Jeremy Laura: Wings call up Kasper, thoughts on the first 4 and Nashville

Whenever I want a new blog I just come in here and write a comment and within a couple hours *poof* there’s a new write up. 😂😂😂😂

Whenever I want a new blog I just come in here and write a comment and within a couple hours *poof* there’s a new write up. 😂😂😂😂
- optimus-reim

Sorry, trying to keep up and not let it get stale. Grateful that I get to do it, for sure, and very grateful you drop in!

Not sure what you want coaching to do differently. Collapse down all the time in the D Zone? That's going to limit an already non-existent ES offense. The blue line is very weak right now. Seider is a legit 1D. Not another player on DET blue line would be in the top four on a contender either from being limited in ability or still in development. They weren't great at ES last year either and largely relied on strong ST. It's still early where that could manifest again, but if you're expecting a strong ES team that will require player development or additions.

Not sure what you want coaching to do differently. Collapse down all the time in the D Zone? That's going to limit an already non-existent ES offense. The blue line is very weak right now. Seider is a legit 1D. Not another player on DET blue line would be in the top four on a contender either from being limited in ability or still in development. They weren't great at ES last year either and largely relied on strong ST. It's still early where that could manifest again, but if you're expecting a strong ES team that will require player development or additions.
- jfkst1

That's already what they do and one of the reasons their team defense stinks. They give opposing dmen all day to make plays in the defensive zone. They allow the opposing team to get to pucks first along the boards because they are all in the slot collapsing. They constantly flip pucks out or chip it off the glass because they are all feet apart from each other when they gain possession because of that collapsing system. It's a horrible system and it hasn't changed since Uncle Fester took over and the Wings continue to be in the bottom half of the league defensively. This system also hurts their offense with a lack of good breakouts and players being caught in their own zone for long periods of time that when they do get out they have to dump it in and go for a change.

Just gotta enjoy watching the growth of the young players and know that a time will come when they’re cup competitive again, it just isn’t now.

Not sure what you want coaching to do differently. Collapse down all the time in the D Zone? That's going to limit an already non-existent ES offense. The blue line is very weak right now. Seider is a legit 1D. Not another player on DET blue line would be in the top four on a contender either from being limited in ability or still in development. They weren't great at ES last year either and largely relied on strong ST. It's still early where that could manifest again, but if you're expecting a strong ES team that will require player development or additions.
- jfkst1

What I’d like to see, beyond a known system or strategy, is some sort of cohesion. What I think of as a good system shows players getting to their spots confidently with consistency. Instead it seems like a lot of improv with missed coverage. I understand that happens, but the players seem to be struggling to find a way. Torts goes to a team, you can see it right away. When Trotz went to a team as a coach, you could see it right away. In the 3rd season, it is tough to tell what LaLonde is putting together. If there’s a lead and they go 1-3-1, I get that. But 5 on 5, we see broken rushes involving the left D leaving a wide open breakaway with 3 players below the faceoff dots. Now you can see the lack of confidence. “Squeezing the stick”. It doesn’t feel like a monumental ask for there to be a discernible dispatch that can be somewhat consistent while you roll the lines. That’s my opinion, it may not be everyone’s. But for the 3rd straight year I’m wondering what the H*ll is the goal other than get on the ice and pray the goalie is ready.

Just gotta enjoy watching the growth of the young players and know that a time will come when they’re cup competitive again, it just isn’t now.
- DraftandDestroy

You are right. The process is a piece of it. LaLonde just seems like the wrong guy steering the ship. Get creative. There are good coaches in the AHL, NCAA and overseas. The bench isn’t getting settled and focused and I put that on the coaches, fair or not. You can execute and lose. No question. Just wondering what the execution is supposed to look like

Another reason this team is crap again is the special teams (or lack of)... They are complete garbage so far this year. At least last year they had a decent power play... but a lot of that offensive talent is now gone (you know who the players are already). So now they have a crappy PP and crappy penalty kill. Only hope for this team is that all the top prospects significantly exceed expectations. The lack of elite talent and lack of talent up the middle (centers) is still hurting this team... in addition to special teams.

I think you are the best writer on here. When I want to see someone with a common sense view this is where I come to.

quick update - Bally will be fan duel sports in 3 days. Probably a new studio for the broadcast crew

Another reason this team is crap again is the special teams (or lack of)... They are complete garbage so far this year. At least last year they had a decent power play... but a lot of that offensive talent is now gone (you know who the players are already). So now they have a crappy PP and crappy penalty kill. Only hope for this team is that all the top prospects significantly exceed expectations. The lack of elite talent and lack of talent up the middle (centers) is still hurting this team... in addition to special teams.
- Vladdie_Kon1

I agree on all points. The, to me, reinforces the need to someone to get a solid structure in place. We know who the plugs are, we know why Sprong left and the entire market rejected his ask until he took less than 1/3 the money at 1/3 the term. Perron, very good asset on the power play, terrible defensively and bound to get worse. I haven’t heard of Ghost wanted to be back or to go to where he thought the ceiling would be higher. Walman, i think I’ve talked about “rumors” but they’re so scattered that I’d have to see it play out with another team. The power play is getting looks but not finishing. We just have no sign of anyone getting this group on the same page yet and it’s not a full turnover.

I think you are the best writer on here. When I want to see someone with a common sense view this is where I come to.
- porterw1

Wow, thank you very much for that. I am grateful to be able to do this and appreciate that.