| 05 February 2009
"The problem with that team," says the ex-superstar, who's still involved in the NHL, "is a lot more than just a coach. Bryan Murray was no dummy as a coach, but when he went behind the bench last year after he fired (John) Paddock, it didn't make a damn bit of difference.It hurts because it's true. Fuck, now I'm depressed.
"You can certainly put blame on his trades, or lack of trades, but when you're struggling there's not a lot of teams who want to help you, or even want anybody you got. They're not gonna give up what Murray might need for what he'd probably be offering which, let's face it, isn't all that appealing.
"Even if he did dangle (Jason) Spezza or (Dany) Heatley or (Daniel) Alfredsson, what he'd want back, the way they're playing, he's not gonna get unless he decides to lower his expectations. A player or two that isn't as spectactular as they've been, but is a real good, solid player with proven work ethic that, chemistry-wise, would be a team plus to what you're seeing now.
"The magic wand isn't always a bunch of individual stars, it's a bunch of guys with the right amount of talent and the right attitude. They don't have to be stars, just guys who bust their asses every shift and mesh together in a team concept. A lot of the time these are guys not making the big salaries.
"That's not the case with Ottawa. They don't have that team chemistry. Maybe a few years ago, sure as hell not now. You can talk about a system, but if you don't have the right players in place -- and they don't -- it's not gonna work. His (Murray's) other problem of course, if he wanted to trade one of those guys, is the salary cap. The crazy money they're making."
Snores fans keep pointing out the pedigrees of Alfredsson, Heatley, and Spezza.
"The game is played on ice, not paper. Some guys can get the new, big, money and it never diminishes their work ethic. Steve Yzerman. Mario Lemieux. Lots more. But there are others who when they get it think they're now secure, they lose the drive. Unfortunately, it's human nature. I think it's part of Ottawa's problem."
Alfredsson? "Not the player he once was. He's what, 36, 37?" (36) That's up there in hockey, that's pretty old. I also don't think he's 100% healthy."
Heatley? "He's not a good skater, and for a big, strong guy he doesn't use his size to make things happen. He's a one-trick pony. He'll still get goals, but teams are catching on how to play him. Take away his sniping ability, he's a third- or fourth-line player."
Spezza? "He has an aversion to working consistently. He lacks concentration and the necessary attitude." ~ Earl McRae, The Ottawa Sun
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