Quote:
Originally Posted by GioforPM
Oh noes: 23-20? To the [checks notes] top team in the division? What were the chances until the Flames went up 2-0? The Leafs were chasing all night.
And Ward’s systems are what they are - funny how execution matters.
|
Execution is a funny thing though in that it’s a fine line and sometimes what can be seen as execution are just a couple bounces.
They got a decent break on the Bennett goal, get a couple on the PP, got some big saves (and Toronto hit 3 posts), and a game that maybe isn’t a win on another night looks great with a 3-0 shutout.
I didn’t get to watch much of the game live (just catching up now) but just reading the game thread and looking at the box score and it looks like some of the same issues were still there.
- Still gave up a fair bit in their own zone getting hemmed in a lot
- Still didn’t generate very much offence at all 5v5
Biggest difference tonight is the special teams were good and the goalie pitched a shutout (which is impressive on 3.5 expected goals against).
But that’s the big thing with this system IMO, the margin for error is so slim even when they execute within the structure (which does look like they did tonight so far).
They invite a lot of pressure in their own zone (while limiting high danger), and they don’t take many risks to generate offence at 5v5, so if your goaltending is just okay or your PP had a bad night, then it can be tough to generate the offence needed to win. And if your goaltending is bad then it can end up on a night like we saw Saturday.