Quote:
Originally Posted by IliketoPuck
There's a bunch of things going on, but the biggest I've noticed is the pace at which we transition the puck.
We are back to playing a Gulutzan style d to d pass and 5 man unit up the ice, which typically results in a chip in play at the blue line.
Our d rarely, if ever, immediately transition the puck north south. It is always east west, then forward. This allows the opposing team to get structured in the neutral zone, which leads to low controlled entries, low odd man opportunities, and more perimeter shooting (if we actually win the puck back).
Flames need to play on their front foot. Dictate the pace by transitioning the puck immediately north south, and allow your skilled forwards (JG, etc.) to attack the blue line with speed, instead of having to deal with a 5 man unit that is ready to disrupt the play.
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It’s also a boring style. I’ve been watching the Raptors a lot this year and they specialize in pushing the pace to take advantage of defences that aren’t set. It’s more obvious in basketball but still relevant for hockey. And it’s really entertaining.