I was thinking last night I firmly believe that the transition game is much quicker in front of Rittich opposed to Smith, and its entirely because bodies keep moving as noted in the first post. We do this when we play as well, a defensive puck retriever can keep momentum and build speed around the boards to start a puck moving rush or chip up to a winger who should also be moving forward with the possession. Smith does cause players to slow up, hesitate or just not be moving at the half boards waiting for a goaltender to play the puck (which happens much much slower than a player moving the puck). The entire thing in the defensive end slows the whole play down and thats where the turnovers and pressure become an issue. It might happen a lot less if instead of playing the puck he stops it and leaves it for the D man coming through
Now, puck playing goaltenders are great in the instance of a dumped puck with no pressure or a slow chaser and the majority of the line near the blue or neutral zone, thats just gaining possession, but with 4-6 guys down low its just too risky and slow. He just needs to pick his spots better and leave the puck for the D unless he can stretch pass it.
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