The QMJHL playoffs have arrived, with it comes a normal vail of secrecy surrounding lineups, line combinations and matchups.
Tis the season for coaches to try to change up their line combinations in order to “put the best lineup” together. Against conventional knowledge, some coaches lean towards the late season call up or young rookie to inject something different within the lineup.
Listen, I’m all for putting the best product on the ice come playoff time, but could you imagine the message that sends to the rest of the players that have been there going through all the ups and downs of the regular season, through all of the battles, only to become a “black ace” in the postseason?
What does that do to a room? What message does that send? Do you really want to play mind games come playoff time?
Obviously, if a team is decimated with injuries than so be it, but does that scenario set the young player up for success or failure throwing them into the playoffs with perhaps less than a handful of QMJHL game experience?
As soon as the pucks dropped usually the coach is so enthralled with the intensity of the game and trying to play the match up game that their lines change instantly and the young player who doesn’t fully know the systems becomes glued to the bench.
Over the years there have been some wicked performances by late season call ups that were certainly worthy of the opportunity, and I have nothing against that, but that’s how blinded some coaches become when it’s “winning time.”
The playoffs are intense and you have to put your best lineup out there, but there comes a time in the process that the old cliche rings true, “go with the people that got you there.”
In other cases, the coach changes up the lineup in Game 2 and sees the young call up quickly get plucked from the lineup without being fully told why or being told, “you did nothing wrong, it’s playoff time and I’m trying to put the best lineup out there so we win.” What message does that send?
I guess what I’m trying to say is that the lines of communication have to be continuous, they have to be firmly in place even in the most intense instances that the game presents and if they’re not then a coaches decision revolving around the lineup, line combinations in the playoffs can create animosity and dissension within the ranks.
In a time of year where teams are looking for unwavering unity the coach who is searching for the “best lineup” can divide a team in the blink of an eye.
Coaches that are stubborn and unwilling to change, adapt or modify their game plan and systems especially when it comes to the matchup game are just as bad as the coaches that hit the panic button.
There’s a thousand ways to run a bench in the playoffs especially at the Major Junior level, the coach that has the best pulse on their players will no doubt have the most success.
The playoffs are a totally different entity, you’re dealing with kids, that are so ramped up to win and play hard that you have to manage their emotions which are more than likely in a heightened state. The best coaches in the QMJHL understand that they will have to manage their own emotions as well.
Coaching isn’t easy, no one ever said it was, but coaching in the playoffs is even harder.
The 2024 QMJHL playoffs are shaping up to be an amazing showcase and platform for the players, but this year like no other an even larger one for the coaches.
The coaching staff that are the best bench managers and communicators are going to have the most success.
Like always, some teams might have the most talent, but at the end of the day, the person calling the shots also plays a pivotal role in the process.
Tis the season for coaches to step up and earn their pay.
Tis the season for some coaches to over coach.
Tis the season for some coaches to get out coached.
Tis the season for some teams to overachieve.
Tis the season for some teams to underachieve.
You thought the carrousel of coaches was crazy heading into the 2023-2024 season in the QMJHL, look out this off season especially if some teams underachieve over the next week or so.
No one ever said coaching was easy. Nevertheless, all of the great ones make it look that way.
Oh yeah, the vail of secrecy around the Q playoffs always adds to the intrigue, but it’s no secret who the best coaches are in the QMJHL.
Let the games begin, on the ice and behind the bench!
FDS Sports Blog 