Sutter is the problem

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by Bingo

So funny last night that Huberdeau's assist was from outside the blueline on the RIGHT side.

I've said it before but I just don't get what Huberdeau's issue is with right side vs left side.

If he said I can't get the puck out of my own zone because my body is in a different position than I'm used to on the left side (facing the net and his defenseman more than the opposing defenseman) and with that we spend too much time in the defensive zone and it's killing my offence ... I'd get it.

But once you get across the blueline hockey becomes a F1, F2 and F3 thing without any real lanes.

Puzzling to me.

TBF his pass was right at the blue line. at that spot all the defenders are still spaced out. I think his issue is when he gets deeper into the zone - he like the puck nearer the wall for protection and then dislikes turning and opening up to make the pass on his forehand.

[Yeah_Baby]

Originally Posted by Bingo

But once you get across the blueline hockey becomes a F1, F2 and F3 thing without any real lanes.

Unless you're on Kadri's line, then there is only F1.
Carry it across the line, one or two strides the left, shoot at the crest of the goalie.

[GioforPM]

Well, hyperbole aside, the one thing about LW v RW is that when Kadri passes, it's more likely to be to the LW, because he's LH also and it's an easier pass in stride, because it's forehand.

[powderjunkie]

Originally Posted by Bingo

But once you get across the blueline hockey becomes a F1, F2 and F3 thing without any real lanes.

Puzzling to me.

After the initial rush and possession is established, sure. But why not set the player up for the best possible results on the initial rush?

[Jiri Hrdina]

Originally Posted by Bingo

So funny last night that Huberdeau's assist was from outside the blueline on the RIGHT side.

I've said it before but I just don't get what Huberdeau's issue is with right side vs left side.

If he said I can't get the puck out of my own zone because my body is in a different position than I'm used to on the left side (facing the net and his defenseman more than the opposing defenseman) and with that we spend too much time in the defensive zone and it's killing my offence ... I'd get it.

But once you get across the blueline hockey becomes a F1, F2 and F3 thing without any real lanes.

Puzzling to me.

Perhaps though if he thinks it matters, then mentally it impacts him. Might not be rationale but if it's feeding his confidence "or lack thereof" then even if from a pure hockey POV it makes no sense, perhaps it's impacting his game.

[Paulie Walnuts]

Originally Posted by Bingo

So funny last night that Huberdeau's assist was from outside the blueline on the RIGHT side.

I've said it before but I just don't get what Huberdeau's issue is with right side vs left side.

If he said I can't get the puck out of my own zone because my body is in a different position than I'm used to on the left side (facing the net and his defenseman more than the opposing defenseman) and with that we spend too much time in the defensive zone and it's killing my offence ... I'd get it.

But once you get across the blueline hockey becomes a F1, F2 and F3 thing without any real lanes.

Puzzling to me.

He might be a lefty as well. The types of plays he makes come from the left side and doing those behind the back passes.

Its like when people saying switching from Centre to wing is the easiest transition.

We saw Geoff Ward switch Backlund to RW for some reason and he was a ghost and asked to switch back to his normal position.

[Bingo]

Originally Posted by GioforPM

TBF his pass was right at the blue line. at that spot all the defenders are still spaced out. I think his issue is when he gets deeper into the zone - he like the puck nearer the wall for protection and then dislikes turning and opening up to make the pass on his forehand.

right but then go there

Most coaches at any level don't have zones for each forward in the offensive zone.

It's a forecheck pattern and high support. It's all layers of depth, sides aren't all that relevant.

[Bingo]

Originally Posted by Jiri Hrdina

Perhaps though if he thinks it matters, then mentally it impacts him. Might not be rationale but if it's feeding his confidence "or lack thereof" then even if from a pure hockey POV it makes no sense, perhaps it's impacting his game.

Agreed.

If it matters to him you have to listen to him.

But the Flames have been long LW vs RW for years. They tried Bennett on the right, Gaudreau on the right ... last year it worked with Tkachuk.

[Paulie Walnuts]

Originally Posted by Bingo

Agreed.

If it matters to him you have to listen to him.

But the Flames have been long LW vs RW for years. They tried Bennett on the right, Gaudreau on the right ... last year it worked with Tkachuk.

Takchuks game was well suited for the right side switch because he likes to camp out around the net.

Huberdeau is a more open ice player.

Still think this season is a lost cause for Huberdeau doesn't matter what side he plays. Especially with Kadri on his line.

[Bingo]

Originally Posted by Paulie Walnuts

Takchuks game was well suited for the right side switch because he likes to camp out around the net.

