Quote:
Originally Posted by Red John
A comment re: the shootout.
Alex Tanguay is a cerebral player but he over-thinks things in pressure situations - shooting last is not a good move for him. He thinks about things like what the previous shooters have done, etc. and ends up not going with his instinct. You could tell he was indecisive on his attempt and basically ran out of room.
He needs to shoot first so he can just go in and do his thing. Historically that's where he's been successful. That being said, fully understand Blair Jones going first. If you choose a guy like him you put him in the least pressure-filled situation possible. Like that Hartley tried something new, and Jones did score a nice one last year - perhaps he does well in practice in the shootout.
Didn't think the player choices or moves were all that bad. Nothing you can do when your goalie goes 0 for 2 at the other end - you won't win.
It is absolutely sickening that the team has only ever won 6 shootouts at home - since 2005. Yikes. They need to figure it out - Tanguay and Hudler need to be 1-2, still need to find a reliable third shooter. Perhaps Baertschi when he comes back? Would prefer a vet there but all the current vets seem to be anti-clutch.
Hopefully Malarchuk is working with Irving on the shootout in the meantime. 4 goals against on 6 career shots - Kipper worked on it over the years and has gotten way better. Irving can too.
0-3 shootouts - need to win the next three - in a coin flip situation you need to be around 50% on the season. And it seems this is the kind of team that is going to be in a lot of them.
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I don't know that Kipper has gotten better so much as just poke checking when players go for the deke.