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Originally Posted by GioforPM
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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.
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Yeah I would agree for sure Russell had a part in it. I would say that it is partially instinctual for a player who sees two of his own colored jerseys beside him attempt to spread out, thinking that one of his other players will take his position in front of the net.
Regardless, it's very clear that E will always = NG if you don't have a proper defensive game. Definitely agree that you wouldn't see that happening in a Flames game because everyone has committed to the defensive system they have in place and they trust the players around them.