Quote:
Originally Posted by GioforPM
I agree with the fact the top 4 performed admirably. But the Ducks showed that they weren't big or strong enough down low in the D zone. Now, Gio may have helped that, but a Regher would have won a bunch of those board battles. Even a Musil type would help.
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The best defense is a good offense.
I think it starts with getting better at faceoffs. The more you can possess the puck, the less the other team has a chance to grind it out in your zone. Our top 4 d are excellent at the outlet pass, and our forwards are great at transitioning with speed.
More possession of the puck means you are spending more time on the pp in the other teams zone, and less time on the pk in your own zone. Flames showed that their speed can create big issues for other teams, and I think they need to build on that. A lot of posters here want to get bigger like the Ducks or the Kings. Unless we trade for Getzlaf, Maroon, and Perry, that ain't happening ladies and gents. We are built more like Chicago. Chicago is successful because they have a couple centers that are beasts in the dot, and a mobile defense core. More Chicago. Less Ducks.
Next year I suspect that Monahan will improve his faceoff % again, which will be a big help. Issue will be if Bennett is playing 2nd line center, he is likely to get eaten up in the dot.
Getting a ROR type player would be amazing and certainly something I would be in favor of, but admittedly difficult to do.