Quote:
Originally Posted by VladtheImpaler
So, reading the analysis and the debate, I come to the conclusion that the only style that actually works for this roster is the one implemented by Hartley, and we have basically wasted half a decade trying to plug square pegs into that very round hole. Except for the brief period at the start of Peters' tenure. I guess, notwithstanding the asshatery, Hartley did know a little something about coaching...
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Hartley wasn’t the long term answer. His systems lead to a lot of goals against and when you couple that with the average goaltending we were getting after he left, it would’ve been a disaster.
Eventually, the league would’ve figured out the Monahan-Gaudreau duo regardless of who coached. When you realize that these 2 do most of their damage on the rush, then it’s just a matter of defending their breakout and you neutralize that line. Furthermore, when you realize the outlet is generally the winger, it becomes even easier to stop.
I’ve always wondered if Gaudreau would’ve been better breaking out from his off wing though. Along the boards he could’ve dropped deeper into the zone, taken it on his forehead more and passed it back to a the open D or C to move up ice as a unit. Johnny on the left side appears to often be too far ahead of his linemates to buy enough time for support. Anyways, that’s for the coaches to figure out, but it’s probably too late as time has essentially run out for this once dynamic duo most likely.