Team chemistry

It is an interesting part of the trade equation, I think. Should a team worry about how a certain player will fit in with his teammates or just worry about the production he can bring. Hockey is indeed different from other sports in its sense of camaraderie. But when does, if it does, that notion inhibit a team from a broader goal?

Perhaps it has to do with how or why a team will acquire a player. If the player will be a short-term rental, then perhaps the character and chemistry issues don't matter as much. I bring this up because of what GM Jay Feaster said on Monday, that a good locker room makes trading more difficult. I also recall what Rob DiMaio said earlier in the year, that Tampa Bay's locker room was so tight, he felt it difficult to at first to feel comfortable.

The bottom line is, should this really matter to a GM trying to find a catalyst for what goes on on the ice? I think there is a place for that to be part of the equation. I'm still struggling to figure out how much.

Comments

[bradshairstylist]

Chemistry, chemistry. It's all crap. Cheers to the comment about losing above. Get some wins and everyone's happier. All that being said, I'm not happy after watching 1.5 seasons of mediocre results. We're about 6 weeks out from getting renewal packets for next year, a certain price increase, and a sub-500 record. My seats are available next year if this organization continues to turn a blind eye to the team's performance. If this continues, Mr. Davidson will renew his interest in selling and moving the team. Hello Portland!!

Agree with above about Boyle if he would help with the D instead of trying to score all the time and PASS the puck to the open player maybe things would change some. A player whoo sees so much icetime needs to play WITH the rest of the team

And would that be who has too much ego? Just curious. My #1 would be Danny Boyle. Def. not Brad or Vinny, those two are the most gentlemen like and modest players there are. Marty is a little fireball but not egotistical.

[srl]

You can't blame the goaltending for everything. The defense needs to help the goalie. The best team chemistry is ruined by too much ego!

[Stacey]

Well, I'm sure T.O. would be pummeled to death by his teammates if he were a hockey player but sometimes I think you can take it a bit too far. I mean, give a guy a chance to prove whether he's a team guy or not! I've heard Feaster say things like "we could've had this guy that was faster BUT we weren't sure he'd fit with the team..." Eh, I say, give it a chance! Don't sign him on for 10 yrs but see what he can do! Whatever. I let them do their jobs as coaches and GM and such because if I knew so much, I guess I'd be where they are and they'd be the legal assistants. Let's see if these guys can right the ship. I have faith in them. GO BOLTS!

[JB]

I'll tell you what ruins team chesmitry. Losing! And I'll also tell you why we are losing. Goaltending! Too bad I don't have any solutions. Feaster really dug himself a whole by replacing one of our best forwards for a ridiculously overpriced bench riding goaltender.

[Scott K]

I try to keep the faith but 1-1/2 years of erratic play is getting frustrating to watch.I think we all can agree that team chemistry is very important in hockey.At some point though winning has to be more important than having a group of nice guys that are friends and like to get together and play hockey a couple nights a week.I agree with Keith that we have alot of talent and it's amazing how some nights TBL just doesn't get the breaks or the bounces.I don't think I've ever seen a team have the number of shots on goal that TBL has and consistently the goalie plays the game of his life or a high stick doesn't get called or we let in a soft goal or....Ultimately I have to say again that chemistry is very important and at this point in the season would there really be a trade that would turn things around,I'd say no but I may change my mind again in another week or so!!

[keith]

Team chemistry is paramount in hockey. I think about Pavel Bure, great player individually, terrible team player. Jagr, when he went to the Caps, no chemistry (and $$$) made them unload him.With the Rangers he has "re-emerged" Chemistry? Probably. TBL is in a tough spot for Feaster at the moment. No one can deny the talent he has, and the camaraderie seems strong as well as the respect for Torts from the players. It is a gamble to risk disrupting that balance when all the nececssary tools to win seem to be in place. Better the devil you know? If you unload a top player who is looked up to by his teammates, what does that do to the team dynamic. As objective as the players all want us to to think they are, with all the interview cliches " this is a business...." etc., I think human nature makes you perform better if you are happier with your "workmates".
I have maintained all year (so far) to stay with the team as it is. I don't recall seeing a team that worked so hard, had the talent, but didn't get the wins like this version of TBL. It is almost uncanny, which makes it very frustrating to watch as a fan. I say you need the chemistry. For this season, leave it alone. Keep the faith (blind as it may be!!!)There is still along way to go.