Quote:
Originally Posted by chedder
It's so satisfying to see McDavid wind up and try to blast into the zone only to have a defender calmly, either step in his way or get the puck off him. I know he is an incredible player but it seems too many teams sit back and just watch him speed into their end.
|
When you know exactly what he's looking to do at 5 on 5 you think it wouldn't be that hard to anticipate positionally. Sure, you have to deviate from your usual approach when he's out there, but it shouldn't be terribly difficult to coach.
The other thing they mentioned is allowing him to make laps around the o-zone without overcommitting or letting him draw you out of the middle also limits the damage he can do. Too many teams are entranced by him carrying the puck and let him open up a guy in a dangerous spot. Todd seems to understand this, as well as the Kings.
And if your line up has the depth then you can counter offensively when the other lines are out there.