"I want to play for a coach that I respect a lot and that'll go a long way in the way that I play," said Boyes, who scored 33 times in St. Louis in 2008-09 but has only 14, 17 and eight goals in each of his past three seasons. "That starts by communicating with off-ice stuff, saying hi, asking how the family is. Those things go a long way.

"I'm just looking for a coach that will do that to begin with. Once you get the personal side, then it's the hockey stuff, with the coach communicating what he likes or doesn't like about your play.

"I don't need someone telling me every game, every minute or every shift if I've done something good or bad, but every once in a while it's nice to hear some communication either way to know you're part of the team and feel important."

Another player, another soundbite about Lindy. Is it time?

I'm more concerned about destroying the offensive creativity of players than about being a friend. That's the issue. Players productivity doesn't drop off because the coach doesn't ask hows the wife and kids. It drops off because of the style of play. I've seen this happen since Ruff has been the coach. If the French Connection played for him, they wouldn't be known as the offensive powerhouse they were.

I for one am tired of seeing talent wasted. I tired of guys who should be offensive forces become "streaky" wingers.

Maybe it's the heat in DC and two days without electricity. But it's time for LIndy to go.