Quote:
Originally Posted by Paulie Walnuts
I said it from the start that our defence didn't look as clean as last year and it seemed like we spent more time chasing and not checking to get the puck back and send it up ice. I think overall the defenceman mucked it with awful reads leading to breakdowns.
I know everyone is loving big Z and he's a fun guy but he's an adventure he makes some really bad reads leaving gaping holes in our coverage. Many times he comes in as the second pressure leaving his check without any help.
I don't know if you watch basketball but I think offence and defence in hockey and basketball is similar that it's a group effort on both ends just because one has label doesn't mean that's the singular focus.
Being quick and good defensively will lead to a quicker offence.
This is the area whwre it gets gummied up for me. Last year thr top line played a rush game amd drove to middle. This year we go wide and settle for shots or shoot on set goalies.
Guys like Huberdeau need to be given the green light to play to their strengths that's why they are stars and have elite skill. Trying to mold them into checkers isn't why he's being paid 10.5 per season.
|
The Panthers (from what I understand) were playing a run and gun style that is pretty unique to the NHL in 2022.
Huberdeau moving anywhere (or staying with Maurice coming in) would mean adopting more a defensive look to his game.
That isn't on Sutter ... it's hockey.
I just don't see how he's not given a green light, and there is literally zero to support that he's being told to play a different way beyond the blueline other than F3 responsibilities.
A coach doesn't instruct a player to turn the puck over, be late on a forecheck or blindly give the puck away with a backhand spinorama.
That's on the player.
I like the guy, I think he bounces back but as I've said every other time you bring this up ... to me (just an opinion without fact) this is 15% on the coach, and 85% on the player.