Quote:
Originally Posted by FlamesAddiction
Sutter's system isn't so much a system as much as it is a philosophy.
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Disagree with this completely. Players don't spend the whole game ringing the puck around the boards unless they have it drilled into them that this is where their teammates are expected to be. It is counter to the instincts of a player, especially skilled players. Skilled players like to maintain control of the puck and dump and chase hockey is system where you give up the puck in hopes of forcing a mistake which turns into a scoring opportunity. The Flames systemically play along the boards and give up the middle of the ice for way too much of the game. This is systemic and Sutter enforces it by the lineup he chooses to dress. There is no way you dress Lucic and Lewis if you are not intent on playing along the boards, because that is where their only strength in game is left. The team has guys with more skill who play more in the middle of the ice, but that is not what Sutter wants. He wants a slow, grind it out, war of attrition out there. Always has and always will. Don't let last year's aberration fool you.