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Before I get into it, this post is filled with stats, so if you’re uncomfortable reading numbers (Hawks fans), I’ll explain what all of it means in the end. I took a look at some team stats and will try to dissect what could happen in the upcoming months.  Photo: ESPN Hitch’s record since being hired in 2011 has a fantastic record of 198-92-31 in 321 games. Now, even though we harp on Hitch, his record is amazing… IN THE REGULAR-SEASON. Yes, Hitch is a good coach, but he hasn't found luck in the playoffs. And it seems Blues fans would like to win more in the playoffs. So it’s only right if I look at Hitchcock and think, "If this keeps up, I want him fired; I want him gone.” But I decided, instead of getting mad for the sake of getting mad, I’d look at the numbers. So let’s do that!  Here, we've got some regular-season stats (48 games in 2012-2013, 40 in 2015-2016). The Blues win over 60% of their games; which is good. You need stats like that if you plan on making the playoffs. But over the years we are scoring more goals as well as giving up more goals in each game. That’s fine since we score more than we let in. The Blues’ power play success has steadily increased while the penalty kill has hovered around 84-85%. That’s a good sign; you want your special teams to be doing their job or else you will lose games. What strikes me as odd is that—if we toss away the powerplay and penalty kill—the goals for and goals against are almost the same. That has the potential result of you’re team going .500 or below! Currently the Blues haven’t had a winning streak since Nov. 12th, and they haven’t won more than 4 in-a-row since last season. Then here’s this: Hitch’s record in the playoffs? A measly 10-17: winning only ONE playoff round. That's concerning considering the whole idea of the playoffs is to win each round. So is his message not clear with the players? Is it a mix of the coaches and players not in sync? Does this mean that we give Hitch the ole’ boot? Personally, I think we ought to wait and see where this goes. Hitch has shown excellence in the regular season, but that success falters in the playoffs. Fans are fed-up with the repetitive early eliminations, and this could be his last season with the Blues if they don't make it to the conference finals. This is a team with potential, so let’s sit back and see what happens. Evan Anderson
@EZCreepin |
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