Huberdeau is a more open ice player.

Still think this season is a lost cause for Huberdeau doesn't matter what side he plays. Especially with Kadri on his line.

Once again ... past your own blueline it's a depth issue not a side thing.

F1 F2 and F3

I just don't see any relevant change from LW or RW other than the breakout.

[Strange Brew]

Originally Posted by Bingo

right but then go there

Most coaches at any level don't have zones for each forward in the offensive zone.

It's a forecheck pattern and high support. It's all layers of depth, sides aren't all that relevant.

Yep, folks need to really read this.

This isn't table hockey.

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by Bingo

right but then go there

Most coaches at any level don't have zones for each forward in the offensive zone.

It's a forecheck pattern and high support. It's all layers of depth, sides aren't all that relevant.

Pretty sure Sutter preaches plays down low. He'd be mad at a lot of cross ice passes along the blue line, and rightfully so.

[gvitaly]

I don't think that Sutter is the sole problem with this team. Just look at how they're playing now with good goaltending. That said I found this tweet/video pretty funny:

https://twitter.com/user/status/1635085068451598336

[edslunch]

Originally Posted by Bingo

Once again ... past your own blueline it's a depth issue not a side thing.

F1 F2 and F3

I just don't see any relevant change from LW or RW other than the breakout.

From the face off you’re looking a different direction, receiving the puck on the opposite hand, playing the boards on the opposite hand….that’s got to make a difference after years of playing one way. Sure the F may get scrambled in the O-zone but everything starts on the wrong side and a good breakout is important. Plus do they need to get back on the proper side when defending?

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by edslunch

From the face off you’re looking a different direction, receiving the puck on the opposite hand, playing the boards on the opposite hand….that’s got to make a difference after years of playing one way. Sure the F may get scrambled in the O-zone but everything starts on the wrong side and a good breakout is important. Plus do they need to get back on the proper side when defending?

The more I think about it, the more I bet a LH centre passes to LW more often. I have thought all season that Huberdeau wasn’t being fed the puck on rushes as much as he should.

I guess if he plays LW, maybe he should stick with Kadri (or Backlund) for that reason, though I suspect Lindholm is a better backhand passer than Kadri.

[chedder]

Originally Posted by GioforPM

The more I think about it, the more I bet a LH centre passes to LW more often. I have thought all season that Huberdeau wasn’t being fed the puck on rushes as much as he should.



I guess if he plays LW, maybe he should stick with Kadri (or Backlund) for that reason, though I suspect Lindholm is a better backhand passer than Kadri.

I don't get you're line of thought. Unless the left-hand centreman is skating open towards the left wing that's a backhand pass. Skating straight up the middle it's a forehand to the right and backhand to the left.

[Yikes]

Originally Posted by GioforPM

Well, hyperbole aside, the one thing about LW v RW is that when Kadri passes, it's more likely to be to the LW, because he's LH also and it's an easier pass in stride, because it's forehand.

I guess the thing I would like to know is during the first 7 games of the season, which where lights out (even I was impressed). Was number 10 on the left wing?

[All In Good Time]

Originally Posted by Yikes

I guess the thing I would like to know is during the first 7 games of the season, which where lights out (even I was impressed). Was number 10 on the left wing?

Very good point!
I too thought we might be in for a team that only lost 18 or 20 games all year.
Then
Strangely it was almost like brakes were applied.
The only plausible explanation is that, things are fixed!!!

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by chedder

I don't get you're line of thought. Unless the left-hand centreman is skating open towards the left wing that's a backhand pass. Skating straight up the middle it's a forehand to the right and backhand to the left.

I’m totally messed up - you are correct.

[Enoch Root]

Originally Posted by edslunch

From the face off you’re looking a different direction, receiving the puck on the opposite hand, playing the boards on the opposite hand….that’s got to make a difference after years of playing one way. Sure the F may get scrambled in the O-zone but everything starts on the wrong side and a good breakout is important. Plus do they need to get back on the proper side when defending?

Exactly. And on top of that, suddenly switching, after 10 years (plus pre-NHL), isn't just weird, it causes you to think about it consciously, and be aware of your actions which should be flowing naturally. Try tying your shoes while actually thinking about it - it is WAY harder to do, and causes you to fumble around a bit.

People have talked about Huberdeau's confidence being shot this year, and there have been a lot of reasons for it, but throwing him over to the right side is yet another one.

A cynical person might think that Sutter WANTS Huberdeau to struggle.