Quote:
Originally Posted by smiggy77
NSFW!
Yeah, it really depends with what defensive system you are coached to play. Most NHL teams play a zone D because it's just too quick but I do see what Bingo is mentioning about Russell sticking with his man, which isn't a bad play.
But with that, I've watched the video about 10 times and there is a clear disconnect with their entire D zone play. Here is my in depth analysis:
First Mistake: Both Lucic and McDavid collapsed pretty low
Second Mistake: Winnipeg made the smart move quickly getting the puck to the open point man. Four guys get caught watching the point man.
Third Mistake: Lucic, McDavid, Caggiula all commit to the point man once the play turns in that direction, leaving the open men in front of the net.
Wouldn't put that goal on Russell, rather on Lucic for collapsing and both Lucic and McDavid's lack of communication. Gotta either have faith in your centerman or in the third man back.
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I still put it at least in part on Russell for chasing a guy he wasn't all that close to in the first place - he wasn't going to get the puck - all the way to the blue line. I don't think that's his man. It's Lucic or McDavid - one of them should be the guy pressuring as the puck moves back to the point area. And you can see that's exactly where McDavid was (along with Russell) when the puck nears the blue line.
It's also obviously on whoever the other D was - he was clueless (at least Russell knew what he wanted to do).
But by your explanation, it's also on coaching - if that's their system, and Russell was doing what he was supposed to do, it sucks. I know if that was a Calgary defenceman, he would have gone to half boards at most, then collapsed back with the winger taking over. Watch it in real time - Russell had no chance of getting the puck and took himself out of position, when Mcdavid arguably had the better coverage.