Some first half impressions
Published 5:40 pm Sunday, December 23, 2007
– It’s clear the transition from Kevin Constantine to John Becanic has taken longer than expected. With Becanic having served as Constantine’s top assistant the first four years of Everett’s existence, the assumption was that the transition would be smooth. It’s been anything but. Yes, most of the systems are the same or similar, but giving the forwards more freedom pretty much affects them all. And I think the change in coaching style, from Constantine’s stern approach to Becanic’s family style, has taken a while for the players to absorb.
– For much of the first half the Tips looked very disorganized. Yes, there were the odd-man rushes, the lack of discipline, the too-many-men penalties. But the image that tells the story for me is when a couple times during line changes and the puck behind the opposing net, Everett players raced off the bench, then looked back to find out what to do.
But it’s gotten better. The too-many-men penalties are gone, the discipline has improved, and it’s been a while since I’ve seen a player go on the ice and then look for instruction. It’s taken a while, but I think Becanic and the players are starting to get through to one another. Remember, much like the players, this is a learning process for Becanic, too.
– Everett’s power play is in need of a serious overhaul. If the Tips manage to set up in the offensive zone — and that’s hardly been a given — things tend to stagnate, with one player hanging onto the puck too long. There needs to be more puck movement, making the defenders move and opening up lanes.
– It’s time for Everett’s first-round NHL draft picks, Zach Hamill and Leland Irving, to dominate. First rounders in their 19-year-old season should be all-stars. Hamill and Irving haven’t played like all-stars — yet.
– If the Vitali Karamnov-Jordan Mistelbacher-Lukas Vartovnik line ever finds a scoring touch, it will be lethal.
– Jesse Burt has turned into a heck of a contributor for a player who was on the bubble during training camp.
– Kyle Beach. What can you say. He keeps things interesting, in both good and bad ways.
