Tortorella's mistake

Coach John Tortorella made a few moves Wednesday, such as putting Ryan Craig up with Vinny 4's line and moving Vinny 20 down to the No. 3 line with Eric Perrin. He also used so many power play combinations in practice it was difficult to keep up. We'll see what he comes up with during the Florida game.

But the most interesting note I thought from this week so far was the coach saying he made a mistake last season in not riding the guys harder. He said, you know, they were Stanley Cup champs in 2004 and had earned the right to try to pull themselves out of the funk that gripped them all season long. He said looking back "I  lost my instincts,'' and vowed to not let it happen again. That is why after the second game he was so vocal about intensity, etc.

You should have sen him Wednesday. I hadn't seen him that amped for a practice in years. And truthfully, it was a great practice. The guys were really skating hard. We'll see what happens Friday.

So, is Torts better off driving the players hard and telling them and the media they could lose playing time if things don't turn around? Too soon to sound alarms? Or do we like the kinder, gentler coach who lets his skaters work it out for themselves?       

Comments

[DB]

Ride these boys Torts! These guys were so mediocre after winning the cup last season. Vinny and Marty need to be ridden. Marty hasn't looked the same since he won the MVP and Vinny doesn't show up half the time. These guys should be carrying this team every night with the talent they have.
It's too early to push the panic button but we don't want to get in a big hole early early this year.

[Manny Andrade]

It's never too soon to sound alarms. Letting players work it out themselves doesn't work. Look where it got Joe Torre and the Yankees. There are times when players need to be told that they're not cutting it. Sit any player not contributing, otherwise Torts, where's the accountabiliy.

[goldenbolt]

We have a bunch of slugs so far. Too many pretty boys - we need another 3 Craig's and then we will be ok.

[SuperFlyGT]

If only we were able to sign Evgeni Artyukhin back. I'm not saying we would be undefeated thus far, but the way Afanasenkov has (or hasn't) been playing, I wouldn't have minded seeing him with Brad and Marty, or at least move Craig up.

Anyways, Torts definately needs to ride the guys after every sour effort, and praise them after every good one.

[keith baxter]

If you don't produce in your job, a boss will probably let you know. These guys are supposed to be among the best in the world, and paid that way too. Kick 'em in the *** Torts and ride them either till they produce or get rid of them( to lower lines or AHL). 2004 was eons ago. They have the skill, expeprience and ability. They just need to bring it to the rink on game days. And please.....how much longer can we put up with a totally ineffective Affy. He already lost us a game with a bonehead pass in our zone. He can't put it in the net, bring up one of the Springfield guys. How much worse can they be? Maybe there are more Craigs and Rangers down there? And lastly, oh boy, Freddy. How much we miss you already!!!!
I think Feaster is a sharp shrewd operator, but losing Freddy was huge.

[Ed]

If their egos get a bit bruised by being told that their not performing up to their standards, that their not working hard in front of thousands of people who paid to see them, then perhaps they can rest on the piles and piles of money that their making.

Go get, em, Torts. This team didn't win the Cup by taking it's foot off of the gas, don't start now.