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Originally Posted by 868904
I still love Darryl, but it was time. It must've been frustrating for him to deal with today's kids. On his brand though, I think the pressure forecheck is fine and with a few more bounces and an accountable Huberdeau and Kadri should have produced enough goals, BUT, I don't think the man-to-man defense works anymore. The players are way too skilled and fast now for that and I think it showed in the BOA series last year and for most of this year.
Markstrom wasn't great or even average, but the Flames gave up a lot of high danger chances, in fact, it almost seemed like they ONLY gave up high danger chances. It almost seemed like the game plan for the opposition was to skate the puck around the Flames zone and get as many defenders out of position due to the man-to-man. I don't know how many times Zadorov was out chasing the puck carrier by the blueline and I don't think that is just his lack of hockey sense, I think it was him trying to play man-to-man defense as instructed.
As for a coach who can implement a system that Conroy wants, it sure sounds like a combination of Love (leader), Huska (defensive structure - even before Darryl) and Tanguay (offensive creativity in the offensive zone and on the PP).
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Good, balanced take on the pros and cons of Sutter in the NHL in '23. I think the man defence system can still work well and I love the high pressure D. The team needs to be so cohesive though and we saw none of that this year, a product of coaching, execution, but perhaps the thing few are talking about, high turnover in key positions.