Looking back now... Do you think that?

Question

Hossa's decision may have been based on what he saw from Therrien in the Finals?

Babcock was cool, calm and collective and so was his team even after a heartbreaking game 5...... Therrien on the other hand was NEED I SAY IT?

How much do you think that has affected some of the PENS to take less and play for other teams? (Hossa, Hall, Conklin)

Answer 1

Therien does rub some players the wrong way, and he is a taskmaster to be sure.

If that was the main reason for any player to leave, then good bye.  I thought hockey players were supposed to be tough?

Besides, Hall and Conklin were castoffs when the Pens signed them and are easily replaceable.  Hossa's defection is a big slap in the face though...and no, he didn't take less money to go to Detroit, he got about $300K more.  Just a money-grubbing w***e-on-ice.

Whatever...I don't think he can take the physical punishment of the Western Conference.  Dont' be surprised when he gets injured.

Answer 2

A team does reflect on their Coach....and your not going to play well if you don't play like a team and Proud to play for your team. It probably is a big reason to why they left. Whatever happens between your team and coaches and w/e if not right away always reflects on the ice. Its obvious to many.

Answer 3

Therrien may have affected Hossa's decision a little. A lot of players didn't like him. But mostly it just came down to winning. A lot of players left Pittsburgh before Hossa signed with Detroit. The Wings, on the other hand, stayed intact. Seeing that, I think he just figured his odds were better of getting that Cup in a red and white sweater.

Answer 4

Therriens name keeps coming up and it must be true that he loses the respect of his players. Makes sense after getting canned in Montreal with a team on the rise. I don't see much in the way of Pitt making it nearly as far as this past season.

I guess Detroit almost solidifies itself as the place to play. players come here taking a little less money to be a part of the success. It's nice to enjoy this being a Wings fan and like our chances to repeat even more now.

The other players in Pitt have made it clear, they will leave for more money (because it isn't available in Pitt) and the chance to win the cup elsewhere, having felt it isn't gonna happen there for some reason or another, (Therrien).

Answer 5

That is a very strong possibility. Therrien didn't really have a game plan against the Wings . It showed badly. It would be hard to continue to seriously play for a coach that was ill prepared for the biggest games of the season.

Answer 6

I think he likes Little Cesar's better the Domino's

Answer 7

I think it probably played into the factor, but I think Hossa wants to win a Cup real bad and I think that he felt Detroit has a great chance and for the right price for a 1 year deal... I don't think he wanted to pass it up.

Answer 8

That may have a little bit to do with it... i wouldnt say that much though.. i think he played against the wings.. and realized how skilled these guys are.. and how babcock.. and the whole team is composed in general... hossa wants a cup... and i know the wings are hungry for another one already... they got the power to do it. again.

Answer 9

I am sure that the coach played some role in the player's decisions.  I think a bigger factor is the position the Penguins are in.  They simply have had too many high draft picks and have done a very good job in making those picks.  The result is that they have too many talented players coming into their prime in a very short period of time.

Beginning next season, they will have 2 players eating almost $18M of their cap.  They have more young talent on the team that is going to command good money, not Malkin or Crosby money, but enough that it is going to require them to make some tough decisions on the young players.  Aside from Hossa, most of the players leaving are the second tier players and below.  I think it is more likely that they either recognize that their future is not with the Pens or they don't feel that Pittsburgh will be competitive enough to reach the same level they did last season on a regular basis.  The player's opinion of the coach contributes as well.

IMO, the Pens are not in a position to keep themselves on top of the league on a consistent basis like the Red Wings have positioned themselves to do.  I predict more of a roller coaster pattern for their success.