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zukes · 10-21-2016, 09:34 AM

I think the break-out system is the biggest thing holding this team back. Their whole plan is the stretch pass. The D sits back and plays catch with the puck in their own zone while they look for the two line pass. When it works, it's great, but if I can see that is what they are looking for, then so can every NHL team.

The reason why it started working for the Flames a couple years ago is the defensemen were leading the rush a lot. They would take the puck and just start skating...and it worked. Two years ago when the Flames made their run, that was one of the first things that I noticed. There would be times when both d-men were the guys leading the rush. As long as a forward (or two if both go) drop back this is great.

What it led to is teams being made to actually go after the Flames d-men and it opened up the stretch pass. Then the Flames became known as a team that could beat you with that. But now that is all they seem to want to do and it's easy to read and therefore easy to stop. There needs to be a mix.

With Giordano, Brodie, Hamilton and Kulak, 4 of your 6 d-men could easily lead the rush. Start doing that and force the other team's hand. That will open up the stretch passes again.

10-21-2016, 09:34 AM	#259
zukes Nostradamus Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: London Ont. Exp:	I think the break-out system is the biggest thing holding this team back. Their whole plan is the stretch pass. The D sits back and plays catch with the puck in their own zone while they look for the two line pass. When it works, it's great, but if I can see that is what they are looking for, then so can every NHL team. The reason why it started working for the Flames a couple years ago is the defensemen were leading the rush a lot. They would take the puck and just start skating...and it worked. Two years ago when the Flames made their run, that was one of the first things that I noticed. There would be times when both d-men were the guys leading the rush. As long as a forward (or two if both go) drop back this is great. What it led to is teams being made to actually go after the Flames d-men and it opened up the stretch pass. Then the Flames became known as a team that could beat you with that. But now that is all they seem to want to do and it's easy to read and therefore easy to stop. There needs to be a mix. With Giordano, Brodie, Hamilton and Kulak, 4 of your 6 d-men could easily lead the rush. Start doing that and force the other team's hand. That will open up the stretch passes again. __________________ agggghhhhhh!!!