Quote:
Originally Posted by Classic_Sniper
I don’t think it’s necessarily that Gaudreau has completely altered his defensive game, he’s always had the ability to backcheck and strip players from the puck. I think it has more to do with how connected the top line is now and how they’ve changed their strategy on the backcheck. It’s the biggest structural change I’ve noticed from Peters/Ward to Darryl and it has altered everything.
The way that line always has the F3 positioned is a thing of beauty. It’s usually Lindholm since he’s so smart and has such great defensive acumen, but occasionally Gaudreau and Tkachuk are thrusted into that role and they do just fine.
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Yup. IMO this is what Darryl means when he preaches accountability. If one person doesn’t play the right way it drags the whole line down.
You can see it on the forecheck too. One guy engages the puck carrier and the open player is always in a predictable spot to receive the dish or help out.