Off to a bad start
The league this year has much more parity than is usual. Or maybe that last few years have been an aberation and parity is the norm, but I don't think so. In any case, Frölunda has started the season poorly and there is pressure on the players and the coaches.
Frölunda's worst start in 12 years (0-2-2) for a grand total of two points, has kept the fans away and put the spotlight on the coaching. There is a new coach this year, the great Calle Johansson who played in the NHL for 16 seasons, is behind the bench as an assistant with Stephan Lund. "Lillis" Lund and Calle may not deserve the criticism they are getting but they are also not producing results. The coaches have to shake up the lines a bit to get the players' attention. The first line, or group of five as they do it here, has been so-so so far this year. One of the big problems is actually the Captain, Jonas Johnsson. I love him, he is a great guy, and a good Captain, but he has definitely lost a stride or two and is starting to look old. Before he could use his understanding of the game to anticipate and read the play, then he could position himself properly. Now he is getting left behind either down ice, or worse, up ice, when the play develops. His wingers are older too, but they still have speed and grit which Jonas lacks.
The defense has been another problem. Lots of new players, mostly Finnish, who have yet to gel and who lack experience. The Swedish league is tougher than the Finnish league, a lot tougher. The players may not hit as much here in Sweden, but there are more players of higher calibre since the Swedes pay better. Steve Cariya lead the Finnish league in scoring last year, he will not even come close in the Swedish league. The defense is tougher, bigger and more skilled here in the Elitserien. But Frölunda seems not to have gotten their fair share of good defense men, and they let some good ones, like Johnny Oduya, get away to the NHL.
A match tonight, lets see if they shake up their lines.
Frölunda's worst start in 12 years (0-2-2) for a grand total of two points, has kept the fans away and put the spotlight on the coaching. There is a new coach this year, the great Calle Johansson who played in the NHL for 16 seasons, is behind the bench as an assistant with Stephan Lund. "Lillis" Lund and Calle may not deserve the criticism they are getting but they are also not producing results. The coaches have to shake up the lines a bit to get the players' attention. The first line, or group of five as they do it here, has been so-so so far this year. One of the big problems is actually the Captain, Jonas Johnsson. I love him, he is a great guy, and a good Captain, but he has definitely lost a stride or two and is starting to look old. Before he could use his understanding of the game to anticipate and read the play, then he could position himself properly. Now he is getting left behind either down ice, or worse, up ice, when the play develops. His wingers are older too, but they still have speed and grit which Jonas lacks.
The defense has been another problem. Lots of new players, mostly Finnish, who have yet to gel and who lack experience. The Swedish league is tougher than the Finnish league, a lot tougher. The players may not hit as much here in Sweden, but there are more players of higher calibre since the Swedes pay better. Steve Cariya lead the Finnish league in scoring last year, he will not even come close in the Swedish league. The defense is tougher, bigger and more skilled here in the Elitserien. But Frölunda seems not to have gotten their fair share of good defense men, and they let some good ones, like Johnny Oduya, get away to the NHL.
A match tonight, lets see if they shake up their lines.
posted by Jeremiah at 6:04 PM
