A sign of things to come?
Amid all the talk Wednesday of how Paul Maurice intends to retain the attacking philosophy used by Peter Laviolette, fans should be aware of what's happening in Albany.
Four weeks ago, with the River Rats 2-7-2-1, Albany coach Jeff Daniels switched from the system used by Laviolette in Carolina to a more defensive system — one forechecker instead of two; defensemen on a leash, not given free license to pinch in the offensive zone.
This much is guaranteed: Daniels wouldn't make a major philosophical change like that without clearing it with the boss first. Or perhaps he was encouraged?
Given general manager Jim Rutherford's past proclamations that it
was important for the AHL and NHL team to be playing the same system — Tom Rowe did use a slightly more conservative coverage scheme in the defensive zone last season, one reason he was promoted to the NHL this summer — the change in Albany raises two salient questions:
1. Is a similar change not only possible but probable now that Maurice is in charge in Carolina?
2. Did Laviolette refuse suggestions or orders from Rutherford (or others in the front office) to alter his system, in part prompting his dismissal?
The Rats, by the way, are 5-2-1-1 since making the change.
About the blogger
Luke has worked for The N&O since 2000. He covered the Carolina Hurricanes and the NHL before becoming a sports columnist in August 2008. A native of Evanston, Ill., he graduated from the University of Pennsylvania. He can be reached at 829-8947 or luke.decock@newsobserver.com.
Comments
Apples and Oranges
Fri, 12/05/2008 - 10:53 — HockeydogIt could be that Laviolette was asked to play a slightly less risky style. I think that brings up the differences between Maurice and Lavi. Maurice is more of a thinking mans coach, while Laviolette is more of a energy guy. It did seem obvious to me that Lavi needed to adapt his game plan, but he never did. Maurice's thinking style may be what this team needs right now because the full bore style under Laviolette has produced some crash and burn results. People have tagged Maurice as a boring, dump and chase type of coach but his Leafs team played pretty up tempo. I don't think it's fair at this point to judge him based on his first stint. It was a different team in a different time in the NHL. Not as much skill in a clutch and grab game= dump and chase. The guy is very smart and thoughtful and has admitted to being more stuck in his ways as a younger coach. This team needs some discipline, I think he can put some positive changes in the system.
When the Canes won the cup, it was the right time for the personnel in the room and Peter's very aggressive style. As the game has now shifted slightly again, I think Maurice can provide some positive leadership. I was not happy when I heard Paul was coming back, but I listened to his comments, and took a hard look at the old teams he had here. I am very impressed with his progress as a coach and person.
The River Rats
Fri, 12/05/2008 - 06:06 — esteban1949As i do follow them via internet radio broadcast, I have, like others noticed an "improvement" in their play. And Like you Luke i do feel it was based on the ideal that the upper AHL teams need to play the same as their NHL affiliates. But what gets me is there were times in the last 2-3 weeks there were times and games that the rats were playing better than the Hurricanes were. Meaning more intensity,more forchecking, and crashing the goal.
Last nights game with the Canes was an improvement, yet the fans in the seats last night seemed awfully quiet. But seeing that to turn around a team isn't like putting a bag of "microwave" popcorn in and 2 minutes later you got what you need. But it was good to see some players back( Williams) and a couple of different line looks . but one thing hadn't changed was The poor passing and followup on rebounds was still evident . But players like Sutter, LaRose, Corvo and Samsonov was just as heated and intence as it has been dispite the lack of positive stats. So and while the crowd did look good on tv( as my neighbor invited me next door to watch) the fans still were awlfully quiet. Like recoving from a heart transplant the team is in recovery trying to play to it's potential. I for the sake of the many many STH's they can and do turn things around before the halfway mark of the season. But teams like pittsburg don't help any do they ? Thanks Luke, have a good weekend !
Go Canes,Rats !
Laviolette's Systetm in AHL?
Fri, 12/05/2008 - 01:01 — laviolettefanHis system worked well in the AHL 10 years ago when both leagues were more 'defensive'. In fact Laviolette's AHL team is still the best hockey team I've even seen.
The real problem is the GM not getting behind the coach and supporting him. The players have a green light to give up.
Does JR really think that managing style will work with a new coach? Or it will when it's his so called best friend MO.
I'm sure Laviolette did what he was told because that is the type of guy he is.
I seriously hope that Laviolette gets the job in Atlanta from his good friend GM Don Waddell and knocks the Canes from the playoffs.
I agree with all but the
Fri, 12/05/2008 - 08:53 — Richie7I agree with all but the last sentence...it would be horrible to have OUR Coach in Atlanta. I know Laviolette will be great where ever he goes, and while it would serve JR if he did go to Atlanta or Tampa and Kick the Canes tales....I sincerely hope that does not happen.
While I think that canning Laviolette was something JR was going to do eventually and that is why he continued to undermine him. I think bringing back MO was a huge mistake that will cost this franchise millions in more ways than they can imagine and I just hope that JR is held accountable for that!!!!