Quote:
Originally Posted by TheScorpion
Stockton's defense didn't have many guys on NHL contracts this year but that does not mean it was bad. In fact it was quite the opposite.
Stockton's goalies faced 1624 shots this year in 3321 minutes of ice time. That's 29.3 shots per 60.
I just calculated the figures for the rest of the teams in the Pacific:
Bakersfield: 30.3 shots per 60
Colorado: 34.7 shots per 60
Ontario: 36.4 shots per 60
San Jose: 29.0 shots per 60
San Diego: 33.3 shots per 60
Tucson: 30.0 shots per 60
Stockton's defense was second-best in its division at preventing shots. But both goalies were either at the league average or well below in terms of save-percentage. That's definitely concerning.
With Zagidulin, there's obviously the fact that it was his first year of N.A. pro and he was renowned for making timely saves -- but he definitely needs to improve his overall consistency. Gillies... well, he simply should have been better, and he'll pay for that by not being re-signed.
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They were bad, because they gave up a ridiculous number of high quality scoring opportunities. Allowing fewer shots doesn't mean they are playing good defense, in this case it just meant they were good at reducing perimeter shooting.
I don't base my opinion on NHL contracts (I don't know where you even got that absolutely terrible thought), I base it on what I watched, which was the same problem they have had for a couple years now. Too many odd man rushes against, too many high quality scoring changes against, and a complete inability to prevent backdoor type plays from happening and removing screens from the slot. The Heat are the only team I have watched that could have 7-8 goals scored against them and not want to fault the goalie for any of the goals against.