Quote:
Originally Posted by polak
Pretty simple question, we seem to have one of the best d-cores when it comes to offense and one of the worst when it comes to defense. The Flames broadcast team likes to give them a lot of credit for jumping in the rush but it's looking more and more like a bad way to play hockey in the NHL.
Can we compete with a system like that?
If not, is it a personnel issue or a coaching issue?
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Good teams need puck-moving D. The Flames are lucky enough to have 4-5 guys on any given night who are like that. Many teams only have 1 or 2. The way the NHL is designed now, you need D who can get the puck up to the forwards or make offensive plays.
As is usually the case this season, goaltending is our #1 fault. And the forwards who aren't that strong in the defensive zone either. Coaching certainly plays a role in our lacklustre defence. But Hartley isn't the one giving the puck away at our own blueline or making a bad pass up the middle.
We competed pretty darn well last season with this system, but for whatever reason our vets have regressed a great deal and goaltending went out the window.
I personally like our D's style right now. Remember the ol' days of Sarich and Aucoin struggling to move the puck out? Does anyone want that back?