Don Granato will remain under the microscope down the stretch 2023-24 Season by Chad DeDominicis - February 29, 2024February 15, 20251 To view this content, you must be a member of Expected's Patreon at $1 or more Unlock with PatreonAlready a qualifying Patreon member? Refresh to access this content.
I agree with the GMKA take of being stuck in the middle. Taking that extra second to process or decide what to do will make you look slow, out of place, and like you are lacking hustle. I think lately they have been getting themselves out of that issue, though. It’s clear when they are going on instinct they are quicker to pressure the puck and make the other team create mistakes. I’m sure early in the season, it was an adjustment. Brand new system, brand new pressure to win, etc all combined to a bit of a hot mess. That would have hopefully faded but other than some spurts (the Toronto game after the big loss to Columbus being a good example) they just never were able to put it together until recently. If this was an average PP team, it sure seems like they would be in the hunt of making the playoffs this year. That’s 12 extra goals this year, not to mention probably 3-4 less shorties against. I don’t think this is the way coaching decisions are usually made, but I’d love to see an upgrade to the assistants around Granato. The fact that the PP has gotten a bit better because he stepped in is a clear sign to me that there is a talent void under him.