I don't know if it's just my forward bias, but I don't want to see too many changes on the back end. I just don't see it is a major issue with the team.
It's always been the forwards for me. The lack of commitment to not blowing the zone, on the transition. Gap control issues have largely been on the forwards for inconsistent backchecks in the neutral zone. Even when the team was at its best, forward of the redline the forwards were really successful at pressuring the opposition transition and creating turnovers, but if the opposing players made it past the redline, the puck pressure from the forwards dropped off, putting a ton of pressure on the defense to read whether they should step up or back off. The lack of commitment from the forwards really exposed issues in the Flames at defending against speed. Especially when gained in the neutral zone. Colorado feasted on that.
Long story short, aside from a reduced workload for Gio, I don't want to see too many changes to the defense. If you move Hanifin and/or Anderson those are 2 big cost control pieces to replace. Hopefully Anderson continues his growth, and guys like Mackay and Kylington can take a step.
The forwards however need an extreme makeover.
Sent from my SM-G973W using Tapatalk
|