that fan that always feels like "the cup is half empty". But yikes, this team is playing well. What changed? The HC... I'm giving Gully a sh*t ton of the credit. The way they are playing is what's so much fun. As close to a full 60 minutes of effort as you can get, night in and night out. That's a team that's truly buying what he's selling. Because it's the way I roll, I need to offer one down note and that is our goalie is.... Just not very good.... He has the tools, I'd love to see a goalie coach change for next year.... GO STARS
Of course I've read it... You wrote, I read it LOL. Why? Jake is very athletic, he makes saves that you literally say "holy crap, how did he do that" but then he repeatedly gives up goals that should never go in on an NHL goalie. Straight on looks, mano y mano, from the dots or whatever. That's been going on for years now and, to me, that's positioning and positioning can be coached. You can't coach athleticism. In no way am I insinuating that Reese is a bad coach but, as you note, he's been around forever and sometimes you just need a new voice or a fresh set of eyes. Another point, Jake is a gigantic human being but if you watch from behind his net he often "plays small". Again, that's coaching. Just an old man's opinion (who has played, coached and been a fan for over 100 years. Well, maybe not 100 years but close enough LOL. Thanks for all you do Robert!!!! Love your stuff.
I'm in awe of what this team is doing. It's outrageous.
You're missing 3 of your top 6 (Mikko, Roope, Seguin) and 4 of your top 9 (add Faksa) forwards.
And you're picking up 29 of a possible 30 points? Again, outrageous.
Now, I know that "you're never as good as you look on a win streak" but wow. Back in January I did not see this team making a long playoff run. Between the team's well documented 5-on-5 struggles and the fact they'll see Minn-Colo in the FIRST 2 rounds of the playoffs I just didn't see it.
Now you have to wonder if this team is destined for greatness. Major kudos to the head coach who has successfully transformed the identity of a 3-time conference finalist into something harder, tougher, harder to play against. It's easy to SAY you want to do that back in September....making it happen is a much different thing.
So...yeah....Stars fans SHOULD enjoy this! This is why you watch sports. NOTHING is more enjoyable than turning the TV on every other day to watch a fun, exciting, very likable team play some wondrous hockey.
The Stars keep rolling. And because you mentioned Gulutzan's excellent performance this season, I will add that there is an excellent chance that they get totally shut out in the post-season voting for Hart, Norris, Vezina, Adams, etc., etc. I really don't know that they get the respect around the league that they deserve -- except their opponents on the ice.
Let’s hold out for that post season cup thing!
I'm intrigued by Hyry and his faceoff technique from the left side. He has to be one of the few players that flips his stick over to mimic being on his strong side.
It’s something you’d expect to see other teams get better at countering as the become more familiar with him. But right now, it’s really working wonders.
I am that fan that always feels like "the cup is half empty". But yikes, this team is playing well. What changed? The HC... I'm giving Gully a sh*t ton of the credit. The way they are playing is what's so much fun. As close to a full 60 minutes of effort as you can get, night in and night out. That's a team that's truly buying what he's selling. Because it's the way I roll, I need to offer one down note and that is our goalie is.... Just not very good.... He has the tools, I'd love to see a goalie coach change for next year.... GO STARS
Before discussing why you want a goalie coach change, I’m going to mandate that we review my chat with Reese last year. Because he brings a ton to the table. https://www.starsthoughts.com/p/a-fine-balance-an-interview-with
Of course I've read it... You wrote, I read it LOL. Why? Jake is very athletic, he makes saves that you literally say "holy crap, how did he do that" but then he repeatedly gives up goals that should never go in on an NHL goalie. Straight on looks, mano y mano, from the dots or whatever. That's been going on for years now and, to me, that's positioning and positioning can be coached. You can't coach athleticism. In no way am I insinuating that Reese is a bad coach but, as you note, he's been around forever and sometimes you just need a new voice or a fresh set of eyes. Another point, Jake is a gigantic human being but if you watch from behind his net he often "plays small". Again, that's coaching. Just an old man's opinion (who has played, coached and been a fan for over 100 years. Well, maybe not 100 years but close enough LOL. Thanks for all you do Robert!!!! Love your stuff.
I'm in awe of what this team is doing. It's outrageous.
You're missing 3 of your top 6 (Mikko, Roope, Seguin) and 4 of your top 9 (add Faksa) forwards.
And you're picking up 29 of a possible 30 points? Again, outrageous.
Now, I know that "you're never as good as you look on a win streak" but wow. Back in January I did not see this team making a long playoff run. Between the team's well documented 5-on-5 struggles and the fact they'll see Minn-Colo in the FIRST 2 rounds of the playoffs I just didn't see it.
Now you have to wonder if this team is destined for greatness. Major kudos to the head coach who has successfully transformed the identity of a 3-time conference finalist into something harder, tougher, harder to play against. It's easy to SAY you want to do that back in September....making it happen is a much different thing.
So...yeah....Stars fans SHOULD enjoy this! This is why you watch sports. NOTHING is more enjoyable than turning the TV on every other day to watch a fun, exciting, very likable team play some wondrous hockey.
GO STARS!