I feel like the team has gone full advanced stats hockey and abandoned intangibles like heart, grit, determination. Sure its been working at times but it also takes the pulse, instincts and creativity out of the game. I think its why the top players are struggling and the team just can't find a real top gear. Its just paint by numbers hockey and hope the stats fall in our favour. Its been a really weird year to watch and I can't say I've been very entertained, even when winning.
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A few weeks after crashing head-first into the boards (denting his helmet and being unable to move for a little while) following a hit from behind by Bob Errey, the Calgary Flames player explains:
"I was like Christ, lying on my back, with my arms outstretched, crucified"
-- Frank Musil - Early January 1994
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