Re: Fire Mike Eaves?
A few observations that are likely random and not particularly connected...
* If you follow Bill Simmons' rule that you can't complain for 5 years after a title, UW is now in that window to allow criticism. That said, the 2010 title appearance is close enough it may extend the window a bit.
* Maybe it isn't Eaves' presence as much as it is the absence of Mark Osiecki and Kevin Patrick. Since those two - the primary recruiters - left, there has been the dropoff in talent. And maybe the loss of Bill Howard is being underestimated. Yes, Eaves need to find the right permanent replacement for Butters.
* There are many state players on this roster and while as a native Wisconsinite I like that, I'm not sure that several of them of the elite-level player that 'belong' at UW.
* I think a reasonable expectation for this program is home ice for the WCHA, making the NCAA 3 of 4 years, and a deep playoff run once or twice every four years. So, with that not being met, I understand the complaints.
* That said, being outside of Madison I have this observation about Badger fans (and not just hockey fans). They like to complain. Dick Bennett got them to the Final Four for the first time in 50+ years, but they complained the defensive style was boring. Well, get a grip, Bennett's formula worked a helluva lot better than anything his predecessors did. Hockey fans like to complain about Alvarez and maybe deservedly so. But Wisconsin hockey still has better facilities and support than most programs. Is the current record unacceptable? Yes. But I doubt Eaves has suddenly forgotten what he knows about the game.
* While I'm not a fan of BTH, maybe the revamped conference will be a good thing. With a shorter conference post-season it could be easier to get on a roll, etc.
Fire Eaves? I still lean towards "no" but obviously the situation needs to improve.
A few observations that are likely random and not particularly connected...
* If you follow Bill Simmons' rule that you can't complain for 5 years after a title, UW is now in that window to allow criticism. That said, the 2010 title appearance is close enough it may extend the window a bit.
* Maybe it isn't Eaves' presence as much as it is the absence of Mark Osiecki and Kevin Patrick. Since those two - the primary recruiters - left, there has been the dropoff in talent. And maybe the loss of Bill Howard is being underestimated. Yes, Eaves need to find the right permanent replacement for Butters.
* There are many state players on this roster and while as a native Wisconsinite I like that, I'm not sure that several of them of the elite-level player that 'belong' at UW.
* I think a reasonable expectation for this program is home ice for the WCHA, making the NCAA 3 of 4 years, and a deep playoff run once or twice every four years. So, with that not being met, I understand the complaints.
* That said, being outside of Madison I have this observation about Badger fans (and not just hockey fans). They like to complain. Dick Bennett got them to the Final Four for the first time in 50+ years, but they complained the defensive style was boring. Well, get a grip, Bennett's formula worked a helluva lot better than anything his predecessors did. Hockey fans like to complain about Alvarez and maybe deservedly so. But Wisconsin hockey still has better facilities and support than most programs. Is the current record unacceptable? Yes. But I doubt Eaves has suddenly forgotten what he knows about the game.
* While I'm not a fan of BTH, maybe the revamped conference will be a good thing. With a shorter conference post-season it could be easier to get on a roll, etc.
Fire Eaves? I still lean towards "no" but obviously the situation needs to improve.
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