Kevin Francis: Will DJ Smith change his coaching philosophy?

BSens beat the Marlies on Wednesday night 5-4.
Sogaard stopped 24 of 28 shots.
Goals by Thomson/Kastelic/Reinhardt/Lodin x 2

BSens now 3rd in their division!
BSens at Syracuse on Friday night who are 4th in the division.

I don't think Smith is capable of changing his philosophy. It looks like he played a physical game during his playing years, which is fine, but I suspect that he may have developed an attitude and mind set that believes that the physical game is the true essence of the game because he himself didn't have what it takes to play a skill game. Other teams don't beat you because they are more skilled than you but rather because they work harder than you. I don't think Smith would have the slightest clue about how to, let alone have any interest in developing a strategy that plays to the strengths of the Sens' skilled players and they will continue to pay the price for that physically for as long as he remains coach.

Tkachuk is a perfect example of a player who plays a game that he is unable to sustain throughout an 82 game compressed schedule. He may be able to carry it off during a normal season but that's his game. Not so for the Stutzles or Bathersons of the world. Is Smith encouraging Stutzle to be an agitator? Did Stutzle play like that before? Management should be encouraging Tkachuk to work with a skating coach because he really needs some help with his edge work or is that just for pansies? Stutzle needs to work on his faceoffs and maybe he and Batherson should work on their one timers. It wouldn't hurt Tkachuk to think about that as well. Skill development should be the philosophy.

I really want to see this team compete for a playoff spot next year and I think if Sanderson and Thomson are ready to play in the top 4 that's not an unrealistic expectation. It won't happen, unfortunately, if Smith is still coach to begin the season.

What I worry more about is Dorion treating us to more of his decisive hockey genius and sabotaging the team long term by saddling the team with one or more overpaid non starters or players whose career is on the decline or whatever bag of goods some GM is able to sell him.

DJ Smith has been coach for 3 years now. The team has significantly under achieved for many reasons, not just due to playing a "heavy style". This team needs to start next season with a new coach.

Yup.

Fire him.

BSens now 3rd in their division!
BSens at Syracuse on Friday night who are 4th in the division.
- Kevin Francis

So, because teams play a different number of games in the AHL this year, standings will be based off of point percentage?

Would Troy Mann be the replacement for DJ Smith if he is fired before or early next season?

While Troy Mann definitely seems more intelligent in his interviews than DJ Smith why was he not put in the role 3 years ago?

If not Mann what names are floating out there that would be willing to coach this team and have the effectiveness as a leader with a vision to bring them to contention?

I’ve always maintained that DJ Smith should be treated as a placeholder coach with this team until they started to form a core and identity. Once that occurs, you sort of have to bring in a coach that blends well with that core and identity. DJ Smith has shown on numerous occasions that he just doesn’t blend well with this team. He favours role players and doesn’t seem capable to getting the team to reach a new level of play. The worst part is that he has shown almost no willingness to change his philosophy. He will only do that in dire circumstances such as Stu moving to centre because the team ran out of centres due to injury.

I truly think that brining in an experienced NHL coach would work wonders. This team has tried hiring no-name/second chance guys in hopes that they become a big-name guy. It hasn’t worked. Especially, if the team can allocate more cash to coaches than in the past.

I think Whatisavailable and Gord Wilson hit the nail on the head here - Smith was a middling AHL middle six, NHL goon. With the exception of John Scott, these types of guys don't tend to be the brightest bulbs in the shed, and I think it shows with Smith. Energy, hype, grind. Always, never changing. This philosophy might play well with a handful of players on the team, but does not cultivate or nurture the skill game that is increasingly what wins you games in the modern NHL. Smith's best moves were made when his hand was forced. Smith has played Chabot way too many minutes, and then cancelled out the drain with 20+ minute nights for Zaitsev. Smith's lineups and deployments are often puzzling and almost universally panned by outside observers.

The primary issue, even without the spectre of our former owner looming, is cost. I don't think this team can or is willing to pay for a true skill coach. It will have to rely on picking a relative unknown to change the system. It's not unheard of for such candidates to have success, but it's definitely more of a gamble.

Well I do agree that kind of game is meant for Tkachuk and Watson and wilson type players who can play their careers doing it …
My opinion is only your 4th line should play that kinda game..
Have Tkachuk play that game cause it’s what Tkachuks do and get Stutzle a RW that plays that style the rest should play their skills 🤷‍♂️

I'm hoping he learns from the other coaches during the World Championship.

As I posted in the comment section last blog.

