Quote:
Originally Posted by Classic_Sniper
Was more so responding to notion that Gulutzan's system is so rigid that apparently no one is allowed to do anything. In regards to being involved into the cycle, they're given the green light to pinch, just look at the advanced numbers that shows this team out-shooting and out chancing their opponents on a daily basis. Obviously they do it smartly unless everyone enjoys the risk of giving up more breakaways and odd man rushes.
Also, this perception that we are a deep team at forward. We are not. If Bennett and Jankowski played the way they did in December throughout the whole season, I'd maybe agree with you. But they went invisible in January and most of February. Backlund and Frolik under the same coach and system thrived last season, but have under performed this season and have more to give. Good news is Tkachuk has seen a major uptick though. The 4th line is just a black hole in terms of offense.
Also if you think this team generates very little off the rush, you're completely out to lunch because all Gaudreau-Monahan-Ferland do is score off the rush. I don't see anything wrong with the idea of adding some additional playmakers or guys who can create their own shot. If the 1st line can do it, then I don't see how Gulutzan's system stifles everyone else because clearly there's players who are obviously thriving.
Also Sbisa's goal? You mean to tell me we don't have guys who can step in to a slap shot completely wide open? It's called reading the play. There's an opening with time and space for him to step in and wire it. It's not like Hamilton and Gio are devoid of this opportunity as they are on pace to score 30+ goals between them while the other defensemen on our team historically don't put up big goal totals, so that's the reason for their current numbers.
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The system is rigid and doesn't allow defensmen to pinch down and get involved for extended periods of time. I think if you look at number of times a flames dman is below the hashmarks with the puck you would find we are in the bottom third of the league. Which is a shame considering our d core can skate and shoot (for the most part)
Just because the top line thrives under gulutzan and no other line does doesn't mean it's on the other 9 guys. The top line thrived under ANY coach with the way Johnny has been going this year. A different coach could likely get more out of the rest of this forward group and utilize the skill on the back end a little better.