Quote:
Originally Posted by Classic_Sniper
Well, I just look at some of the evidence. He’s got a highly skilled player in Gaudreau and instead of nurturing his offensive gifts, Darryl has him dumping and chasing more then I’ve ever seen him dump and chase before. Just watching the freedom that Leafs players have vs the Flames was eye opening. The broadcast showed a replay of Auston Matthews stop, spin, pull back in the neutral zone going east to west to buy some time and space. It was a high risk, high reward play that could’ve easily resulted in a turnover, but Sheldon Keefe gives leeway to his players to be creative.
I’m not sure Darryl has the same viewpoint. He benched Dillon Dube for being too cute and turning it over resulting in a goal against and I’m pretty sure he’d bench Gaudreau for doing something similar. It’s pretty clear to me based on minutes played that Gaudreau’s skill game is not something Darryl cares to foster, he’d rather play the guys who can accomplish his objectives.
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I think very small sample-size of games is not a good barometer for the long term vision of the coach and the GM. It looks to me like Sutter is presently working out kinks, and establishing strong, instinctive defensive game first. I would guess that once everyone is on the same page there will be further changes to accommodate a variety of zone entries.