Quote:
Originally Posted by red sky
I think the team's size, or lack thereof, is really starting to show down the stretch. I know they have never really been a puck possession team but it is becoming more evident lately that they are struggling with winning battles in their own end and consequently they are hemmed in their own zone for long stretches. To exacerbate things, they look fatigued, as others have already mentioned, which is slowing down their transition game and resulted in the numerous missed passes and icings last night. The bigger teams seem to excel during the stretch run and playoffs and I think that is part of the issue here.
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I really think we just need better possesion players. The first line is really the only line that has much offensive flair. Chicago is ranked 29th heaviest, Canucks 27th, Tampa 21st, Pens 25th, Detroit 16th.
You dont have to be heavy to succeed. Frankly I find Anaheim and LA boring to watch. I'd rather us continue to be a fast transition team than to morph into a boring Sutteresque grinding cycle team. Scoring off the rush is more fun to watch.
Improve possesion, more heavy plugs wont change anything. You cant beat LA and Anaheim at their own game and the guys coming in like Bennet and Poirer lend more to our speed and counter attack game. Thats our strength stick to it. Chicago lite!