Quote:
Originally Posted by soulchoice
Normally such a play like this is used to offset an opponent with a strong forecheck. Basically its known as a RIM breakout system, however the forwards have to ensure they can receive/move the puck to gain zone entry or chip it past the dman who may be pinching in.
Its puzzling the Flames employ this, as they do have the skill to make direct passes. In addition that if the forward manages to chip or deflect it past the defender, they still are not an imposing forechecking team.
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It's interesting you post that because I think what we're seeing is the RIM when it's not working effectively.
I believe the play is mostly about the winger along the boards directing the feed from the defender to the centre leaving the zone.
What the leafs' capitalized on big time was leaving the defender largely to their own devices and quickly enveloping the board-side winger, forcing them to either chip it over the blueline where the strong side leaf defender was waiting, or to make a low percentage play to the centre leaving the zone who is also quickly converged on by the strong side leaf defender and F2.
Part of the problem is the Flames centres lack speed to serve as an effective deterrent on an aggressive forecheck, but I think the biggest issue is missing wingers with the skill to counteract this board pressure. I think this is why you saw in the Leaf game Ferland having issues getting the puck out, but why you rarely see gaudreau having similar issues.
Same thing happened in the Columbus game.
I think it's a big reason why Jagr has been able to keep a strong +/- is that he is an incredibly effective player at doing either the blueline chip or the short pass to the emerging centre. When it goes up his side of the boards the Flames are rarely in trouble.