Quote:
Originally Posted by GioforPM
I consider losing the puck because you skate into coverage and have to chip (and the you lose the puck battle) the same as a turnover.
The reason the Backlund line has had success is because Mangiapane and Lucic win their chips. Johnny and Chucky have been losing theirs. Bennett tries to carry through the opposition.
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So Maybe Ward should try to help Gaudreau, Chucky and Bennett with a system better suited to their skills? Gaudreau has never had success as a chip and chase player, but he has had success scoring off the rush and carrying the puck into the zone.
It seems the only time Ward wants Gaudreau to carry the puck into the zone is on the PP when 4 players are lined up and are ready.
He could also try breaking up Gaudreau/Monahan and Tkachuk/Lindholm. Or move Lindholm to the top line and reunite Backlund and Tkachuk.
Instead he shuffles 4th line plugs along the wings.