Quote:
Originally Posted by Enoch Root
No, that wasn't the point at all. Did you watch the video? The point was that MacKinnon, more than any other palyer, anticipates the play and powers into a pass, better than anyone. He turns his speed on BEFORE the play starts, and that gives him a big advantage.
Huberdeau was simply used as an example of what it looks like, and how much easier it is to defend, when someone takes a pass standing still (or not at full speed), vs MacKinnon, who is already blowing by the defender, the moment he gets the puck.
It was about his playing style, and the way he utilizes his speed as a weapon, not just about him being a great skater (which he obviously is)
|
I did watch it - I just don't think Huberdeau is the correct contrast, because he doesn't have speed to turn on. Apples and oranges. Easy pickings.
The correct contrast would be a guy who has speed but doesn't use it effectively like Mackinnon. Or a slower player who nonetheless uses anticipation to get up to speed more effectively than Huberdeau.
EDIT: This is not to say that Huberdeau wouldn't benefit from taking passes in stride more often. I actually think he's been done a little dirty on the clips. He quite often takes pucks while skating, just not at anywhere near the tempo. Also, I think Huberdeau has been trying very hard not to cheat on offence, especially given the fact he was on a defensive line for most of this year.