LTL Nation,
As you all know, with the UFA prospects being highly underwhelming, and with the trade prospects possibly being even more underwhelming - now what was that bit that Hitch used to say, "When you've missed the playoffs, you can expect to turn over at least 1/3 of your team"? - I thought I'd indulge myself and comment on the Q&A questions/responses.
As they say in the broadcast world, "The opinions expressed, here (in this case, myself) are not those of this station (in this case, the LTL site)...:"
Enjoy???
RE: Howson's performance as GM, to date, and whether those downfalls were his responsibility:
As always, I do give Scott Howson credit for taking ownership and blame for the dissapointing season (2009-2010). Much unlike his predecessor, he's never blamed others, or made inflated promises.
RE: Living in Central Ohio
Was this the ultimate "softball" question, or what? But, in defense of the Dispatch, given their frustration over being felt to being left out of the loop on the coaching search and draft picks - heck, a lot of things (guess you can safely say that Howson, unlike MacLean, is a lot smarter to not divulge info that could affect a decision/move, not to mention that Howson actually has an internal filter) - they might be trying to soften the interview and relations. Still, a Larry King-esque softball question.
RE: What he likes about the coaching staff, given their lack of NHL coaching experience
Uh, Plan A didn't work, so, let's try Plan B, and, hey, we're not making any moves - after all, we have all new coaches, let them try to milk something out of these plodding slowpokes and underperforming (fat contract) jake-ers.
RE: Hitch's role, as he doesn't have a new job
Man, I hope he lands something - I really hope a team dissapoints or tanks, early in the season - otherwise, we're stuck with that salary - ouch! (note: the guy who helped put together Team Canada, and you can't yet find a role for him? Ugh)
RE: Awkwardness of possibily working closely with Hitch
Man, I REALLY hope he lands something - we really don't have a role for him
RE: Regrets of signing so many young players to contract extensions
Are you kidding? Nope, no regrets. Stay the course, stay the course...
RE: If he had a 'do over', would he still sign Juice and Commie
As Drew Rosenhaus once said, "Next question"...what's he supposed to say? D'Uh, yeah I can't believe I was so stupid...
RE: Explain your answer
I'm praying to God we even get SOMETHING in-between last year and the year before...at least he didn't try to dupe the fans on that "off-season conditioning issue" BS...
RE: Active pursuit of a puck-moving D-Man
They first have to allot a cell phone for me to make calls...why do you think I didn't inquire about Phaneuf?
RE: Expecting so much of the club to change in the first 3 years
Stay the course, stay the course...but, that 1/3 (turnover rate for team's that don't make the playoffs) thing? Where'd he come up with that crap?
RE: Nash not pulling a LeBron James or Kovalchuck move
Gee, I sure hope his point totals go up, not down, from when we gave him $62.4 million...
RE: Perception that Mike Priest is not a hockey guy
Uh, he handles the money part, period. And he sure loves googling all things NHL...and, we have leeway on decisions, unless they involve spending ANY money (see failed Chimmer for Erhoff debacle)
RE: Minor changes, in spite of having the 4th worst record
Stay the course, stay the course...and, why did Hitch say that 1/3 turnover thing...ooh, the next time I see him...
Summary: Like LTL, my comments are identical...GM-speak; stay the course; hope the kids improve; we're a budget team; we're interested, but, if nothing shakes (as I can't spend a penney, anyway), I'm good going with the same sub-mediocre dudes I had, last season; our vets are great; daggone Hitch and his 1/3 turnover quote; new coaching staff, new coaching staff; blah, blah, blah...again, love his honesty, and him not deflecting any blame, but, as LTL so poigniantly said, "It's like washing a car in the rain.. pointless" (hey LTL, I washed my car, yesterday - thanks for nothing...
)
- Mase1