I'm in a group chat with many prospective Ottawa business owners that are Sens fans. One of them has been tracking a crazy stat and it shows how this team isn't ready to start a game or period far too often with DJ Smith.

Tonight, Ottawa had one shot on goal until 7:23 left in the first period. Ottawa has had 47 periods this year in which they registered 0 or 1 shot on goal for the first 10 minutes of a period. That is a very telling stat. So for all the DJ lovers, give your head a shake. No coaching staff comes close to this abysmal stat, 2nd team on the list, is at 28 periods, Arizona. But Ottawa leads by a country mile. That is a big problem, when you are chasing the opposition that much. It won't produce results. But hey, let's bring back the same coach that has a winning % of under .375. Pathetic.

so it happened in the 3rd period of the Seattle game too, so 49 periods. They lead the league in this horrible category. But that's what happens when you play with high and low energy levels because of the physical play. Like Kevin said in here, it's not sustainable and the problem is you have a big rebound period like Ottawa did in the 2nd period of the Seattle game, then they are back to having nothing in the tank the next period. I hope more fans see this.

Well I do agree that kind of game is meant for Tkachuk and Watson and wilson type players who can play their careers doing it …
My opinion is only your 4th line should play that kinda game..
Have Tkachuk play that game cause it’s what Tkachuks do and get Stutzle a RW that plays that style the rest should play their skills 🤷‍♂️
- sens4life1971

Watching the playoff teams tonight, this is exactly correct with what you said. It's how the head coach uses his 4 lines.

Anyone else remember DJ putting Zub in the box for too many men penalty instead of Josh Brown? How many times do we have to watch DJ put out his 4th line after the Sens get scored on? How many times do we have to watch DJ start OT with Brady and Norris? How many times do we have to watch this coach get outcoaches on homeice or never make an in-game adjustment? The laundry list with this coach goes on an on. Like someone mentioned in an earlier comment, the coach truly isn't smart. I think someone in another blog pointed out how little education DJ Smith has. That is indeed true. Everything leads to the results he has given this team but alos his stubbornness. Ok done my rant.

I think the whole teams philosophy needs to change this ain't the 80s and 90s Era hockey anymore . They could honestly get by with a no name catch that understands what the NHL level of hockey has become with 3 skilled lines and 1 gritty line . Gone are the days of big men hockey using there size to dominate the opposition into submission. We have so many rules to protect the smaller faster players now and that's what hockey has become . I honestly feel we have alot of the right pieces and they just need a chance to grow together . I'd love a RW to round out the top 6 and Clayton Keller would be a fantastic player with the right age and contract to get .

To Ottawa .Keller

To Arizona . Brannstrom. Zaitsev. Ottawa 2nd round pick Ottawa 3rd round pick Bostons 3rd round pick 2022 . Ottawa 2nd round pick 2023 conditionally becomes a 1st if Ottawa makes the playoffs in 2023

And with a top 10 pick this year Ottawa drafts Brad lambert who can play C/RW

Top 6 being

LW CHUCKY C NORRIS RW KELLER
LW BATHERSON C JIMMY STU RW LAMBERT



BOT 6 HAS A TON OF OPTIONS .
theirs Pinto,Formenton,Joseph,Brown,White,Sokolov,Watson, and more guys still working their way up .

Ottawa would just need to add a top 4 dman on the right side and let them grow together and see what damage the team can do !

I'm hoping he learns from the other coaches during the World Championship.
- PogBoi

Operative word is "hope" in this case. DJ thinks he knows more than anyone.

Did anyone else listen to that blow hard Steve Lloyd interview DJ this morning on the radio? Ask a real hockey question for once. Very disappointing to listen to. It is like this lovefest with him. Let's be his best friend. I also find it funny how DJ or Dorion wont go on with the morning show because they know they would get taken to task with real hockey questions. What a joke. Many of us on our group text had a field day with that interview. I thought Gord and Dean were terrible with the questions, but Steve is right up there.

I think the whole teams philosophy needs to change this ain't the 80s and 90s Era hockey anymore . They could honestly get by with a no name catch that understands what the NHL level of hockey has become with 3 skilled lines and 1 gritty line . Gone are the days of big men hockey using there size to dominate the opposition into submission. We have so many rules to protect the smaller faster players now and that's what hockey has become . I honestly feel we have alot of the right pieces and they just need a chance to grow together . I'd love a RW to round out the top 6 and Clayton Keller would be a fantastic player with the right age and contract to get .

