Quote:
Originally Posted by Enoch Root
The issue isn't Hudler. I think the issues are:
1) they haven't played very well
2) the defense hasn't played very well with them
3) the few opportunities that have created haven't been buried
4) Johnny hasn't been back-checking with the same zeal (we're not seeing the neutral zone Datzyukian thievery that we love so much), and
5) (most importantly IMO) the way Gulutzan wants them to play is affecting Johnny more than anyone else. The new system is affecting them in the following ways:
- He isn't allowed to break early from the zone now, so no more breakaways
- The D isn't joining the rush as much, so he and Monahan are hitting a 4-man wall
- They are completely incapable of dumping it in and going to get it
- And they have spent too much time in their end because they are still struggling with the defensive coverage and the breakout
It'll work itself out, but I would like to see Gulutzan cut them some slack and let Johnny just do his thing - system be damned for that line. |
I agree with your assessment. I disagree that Gulutzan cutting them slack is the solution. I think they have to be broken up for the near future. Put Gaudreau with Bennett and Brouwer, and put Monahan with Ferland and Versteeg on line 3. That will help balance out the breakout / entries. Maybe you'll lose the high percentage Johnny-to-Monny feeds but you stand to make it up in more sustained pressure, which I think is better for both their confidence.