During training camp it looked like the plan for breakouts was to have less of a reliance on stretch pass, having forwards back and starting as a unit, so the puck carrier has options.
Maybe this is what they have tried but their transition has been slow, it has killed the speed with their uncertainty, and the other team has more time to get set in their defensive structure.
Zone entries on the PP have obviously been horrible. I agree with the idea that the D should carry more. In the Nashville game tonight, (at even strength) you could see Josi building speed through the neutral zone, dishing to one of his forwards at the blue line who immediately placed it behind the opposing D, while Josi continues with speed, passes their D and picks it up. Any of the Flames top 3 D should be able to do this but instead they dish to Johnny and stand there while he tries to beat 2-4 guys and turns it over, or try to carry it over and then make a pass, while in the middle of the wall set up by the opposing team.
Gulutzan should be watching tape of other teams. There are many teams who have figured out different ways to gain the opposing zone.
|