In this episode of THE DEBATE Hockey Podcast, Brad Burud and Blake Friars discuss the recent struggles of NHL players such as Connor McDavid, Jonathan Huberdeau, John Klingberg, Johnny Gaudreau, and Matthew Barzal. They also talk about the recent coaching change in the Edmonton Oilers and the potential trade of Nikita Zadorov from the Calgary Flames. The hosts share their thoughts on the Hockey Hall of Fame induction.
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By Brad Burud, Host of the Debate Hockey Podcast
Introduction
In this article, we will delve into the most significant topics discussed in a recent episode of the Debate Hockey podcast. We will explore the current state of the NHL, focusing on key themes such as the struggles of top players, the coaching changes in Edmonton, and the upcoming Hockey Hall of Fame induction. By analyzing these themes and their implications, we can gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the league.
Struggles of Top Players
One of the most intriguing aspects of this NHL season has been the struggles of top players. From Connor McDavid’s scoring drought to Johnny Gaudreau’s lackluster performance, many star players have been noticeably absent on the ice. This trend raises questions about the reasons behind their struggles and the potential impact on their respective teams.
McDavid, widely regarded as one of the best players in the league, has been underperforming this season. With only one assist in his last five games, he is on pace for a significantly lower point total than expected. This has led to speculation about his health and overall mindset. As my co-host Blake Friars pointed out, McDavid’s lack of enthusiasm after scoring a goal is concerning. It suggests that he may be disinterested or lacking confidence, which can have a detrimental effect on his performance and the team as a whole.
Similarly, Gaudreau has been a disappointment for the Calgary Flames. Despite being touted as a top goal scorer, he has failed to produce at the expected level. This has raised questions about his commitment and ability to handle the pressure of a big contract. As Blake mentioned, the grass is not always greener on the other side, and Gaudreau’s struggles serve as a reminder of the challenges that come with high expectations and a lucrative contract.
Coaching Changes in Edmonton
The Edmonton Oilers have been a topic of discussion throughout the season, and the recent coaching changes have only added fuel to the fire. The firing of Jay Woodcroft and the hiring of Chuck Knoblock (not his real name) have raised eyebrows and sparked debate among fans and analysts.
Woodcroft’s dismissal came as a surprise to many, considering his winning record and the fact that he had the best winning percentage in Oilers history. However, as my co-host pointed out, there seemed to be a lack of accountability within the team. Players were not held responsible for their performance, and this lack of discipline translated into poor defensive play and a reliance on their star players.
The hiring of Knoblock, McDavid’s former junior coach, was met with mixed reactions. While some appreciate his candidness and willingness to speak his mind, others question his ability to bring about meaningful change. As I mentioned, Knoblock’s tendency to take credit for the firing of Mike Babcock raises concerns about his ego and the potential for a toxic environment.
Overall, the coaching changes in Edmonton reflect a desperate attempt to appease McDavid and address the team’s defensive issues. However, as Blake astutely pointed out, the problems run deeper than just the goaltending. The lack of defensive structure and accountability from both the forwards and defensemen has contributed to the team’s struggles.
Hockey Hall of Fame Induction
The recent announcement of the Hockey Hall of Fame inductees has generated excitement and debate among fans. This year’s class includes Henrik Lundqvist, Mike Vernon, Tom Barrasso, Pierre Turgeon, Pierre Lacroix, and Ken Hitchcock. While each inductee has their own unique accomplishments and contributions to the game, the overall selection process and the number of inductees raises questions about the criteria for entry.
Lundqvist, a highly regarded goaltender, is a deserving addition to the Hall of Fame. With an impressive career and numerous accolades, he has solidified his place among the top goalies in the league. However, as I mentioned, the number of inductees each year seems excessive. It dilutes the significance of the honor and raises questions about the overall standards for entry.
Similarly, the inclusion of players like Turgeon and Barrasso, while notable in their own right, may not resonate with fans as much as other potential candidates. This highlights the subjective nature of the selection process and the varying opinions on what constitutes a Hall of Fame career.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the current state of the NHL is marked by the struggles of top players, coaching changes, and the Hockey Hall of Fame induction. The underperformance of star players like McDavid and Gaudreau raises questions about their health, mindset, and ability to handle pressure. The coaching changes in Edmonton reflect a desperate attempt to address defensive issues and appease their star player. The Hall of Fame induction, while exciting, raises questions about the criteria for entry and the number of inductees each year.
As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how these themes develop and impact the league. The struggles of top players may continue to be a point of concern, while coaching changes and the Hall of Fame induction will shape the narrative of the season. Ultimately, the NHL is a dynamic and ever-evolving league, and it is through these discussions and analyses that we gain a deeper understanding of the game and its players.
Brad Burud brings the rock-solid old-school approach to the show. The Minot, North Dakota native grew up playing hockey, and spends his summers on the links. The diehard hockey fan watches tons of hockey and is full of comments and opinions. The Calgary Flames are his favorite team, and he is often accused of having a Western Conference bias. He is also the host of Flames Unfiltered. Brad brings the conservative, old school approach to the show. He is opinionated and hates losing a debate. Blake Friars brings the Canadian approach to the show. The Bienfait, Saskatchewan native grew up playing hockey for 16 years. The goalie is also a long time Roberto Luongo fan and claims the Vancouver Canucks as his favorite team. Rumors and a few photos have him in Oilers jerseys and cheering for the Habs. He denies it but tends to jump on bandwagons quickly. Blake brings the millennial approach to the show. He is candid in his approach and creates numerous laughs and bad predictions.
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