Quote:
Originally Posted by Textcritic
I think I understand what mikeecho is getting at. When I watched the Flames—especially so on the powerplay—I was struck by how much time players took to get the puck off their sticks. So, I think that while they were okay at moving the puck around, it often felt like players would clutch-up when they had it, and were way too often reluctant or slow to shoot.
To me, that is all confidence. Players were playing scared much of the time and this resulted in far too many hesitations on shots, and far too many shots that were directed wide or off posts and crossbars. There were not a lot of problems with zone entries, possession or distribution under Gulutzan. Most of the issues had to do with his seeming inability to promote confidence and instinct.
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Confidence or skill? Nobody is going to get the puck off as quick and accurate as Laine. The Flames will have less offensive stats domination and more goals when Neal buries his good chances.
All these stats are situational. Winnipeg was ahead going into the 3rd period in 44 games and Trailing only 22
Nashville winning 43 games losing 25
Tampa winning 39 losing 30
Calgary Winning 30 losing 30
Carolina winning 27 losing 32
Not hard to see that all teams would be far more committed to making good pass and quality shots playing from behind. It is just that Carolina and the Flames had a lot more opportunity
Teams play differently with a lead. As much as hockey folk lore says that you shouldn't change your play protecting your lead all the good teams do it and in 90% of the time win the game. That is what makes them good teams.