Whelp... at least the GR Griffins are still red hot in the AHL. Was at the game last night and it's been a treat to watch this team play this year. Their consistency and work ethic is as good as I've seen in quite a few years.
I think LaLonde might need some pointers from Dan Watson (head coach). Their PK is #1 in the AHL at 90.8%. They played 3 games in 3 nights and still won yesterday against the Cleveland Monsters (also a first place team) that had been on a ten game win streak (ended by GR).
One thing I've noticed is this is a BIG Griffins team. They have 6 players at least 6'4" or bigger and a few that are 6'3 & 6'2". Not saying that automatically makes them good... but it shows along the boards, in front of the nets and in their forecheck. They don't get pushed around. What's interesting is how good this team plays despite losing Edvinsson, Kasper and Johanson from last season (three of their best players last season). This team has a great transition game and is defensively sound.
Jeremy... you should try and catch a couple games. It's been a fun ride so far this season. Van Andel Arena is a great venue to watch the games.
- Vladdie_Kon1
I definitely want to get out there. The interview with Watson I reposted said everything in just a few sentences. At the point of the interview, he hadn’t given the guys a day off and every day he skates them hard. Watson completely changed his philosophy. LaLonde is a huge “scout the opponent” guy. Watson said he focused on making sure the guys are at their peak in conditioning. When goals weren’t coming easy, a lot of hard work went into the wins. Now you have games with both. Last week Detroit had an optional where only 5 skaters and 2 goalies showed up. LaLonde is not built to give this team a structure or work environment to help with their shortcomings. I believe Watson’s approach is better suited. Whether he gets the call or someone else, this team needs to be skated and drilled into that place where they go on automatic and stop overthinking bad passes and failed attempts to clear
