Inspired by this post from an Oilers board:
http://www.reddit.com/r/EdmontonOile...bout_training/
Aside from maybe Jones, Glencross, Wideman, Gio, Grats and Jackman, the flames are all weak players that can be pushed off the puck with ease. A lot of this is a function of our team being young, but for guys like Backlund, who has the skill, speed, and smarts to make it in the game, being this weak at 24 should be a major red flag for this organizations strength development.
I am a little concerned that none of our players seem to develop strength after coming here. Sure, this season our teams cardio has been great, it has allowed us to steal some games in the third period, but all of our forwards get knocked off the puck easily when they're up against a team like the sharks, the blues, or the hawks.
I'm starting to worry that our organizations top to bottom lack of strength is a result of an improper strength program, rather than just "small players" who don't play "that game."
Remember that absolutely anyone can become an absolute strength monster. Aside from too much strength affecting footspeed, there is no reason that these players couldn't be strong compared to their competition.
Could you imagine if Backlund or Baertschi weren't just not weak, but actually strong? If they had the strength to protect the puck easily or smash into the opposition and take the puck away on a whim?
Instead, we have lanky talented players who are stagnating. Why? Could improper strength training be the reason?