Kukla's Korner Hockey

Kukla's Korner Hockey

Year End Media Availability With Peter Chiarellli

04/11/2018 at 2:48pm EDT

from Bruce McCurdy of the Edmonton Journal,

Strangely, Chairelli made no opening statement but jumped directly to questions...

On Milan Lucic
Confident that Milan Lucic can live up to his expectations next year. Likes his work ethic, reminds that he is “still young”.

On what has to change next year
Have to play to a higher pace, not just foot speed but thinking more quickly, moving the puck through all three zones more quickly. Parttly a personnel issue so as a manager he has to look at that. “Thinks our speed needs to start on the back end and moving the puck up quickly. Have some young forwards who can challenge for jobs who will bring speed. Generally wasn’t happy with execution, and that starts with passing. Criticized lack of support on thee breakout, neutral zone play and o-zone cycle.

Coaching staff
Lack of success on special teams was problems with execution. Made some tweaks on the penalty kill. Powerplay was disappointing this year. On the whole it was a challenge for the coaches. All are in a period of evaluation, including himself. “We are all under evaluation.”

read on

You can watch the 30 minute media Q & A below...

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About Kukla's Korner Hockey

Paul Kukla founded Kukla’s Korner in 2005 and the site has since become the must-read site on the ‘net for all the latest happenings around the NHL.

From breaking news to in-depth stories around the league, KK Hockey is updated with fresh stories all day long and will bring you the latest news as quickly as possible.

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