Quote:
Originally Posted by RockOnRoberts
This right here is very similar to Sutter style hockey. It's not about quanitity of shots, but quality. Combined with having defense responsible for clearing the rebound gives the goalie more freedom and peace of mind to make the athletic/acrobatic saves. Gulutzan has also mentioned that he learned a lot from Sutter so it would make sense for him to adopt a piece of his strategy.
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Agree with the premise that defensive zone coverage may have been influenced by Sutter.
Offensively, seems to be more Babcock influenced. Small triangulation and close support in the dzone, enabling the Flames to possess the puck thru NZ and outnumber the opposition at their blue line. Numbers are key at both bluelines.
Outnumber the opposition at both bluelines consistently during a game, you win consistently.
In the offensive zone, large triangulation with width and depth along with strong puck protection, a la puck possession ....and high quality first scoring chances with net presence and second chances, which are crucial ,with the quality and ability of NHL goalies.
I like Gulutzan's team tactics and strategy a lot.