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Maurice could be exactly what the Winnipeg Jets need
By Dean Belanger
HometownHockey.ca

Maurice could be exactly what the Winnipeg Jets need
The Winnipeg Jets made their first of what will likely be a number of moves in bringing in Paul Maurice as their new head coach after losing to the Columbus Blue Jackets on Saturday night..With general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff in the midst of reevaluating his current roster, having the veteran coach around to bounce ideas off can be viewed as nothing but a major positive for the organization.
PHOTO CREDIT - WinnipegJets.com

Edmonton - January 14, 2014 - Win game. Check. Improve the goals against average. Check. Score some goals. Check. Look better on the power play. Check.

So far so good for new Head Coach Paul Maurice but I don't think he will be taking any credit for that one.

That being said, the standing ovation that rained down on the new coach and his team in the third period had to feel very special.

So what is going to change? First off, Maurice's former players describe him as a "players coach", a great communicator, and a coach that plays a system that best suits his players. That last item for me is the key.

I have never and will never understand a coach that is so militant in his convictions that they believe there is only one way to win, or one supreme system. If that was the case every team would use it, but I digress. Coaches are managers.

I have NO experience coaching but I do have experience managing and if you do not understand the personality on your team, you’re done. All players are motivated differently and again, if you don't understand how to push the right buttons, you’re done. This I believe is what Maurice can and will do.

It has been said that there is an "Atlanta mafia" in the Jets dressing room. All rooms have clear leaders and I'm sure Andrew Ladd and company are the ones leading the charge. If they are not involving the others or are putting themselves in front of the program, they will be traded soon. There are several rumours making the rounds right now about Ladd, Blake Wheeler, Dustin Byfuglien, Olli Jokinen, and Evander Kane.

That is a huge chunk of the core, and maybe where the problem lies. Last night did not help the players cause, it may actually have exposed them. Its obvious they quit on the coach, so what does that say about their character?

It’s going to be very interesting to see what happens in the next couple of weeks. Paul Maurice is a very good talent evaluator and I'm sure he will be submitting a lot of reports to management in short order. If I'm Kevin Cheveldayoff I don't make a move at least until after the Olympic break. Not making a move should be easy for him...he's a pro at that. Have fresh eyes evaluate your talent, the chemistry, your room, and your goalie. Then move forward with the action plan.

Same old boss? Doubtful, and thank goodness...

Follow Me on TwitterDean Belanger originally starting blogging at Hockey's Future way back in 2001. Born in Winnipeg, he was a Jets fan until 1995. He then became an Oilers fan about 1997/98. He then became a season ticket holder in 1999. Then the Thrashers moved to Winnipeg the day after his Birthday in 2011, things got confusing... If you have questions or wish to contact Dean, you can email him at dbelanger@ourhometown.ca







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