The problem with the PK IMO is the poor decision making on applying pressure. So often I see them go hard on the point and collapse to try and block a shot only to leave 2 guys wide open on the other side ready for a one timer or a 3 second look/10 foot gap to line up either a perfect shot or another one timer pass elsewhere.
Their structure is dependent on keeping the cycle to the outside and not allowing anyone in tight, the problem with this is at some point they NEED to leave the box to attempt to poke and apply pressure. Yet they are almost always baited into allowing this to happen. Makes for an easy counter saucer to the open winger down low - Russell then goes down to block the pass only for that winger to take that gap to walk around him and as Hamilton goes to cover for Russell he leaves the backdoor tap in for the opposite side winger.
Basically you can interchange Russ and Hamilton with anyone else, but as soon as Russell goes down its already because he over committed and gives the other team a quick, and dangerous opportunity.
Teams have learned to be patient against the Flames on the PP because it seems having a 1 1/2 minute shift on the PK is standard practice for Hartley right now.
|