Quote:
Originally Posted by MarkGio
Harley let Gaudreau, Monahan and Hudler create. They could do whatever they wanted in the offensive zone and it sparked practicing plays and finding their spots. But Gulutzan has been about structure and it's showing on the score sheet.
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Your quote is 100% spot on in my opinion and its not just with Johnny this year. Brodie and Gio haven't had the same zip or flow to their games this year under G.G. I understand the need for a structured game to improve defensively but this is also affecting the scoring chances and the offense as well.
I remember reading a Players Tribune piece on this exact thing. The players today have more skill than ever before in a lot of ways but these structured systems kill the fun and creativity out. Here is a link to the article and below is a quote from it. Read the article as its fantastic.
http://www.theplayerstribune.com/mir...hockey-russia/
"The problem is more philosophical and starts way before players get to the NHL. It’s easier to destroy than to create. As a coach, it’s easier to tell your players to suffocate the opposing team and not turn the puck over. There are still players whose imagination and creativity capture the Soviet spirit — Johnny Gaudreau in Calgary, Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews in Chicago just to name a few. However, they are becoming exceptions to the rule. Many young players who are intelligent and can see the game four moves ahead are not valued. They’re told “simple, simple, simple.”"