I don't like the over aggressiveness with the hitting that do because checking is much harder this year and players bounce off. I would prefer that a defenders would stick to the player by poke checking while in the shooting lane. Forcing the player to move to the outside and not cut up inside or get a good shot to the net. This gives the defenders better opportunity for board play too. Hits should only being taken when defenders are confident that have good positioning on the player or they have backup help. Meanwhile the defender on the other side would be keeping tabs on any players making there way to the slot. This way there is still still pressure on the puck carrier, while a defender will be able to be in good position to quickly react to rebounds or passes to the offensive player to the slot.
In order for the more patient defense to work, the forwards will have to be better at collapsing rather then being near the top for the breakout. We'll have to be more low so we can allow defenders to go into the corners or we can attack players at the side boards without having to give up wide open slot space. Shots from the point will be easier for us to break up as well. There should never be a case where we are outnumber in the crease because forwards aren't there to help out. We have to think more defensively and gain puck possession before we go out on the rush. Not much point to be way out to the blueline if our defenders are outnumber in getting the puck.
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