Quote:
Originally Posted by IgiTang
Also, to me, it appears the flames played tighter with Rittich in net. So I’m wondering if Smith’s need to handle the puck so much is really causing the players to not know when to support the backend or start streaking for an outlet.. as a spectator, when Smith leaves the crease, I know a hail marry is coming.. other teams have to be catching on and taking advantage of the confusion.
|
This.
Last year our turn around started when the Flames started breaking out and playing as a team, and had broken out of the constant "stretch pass" breakout from the Hartley era.
This year they have reverted back to the "stretch pass" breakout and a big part of that has to do with Smith's puck handling ability and the forwards expecting the hail mary from him.
It was clearly evident last night as well, as a quick, puck pressuring team. Smith and the defense would be behind their own redline and the closest forward would be at our blueline, with the two other forwards already outside the zone.
It's what led to a lot of turnovers at our own blueline last night, and in other games this season.
In the Avs game the forwards were coming back deeper into their own zone to help with the breakout, and it was clearly more effective.