Quote:
Originally Posted by Gaudfather
Pretty straight forward, but good summary by Mike Johnson. Talks about the Flames D gap control, challenging opposing forwards, focussed more on taking the puck rather than taking the body, and then a strong transition game, making a play coming out of your end and then jumping into the rush. Also highlighted that Mike Smith in net should make the Flames D-core even more dangerous.
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Yeah, I thought MJ did a really good job of describing exactly how the Flames' D play, and what their strengths are. And of course, he mentioned Smith, who plays into that as well.
There is one thing I would like to add, and that is the fact that this is year 2 under Gulutzan and this style of play, and I think that will make a big difference.
With Hartley, the D were always on a green light and that was fantastically exciting but not realistic as a strategy for a winner. Also, their gap control was terrible, and the way they collapsed to the front of the net to block shots was cringeworthy.
Gulutzan fixed the gap control. The D zone coverage is also better, though I would still like to see more physicality. But the big difference that I wanted to mention is that they now know the system.
Last year they were lost for a while, trying to convert. As the season went on, they got better and better. For me, being Gulutzan's 2nd year, plus adding Hamonic and Smith, adds up to substantial improvement.
I can't wait to see what this team looks like. One or two more talented forwards (maybe Bennett, maybe Jankowski, maybe Foo, maybe someone else) and this team is going to become a powerhouse.