Quote:
Originally Posted by IliketoPuck
The Flames will be fine if they can stop the parade to the penalty box.
They do that by moving their feet, and forcing the Avs to play in their zone more.
If the Flames lose the neutral zone battle, they will be parading to the box again, with predictable results.
|
Yep. It starts by everyone all the way down the line up skating and playing about 20% faster than they are. And for the top players, letting instinct take over. They're not playing through instinct. It's been obvious when they weren't every time they struggled this season.
How did Monahan score his goal? Lightning fast play, probably didn't even think. Speed and quick decision making is clearly the determinant in this series.
That also means back checking 20% harder by the forwards.
Slow and east-west = more thinking, less space meaning perimeter play, and turning it over.
Fast and north-south = more instinct, more open lanes and odd man chances, and more
takeaways.
It may seem over simplified but that's really been the entire story. Flip the script long enough to put one or two in their net and Colorado starts to play scared, their lackluster depth starts to show itself more, and defense exposed (including the rookie).
All starts with effort level which means moving the feet.