Quote:
Originally Posted by GranteedEV
I just don't see dump and chase working for us without more transition threats at defense and centre. The loss of prime Gio, of Brodie, and the stagnancy of Monahan and Lindholm's development has kind of put us in a no-man's land.
I guess when I think of a successful dump and chase, the chase part requires a strong puck carrier to create momentum through the middle, while the retrievers don't have to stop up at the blueline. As you said, the Gaudreau button hook is diametrically opposed to this style, but it's necessary as Gaudreau typically leads the rush from the wing, his cenfre and other winger trailing.
If they want to play that rush-but-chase style that made Tampa successful, they need to consider elevating guys like Valimaki, Kylington, Dube, and Bennett up the lineup as these four guys thrive in that style more than Lindholm, Monahan, Current Gio, and Tanev. I don't see that happening. For all intents and purposes these players will be in our bottom six / bottom four.
Remember the Mangiapane - Ryan - Hathaway line? They dumped and chased to perfection. Because you had Ryan as a strong puck carrier, and the two wingers offset that with a clearly defined role in transition. I don't see that on our top line and ostensible top pair.
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I think you can now have a strong puck carrier on all lines, especially depending on what happens with Gaudreau or Hall. I would like to see Monahan carry up the middle more and I think he can do it. But Gaudreau or Lindholm could carry through the middle more too, notwithstanding their faceoff position. The other lines aren’t an issue: Backlund, Bennett, Ryan all like to carry. To me the issue has been wingers accompanying with speed. It hasn’t happened enough.
That all said, I’m not saying the Flames should play dump and chase. I was just reacting to someone saying dump and chase is plodding. I don’t think it is. I also don;t think the Flames played a dump and chase style under Ward, even though people said so.