Quote:
Originally Posted by Classic_Sniper
I don’t see it this way at all. Gaudreau is extremely competitive. He’s not going to get any Selke votes ever, but how many elite scoring wingers are known for their good defensive play. Heck Kucherov spends half of his defensive zone shifts cherry picking out at center ice.
Also, Gaudreau may be small, but he’s also extremely elusive and always has head up. There’s a reason he’s so durable and has only been injured on a dirty slash to his finger. A guy like Taylor Hall on the other hand is the exact opposite, he’s just as talented and even though he’s bigger, he plays recklessly and is extremely injury prone.
Gaudreau has always been a perimeter player. But he’s one of the best perimeter players in the game, so he can get away with it. It’s usually the lesser talented guys who generally have to play in the muck. But that doesn’t mean he can’t still be effective. Geoff Ward’s style is all about puck pursuit and forechecking for your chances, maybe Gaudreau just needs to start playing with players who are harder and faster on pucks.
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This was the Gulutzan offensive game plan too. I just don't believe it's a truly effective or sustainable way to play to win. How many times were CGY shut out and lost 2-0 or 2-1?
You give up the puck to the opponent in
hopes that they will make a mistake and you will be in position to capitalize. You aren't really creating chances yourself, you're hoping the other team gives them to you.
I can't believe how many Gulutzan coached games I watched where CGY took so many low quality outside shots and just generated nothing. It looks good in CF% but CGY would lose so many games because they just got nothing going.
The strategy is really check to a standstill 5v5 on maybe you win on the PP.
Gross
Carry the puck in, hold on to it and make some plays. That's how you win. Sure you can use dump and chase occasionally but not as the way you play not as your identity, not as a strategy or concept.