Quote:
Originally Posted by Jason14h
I think part of the argument is that Anderson and Hanifin couldn’t handle the top line of Edmonton .
So if they can’t play first pairing D in playoffs why not move one for forward help .
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I just want to point out that there are two types of "first pairings"
1a) A first pairing you pair with your top scoring line to generate offense
1b) A first pairing you pair with your top matchup line to generate transition and take away space from the other team's top players
These two aren't always mutually
inclusive. People often forget that Ryan McDonagh for instance had been tasked with a lot of the Lighting's matchups during their cup runs, while Hedman got more offensive usage.
When healthy, last year I am pretty sure Sutter was using Tanev's pair in the latter role. They took more defensive zone matchups, and generally seemed to see more icetime with the Backlund line. On the flipside, Hanifin and Andersson were the former role. They were basically put out there whenever Gaudreau-Lindholm-Tkachuk were out there. Someone can fact-check me on that but I think it made sense just based on what my eyes told me. I think I posted some stats a few weeks ago that seemed to lean this way as well.
- Out of our top four, Tanev was the least offensive-minded Dman and most defensively sound Dman
- Kylington's vision, passing, skating allowed for better zone-exits, tight NZ gaps, and more won foot-races out of D-zone draws.
- Andersson and Hanifin seemed to be the most comfortable of our D in the offensive zone out of the cycle.
There were some wrenches thrown into that (Kylington's shoulder injury after that Minnesota game, and Tanev's labrum/shoulder/neck injuries during the Oilers series), but even then, in the final couple of games, that was the pair primarily tasked with the McDavid matchup, and they were actually pretty effective.
I think the idea that Kylington is a bottom pair defenseman who "needed to be sheltered by Chris Tanev" is the greatest myth of last season. Kylington-Tanev was a more effective pair than any pair Chris Tanev has played on in his career, whether with Alex Edler or Quinn Hughes. Yes, Kylington had some visible coordination screwups, especially after that injury, but those weigh so heavily in viewers' minds that they have essentially missed the importance of that pair. That pair was a huge part of last year's success. And not having them for a handful of games was why Hanifin and Andersson got isolated and attacked in the first place.
Personally, I do think I would prefer a Weegar-Andersson "top (1a above) pair". And I actually do think Hanifin should be moved out, but not because he failed at his role. But rather because I don't trust his hockey sense and composure overall, and that's based on his whole body of work as a Flame. To me, Hanifin is a fairweather beast - really lights it up when it's easy, but can't elevate when it's tight. I would be willing to move him for that reason.
But I don't think there was anything wrong with our blueline when
healthy last year and played in the roles Sutter wanted for them.