Hull:Players intimidated by Gretz
Posted: Mon Oct 03, 2005 5:00 pm
:roll: :roll:Hull says players intimidated by Gretzky
Gretzky and Coyotes
TSN.ca Staff
10/3/2005 11:25:48 AM
Brett Hull says Wayne Gretzky's emergence as a head coach may be good for the NHL, it is having a negative effect on some Phoenix Coyotes players.
"I think everyone has underestimated how intimidated players are reacting to Wayne being there (behind the bench)," Hull tells the Arizona Republic.
"Their expectations of themselves have risen, and I think they're having trouble grasping that within themselves. They're nervous and they're playing tight. I think that's going to take some time to wear off."
Hull says he's spoken to several players, telling them to just go out there and be yourself on the ice.
"I try to tell them before every game: 'You're not here by accident. You're here because (GM) Mike Barnett and Wayne Gretzky and the coaching staff and (Executive VP) Cliff Fletcher think you have the ability and have the skill and have the mental fortitude to play at this level. So don't be intimidated."
Phoenix enters the regular season having lost six of eight pre-season games.
They aren't intimidated by Gretz, the honest truth is that the Coyotes SUCK! Cujo is going to have flashbacks of his days with the Blues when he was getting 35-40 shots a night.