To Ottawa .Keller

To Arizona . Brannstrom. Zaitsev. Ottawa 2nd round pick Ottawa 3rd round pick Bostons 3rd round pick 2022 . Ottawa 2nd round pick 2023 conditionally becomes a 1st if Ottawa makes the playoffs in 2023

And with a top 10 pick this year Ottawa drafts Brad lambert who can play C/RW

Top 6 being

LW CHUCKY C NORRIS RW KELLER
LW BATHERSON C JIMMY STU RW LAMBERT

BOT 6 HAS A TON OF OPTIONS .
theirs Pinto,Formenton,Joseph,Brown,White,Sokolov,Watson, and more guys still working their way up .

Ottawa would just need to add a top 4 dman on the right side and let them grow together and see what damage the team can do !
- roadzy

One of the better posts I have seen on here in quite some time. Good job. DJ played in that era and he thinks that style will overwhelm today's NHL, it's so pathetic. He is so out of touch with 2022 hockey. I too would really like Keller here. Unload all the rubbage we don't want. You included it all. Arizona will need bodies to fill out that roster next year after many of their UFA's walk. A top 5 pick would be ideal at this draft. But I would take Lambert. At least there's no reaching with the pick. You can fill our your roster much easier these days with the bottom 6, with proper pro scouting. No need to break the bank which is why it was good they walked away from Nick Paul's salary demands. This team already has enough problems with White and Murray's deals.

DJ Smith has been coach for 3 years now. The team has significantly under achieved for many reasons, not just due to playing a "heavy style". This team needs to start next season with a new coach.
- SensFan25

Ain't gonna lie, I have made a lot of money betting against the Sens due to your coach. But I have also made some dollars betting on Ottawa in good spots. But great article and well thought out. I watch a lot of games, even games on PVR from the prior night, he is the one coach that always looks out of place when you see him up against other coaches. His demeanor always stands out for me, far too quiet and doesn't seem to have the ability to game manage. Outsiders perspective.

Yup.

Fire him.
- Octavarium

It's amazing how some coaches have 9 lives.

So, because teams play a different number of games in the AHL this year, standings will be based off of point percentage?
- david22

I bet some AHL games and the reason for it is because earlier and mid-season with the traveling restrictions in Canada they played fewer games than the US teams. So they are going off winning percentage.

Who is starting in goal for Ottawa tonight?

I wish Ottawa would make a bid for Giroux or Keller but I just don't think Dorion will do it. He has bizarre views about who to sign and trade for and they never line up with what anyone else thinks would be a great add.

BTW Kevin, this is an excellent blog. It helps to provide context on a major factor in the team performance for this season.

I wish Ottawa would make a bid for Giroux or Keller but I just don't think Dorion will do it. He has bizarre views about who to sign and trade for and they never line up with what anyone else thinks would be a great add.
- TDBSenatoR

he'll go out and find some slow ass veteran who he wishes he could have drafted, who's aged badly and is anchored with a terrible contract. Then he'll over pay for him.

...a Zach Parise type. Yes, as a closet Islander's fan we have a "fun interesting" GM too.

Oh..I know. He'll sign PK Subban to a 4x4 deal and it'll be the second proudest day of his career.

I think the whole teams philosophy needs to change this ain't the 80s and 90s Era hockey anymore . They could honestly get by with a no name catch that understands what the NHL level of hockey has become with 3 skilled lines and 1 gritty line . Gone are the days of big men hockey using there size to dominate the opposition into submission. We have so many rules to protect the smaller faster players now and that's what hockey has become . I honestly feel we have alot of the right pieces and they just need a chance to grow together . I'd love a RW to round out the top 6 and Clayton Keller would be a fantastic player with the right age and contract to get .

To Ottawa .Keller

To Arizona . Brannstrom. Zaitsev. Ottawa 2nd round pick Ottawa 3rd round pick Bostons 3rd round pick 2022 . Ottawa 2nd round pick 2023 conditionally becomes a 1st if Ottawa makes the playoffs in 2023

And with a top 10 pick this year Ottawa drafts Brad lambert who can play C/RW

Top 6 being

LW CHUCKY C NORRIS RW KELLER
LW BATHERSON C JIMMY STU RW LAMBERT



BOT 6 HAS A TON OF OPTIONS .
theirs Pinto,Formenton,Joseph,Brown,White,Sokolov,Watson, and more guys still working their way up .

Ottawa would just need to add a top 4 dman on the right side and let them grow together and see what damage the team can do !
- roadzy

Echo the sentiments from Lawyersenslife poster, great post! Teams truly can fill out that bottom 6 much easier these days as the league has got faster and younger, vets want to sign for the league minimum to play past 32 lol these days!