Quote:
Originally Posted by GranteedEV
I don't think goaltending is our number one issue. It's an issue, particularily when Hiller/Backstrom are in net, but when Ramo/Ortio are in net it's not what separates us from, say, the Sharks. It really is how the skaters play.
Things like a lack of offensive zone puck support on the perimeter (everybody crashes the net leading to telegraphed centering passes), wholesale line changes after dump ins (allowing the opponent to waltz into our zone without setting up pressure), an unpredictable methodology of beating neutral zone pressure (centers flying the zone hoping stretch pass), telegraphed breakouts (quality teams actually DO break out through the middle of the ice, every breakout isn't done along the walls), players who don't tie up sticks of dangerous scoring options (Giordano seems to be the only guy on this team willing to do so), leaving the screen man alone and just trying to front the entry, and generally giving the opponent too much time and space on the cycle, hoping for a save rather than breaking the cycle up and getting the puck ahead.
The one thing that isn't an issue, is defensemen jumping into the rush when the opportunity is there. Getting offense from the blue line is good. You don't need to sacrifice everything else to do it though.
Am I as convinced as Street Pharmacist that all of this is Hartley's fault? No, some of it is, some of it is the personnel. Whether it's experience, talent, or bad habits, this core has to get better. Some of it is definitely Hartley too. Last season he was afraid of trying Schlemko out as a top 4 D, this season he's doing the same with Nakladal. I get that Nakladal isn't a proven top 4 D and likewise with Schlemko, but these are the sort of little decisions that add up into a team that's always chasing the puck.
|
OMG.
First of all, goaltending is 100% the biggest issue for this team. I don't know how you can't readily admit that.
Secondly, this is a smaller quibble, but Nakladal still struggles with defensive coverage and recognition of the play. He's getting better, but I don't think he deserves top 4 minutes, regardless of what the advanced stats say.
Schlemko was fine on the bottom pairing, but when playing against better competition he was exposed pretty regularly. Like in Jersey this year, he's a decent offensive contributor, but he has the 2nd worst +/- on their team (ahead of only Tootoo) due to him being played above his head.
Nakladal is fine for now as a 3rd pairing guy that can shoot the puck on the PP. He's not ready for anything more just yet.