I put a very high value on how a player plays without the puck. One of the common traits of NHL teams that have playoff success is everyone on the roster - including the star players - elevates their game without the puck and are on opponents every shift, forechecking and backchecking like a dog on a bone. A big reason the Flames have not had playoff success in recent seasons is because the core did not or could not elevate their game. And a #1C being ineffective without the puck and easy to play against is especially damaging in playoff hockey.
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Originally Posted by fotze
If this day gets you riled up, you obviously aren't numb to the disappointment yet to be a real fan.
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