I think the Flames are afraid of penalties at this point and it is affecting their physical game. The refs are in their head now.
That plus Z got burned trying to hit McDavid, who is strong on his skates (unless he doesn't want to be).
Flames have to play a layered D against him. It's not on any one player, Initial D needs to force him outside, and other players need to back him up in case he beats that coverage and turns the corner or tries to pass across.
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That plus Z got burned trying to hit McDavid, who is strong on his skates (unless he doesn't want to be).
Flames have to play a layered D against him. It's not on any one player, Initial D needs to force him outside, and other players need to back him up in case he beats that coverage and turns the corner or tries to pass across.
And you can't stand up five players ... someone has to be back tracking him to force him to stay on a straight line.
This guy covers the 'McDavid/MacKinnon' crossover well.
-Step inside
-Crossover Outside
-Crossover Inside
So you would need the dman to seal the boards off so he can't go outside (because he will ALWAYS beat you outside), forcing him to cut back inside, and trust your lateral movement and stick check and/or get help from the first forward back (which Heiskanen does in the clip below).
This guy covers the 'McDavid/MacKinnon' crossover well.
-Step inside
-Crossover Outside
-Crossover Inside
So you would need the dman to seal the boards off so he can't go outside (because he will ALWAYS beat you outside), forcing him to cut back inside, and trust your lateral movement and stick check and/or get help from the first forward back (which Heiskanen does in the clip below).
Largely prefers to cut to the forehand whichever side he's on too, which is why Miro gave him more of an outside gap on this play.
I appreciate the above but I have one question.
What about setting picks? Dallas did this to us and Edmonton seems to be seeing that now too and is employing it against us.
It's making it really hard because the refs aren't looking for it .
The refs are too slow to respond to the picks and interference because it's happening really fast.
I'm sure this has all been covered in video and Darryls meeting with officiating supervisors before games but I don't see the officials being consistent.
And let's not forget the McDavid stick holds.
I hate how it sounds and looks as far as making valid observations appear to just be bitchin and complaining but how many tricks can be employed successfully by one team against the other before the bending of the rules becomes a clear cut advantage?
Not that hard when you never get hit and play most those minutes in the offensive zone.
As much as I want to pile on to discredit the Oilers... McDavid is extremely strong on his skates. When he gets hit doesn't fall... except when he sees the chance for a penalty... and then he is like a paper doll flopping down.
In comparison to Oliver who does not seem to have proper edges and falls at most inopportune moments... McDavid will fight though.
I also get he has a ton of Powerplay points.
Our team really has to be smarter playing him - but I expect it definitely is tough when he is as fast and solid on his skates as he is.
I appreciate the above but I have one question.
What about setting picks? Dallas did this to us and Edmonton seems to be seeing that now too and is employing it against us.
It's making it really hard because the refs aren't looking for it .
The refs are too slow to respond to the picks and interference because it's happening really fast.
I'm sure this has all been covered in video and Darryls meeting with officiating supervisors before games but I don't see the officials being consistent.
And let's not forget the McDavid stick holds.
I hate how it sounds and looks as far as making valid observations appear to just be bitchin and complaining but how many tricks can be employed successfully by one team against the other before the bending of the rules becomes a clear cut advantage?
The picks are there.. I think if you want to get a penalty on them though you are going to have to skate into in the guy and draw the penalty. If you slow down or try to move out of the way - they aren't going to call it.
Most of me would be thrilled to have him back. But the rest of me would be worried he was rushed back due to the current circumstances.
The fact he's been out this long at this time of year is worrisome.
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I think you have to look at it one game at a time if you are down in a series.
Right now not as urgent, but depending on results tonight that could change.
So are we also allowed to attack their D with speed and forecheck pressure? Cuz I think the only way to win is to play Flames hockey and carry the play. McDaid's line is utterly susceptible to being scored on, of which we have seen plenty over his career.
