I just got off the phone with Pat Bingham, and this is what he had to say about the possibility of Dan McWhinney getting some PT this weekend:
``I would think so. When you look at the schedule, that's sort of
what's in your mind. Everything is subject to change and you make gameday decisions, but
I think this will be Dan's opportunity see some action this weekend.''
Comments
Thank God!!!!!!!!
This would be the correct thing to do. Keep him sharp, confident, and ready.
Until he gets lit up and will be given a quick blogger bus ticket out of town ;-)
Seriously though, I think he will be fine and it will be good for both he and St Pierre.
sounds like 2 games for Dan?!?
Tony's right. If he gets lit, we'll tear the kid to shreads.
we play the 3 worst teams in the league this weekend. Note it early prediction here (3 worst teams in the league)
He never said yes McWhinney would play. Bingham said, "He would hope so." and that, "...Everything is subject to change." and, "...gameday decisions."
Seems pretty non-commital to me.
I'd kind of like to see the boy wonder play his first pro game at home on Saturday, but since the Komets are 4-1 with the best PP in the league I'm just happy to be a Komet fan this year. I'm thinking that this Coach Bingham guy knows what he's doing.
Greg it might be a situation where coach doesn't want to give the opposition a gameplan. Also, what if Frenchy has an off game Friday and Dan gets thrown in? Then you have to decide whether or not to throw Frenchy back in on Saturday or play Dan twice in the same weekend. If everything stays "normal" Dan should get a game in this weekend. But when is anything normal? lol
And as Burgee said they are playing the three worst teams in the league. Bingham has given himself denialbility by not coming out and ssaying "yes, McWhinney will start." All I'm saying is that rather than think MCwhinney will play, I'll choose to beleive that St. Pierre will play all the games unless Bingham says that McWhinney will play on whatever day he intends him to play or see McWhinney as the first player out on the ice.
I say he'll start sunday in Flint
Greg I see what you are saying. There is certainy some "coach speak" being used.
I hope he does play in Flint because if all goes well I am going to make the game.
Assuming all things are equal it will be interesting to see how it plays out. Some coaches would put the backup in the middle game. The thinking there is that when the team is the most tired (game 3) you need your rested #1 goalie in there to clean up any messes that may result from fatigue. So you split the starts and put the backup in the middle. Others believe you throw the backup in for that third game hoping that even though the players are tired, they will work extra hard knowing the #1 isn't there to bail them out.
I'm glad he will possibly start a game this weekend, I know for a fact that he is itching to play..he's a great kid..and he can't be that bad considering he was getting ready to go to North Dakota on a hockey scholarship..isn't ND a national power...
Yes and known for turning out some good pro goalies too.
Ed Belfour just to name one. (I think)
I think if McWhinney is going to get in a game; that his first start would be on the road so he's not as nervous compared to playing in front of 8,000 fans at MC. But somewhere down the line that is something that he needs to be prepared for.
Do you think they'll start him or wait for a game where they are up a few goals and let him go in late? Get his feet wet?
The only time they'll pull St. Pierre from a game is if he gets thrown out, gets injured, things are getting nasty and they don't to risk injury, or the Komets are getting beat bad. Most teams when winning keep their goaltender in the whole game.
Not saying that Burgee is wrong, but if the Komets take that attitude into this weekend's games, they'll lose once if not twice. QC will have a full house and Flint is trying the same thing. Ks better be ready. They'll be facing fired up teams.
That almost says McWhinney not playing at all. I know McWhinney won't be playing Friday night because it QC's home opener and if Flint is going to be fired up for the Sunday game, I just don't see him playing at all.
If we win both Friday and Saturday then McWhinney would most likely start on Sunday. (Just my opinion however)
If its so early in the season I don't see the big deal in letting him play. I know Frenchy is the "star" goaltender but lets give the little man some time in net.
I trust the coach to make the decision. I may not have personally liked some of the ones he's made already, but its been a long time since we've have team like this. Thank goodness he's here.
I'm not saying that at all Greg. What I'm saying is if they look at all three games as easy wins, they will get clobbered by somebody. I think Dan will play Saturday, but that's totally a guess.
Must be a slow day for everyone to put so much time into this. He'll play when he plays.
They may be the 3 worst teams in the league, but.....when i was a player and coach (not hockey, remember i know nothing i am just a fan) as an underdog we always rose to the occasion and played our best against the best teams. I've seen that happen a lot as a player and a coach, so yes i agree this could be a dangerous weekend but with our present team, i don't think they will allow that to happen and all that i have heard about Dan, i think he will rise to the occasion.
must be a slow day for you as well scoops because we see you are here making comments
wow sorry that was a little rude I apologize for that
Just finished reading ESPN the magazine. Washington wants Alexander Ovechkin to have a long career so they are paying Donald Brashear (From Bedford Indiana) $1,000,000 a year to protect him. 26 pts and 222 PIM per year average for Brashear.
Anyone know the story on Brashear since he is from indiana? says he was raised by multiple sets of foster parents in Quebec.
Adam Fish is calling another good game tonight, end of the 2nd, 4 TOTAL penalties, TWO PER PERIOD.