I'm going to be intellectually lazy and chalk this game up to the early start - no tight checking here, the teams just seemed to skate around and see who could get the most pucks to go in the net.
I think LaViolette will go at some point between now and the start of next season. Eight months ago the Caps struggled into the playoffs, the Rangers had a really strong season, and they swept the Caps in the first round, which wasn't a surprise given the seeming disparity between the teams, and LaViolette is of course praised as the architect of the Rangers' season. So the Caps turn over 1/3 of their roster to reset, the Rangers start to struggle this season, LaViolette has seemingly lost the locker room, and at this point the two teams look completely reversed from last year. LaViolette seems like Tortarella light - plenty good enough to be an NHL coach, lots of teams will look to him to reset their fortunes, and it might work, for awhile. But it seems as though LaViolette is one of those guys who wears out his welcome.
I continue to be astounded at Protas. That facing-away-from-the-goal, backhand-between-the-legs shot was sick - it's the type of stuff you expect out of the elite goal-scorers in the league, who have a ridiculous puck sense. Before this season Protas showed that he could be a useful, grinding though not overly assertive for his size forward who could hold down a spot in the bottom 6. But he gave absolutely no indication that he could become a force anything remotely like this. If there's an award for breakout player of the year, Protas wins it hands down.
I think some players just
fit. I think that's the case with both Protas and Strome. I may add Eller to that list also... They just kind of get it. Maybe it's a personality or charachter thing? Like "the twins". They bring out the best in each other. Aaahhhh.
Okay, maybe not to the extent that Chimmer and Wardo had, but still there is chemistry there.
They know their jobs. They understand the "pecking order". The get on with it and look like they have fun. They just
fit.
Eller seems to have a wise old head on his shoulders. For some reason, he reminds me ever so slightly of Gramps. A good mentor.
The person I've been most impressed with ... so far ... is Carbs. I wonder if he made a phone call or five to Trotz........ even before he took us up last season. Or am I overly impressed because he isn't LaToilette?
A good boss,
any boss, needs to know how to motivate their staff. Some respond to a carrot, others to the stick. A good boss needs to know which, to who and when.
I suspect La Toilette is a stick only guy.
