Quote:
Originally Posted by Classic_Sniper
Ward’s style is actually very aggressive. Very heavy forechecking, heavy pinching which is a debatable style for the team’s personnel. These players maybe lack the attention to detail which leaves them vulnerable for easy counters and wide open neutral zones. This is not a fast team either so they don’t track back quick enough to break up all the odd man rushes. I’ve already established that this collection of players isn’t hard working, so it’s not uncommon to see a lot of half-assed attempts at playing the system so that’s basically shooting yourself in the foot. I remember the Avalanche definitely taking advantage of the Flames aggressiveness in the playoffs, so much so that I think it even surprised coach Jared Bednar.
The Flames might honestly be better playing a more conservative style and taking advantage of turnovers in the neutral zone. Heck, they scored a ton of goals short handed a couple years standing up at the blue line on the PK.
|
A lot of truth here. Thing is, there are players capable of the aggressive forecheck style. Lucic, Mangiapane, Dube, Bennett. Lindholm when he wants. Monahan is getting better. It has been Tkachuk’s game but his puck retrieval and protection is nowhere near what it was in the past.
It’s a tough style to play all the time and that’s why there’s inconsistency. You have to commit to getting after the puck and being physical. Second nature to a couple guys, but for a few it’s not and they have to sort of force themselves to remember .