Not going to argue the Canadian teams are at the same level as some of the Yankee based teams, but its not as far apart as some are claiming IMO.
Two factors....there is something about the way NBC broadcasts games that certainly makes them seem far more lively and thus when you switch to a SN broadcast, they just seem so dull. Doesnt mean they are slow or bad or whatever, just a perception thing. Thats a part of it albeit a small one.
But the biggest thing is the North division, excepting the Oilers and Leafs funnily enough, play a defense first system which always stifles speed through the middle of the ice when employed properly. Montreal is really effective at it and Winnipeg plays it well too. Thats something that coaching can affect if they switch the way to attack through neutral zone (dump it in instead of trying to carry it) but niether the Oilers and especially the leafs did that. Once Montreal figured out how to force everything to the outside, the Leafs were hooped because there were no adjustments made. Monbtreal has perfect personnel to play it that way as well because its a hard way to do so. Discipline in assignments and trusting your line mates is imperative and they nail it more often than not. I think its why Ducharme was so hesitant to plug the kids in earlier in the series. Ended up they did that just fine and also added the spark and energy missing in the offensive end. Last night was a continuation of that but the Jets did start to adjust. Price was really good though...and the difference for at least game 1.
|