Yes. Agreed. And guys like Miller and Kreider draw the opponents most defensive attention. So it sometimes ‘feels’ like they disappear for stretches. But the team really goes as far as these guys go so I want them to get to that next level. I think they will. Just not quite there yet. Hopefully it happens this year.
I am completely good with Zuccs. I defend him on that. The scrum he was in was a free for all with plenty of transgressions occurring. What made the ref pick Mats as the guy to go? Well, he did commit a slash, but once again there were crosschecks galore that were not called in that particular melee. My mantra is mostly to just accept it and not get all wound up about the unfairness of a ref missing the other team's stuff. Some times, the Rangers are the "other team" not getting called.
I'm still holding out hope that we get the playoff 2017 Smith. He was a beast. Against the Canadiens he played nasty and effective in all three zones. Hopefully we get into the playoffs and he can repeat that performance. We've seen glimpses of that lately but definitely not consistent. I'm sure not being with Skjei doesn't help
I like Holden, I think he quietly plays a steady game. Thing is, every so often he'll lose a game by himself.
I think part of the Rangers problem is having 2 pairings that are L-L. Especially in this system where you have to make quick decisions with the puck, that extra split second it takes to corral the puck can be so important. It also makes it alot harder to keep the puck in along the walls in the ozone.I like Holden, I think he quietly plays a steady game. Thing is, every so often he'll lose a game by himself.
In general I think he's fine, though. Especially considering he's essentially used as a shutdown #2 defender. No idea what his fancy stats are. Does look like a ton of shots against are coming from the left side of the ice when he is out though.
I'm a fan of this D group, although I think in the past I've overstated how important the quality of the group is relative to the systems in place. I mean this team hardly even plays defense, it makes me curious just how good our D group would need to be to play very effectively in the same exact system.
Not just the Rangers either...the Dallas Stars have completely reversed their defensive efficiency with, essentially, the same roster as last season. Just a coaching change...
Meanwhile the Rangers clearly upgraded their defense, yet are even worse defensively than last year...
Good point, but to what extent? A lot of this shit defense is because of forwards blowing coverage. I really think it's like 90% the system.
I think it's pretty important, but it's definitely not the only thing. I'm not sure how much offense the Rangers would sacrifice changing the system, or if it would even help, but it would be interesting to see.Good point, but to what extent? A lot of this **** defense is because of forwards blowing coverage. I really think it's like 90% the system.
The real question to me is: how much offense would these team be sacrificing to play a different defensive system? I have no doubt that if the right coach was available, that this roster could be at least average defensively. After the truly messy performances over the last 1-2 weeks, this team has drifted into Arizona territory:
I know the man-to-man system is supposed to spring the offense, but how much is it actually doing that when the Rangers can't execute it well? lol
I think you could argue they are executing the system. They generate extremely good scoring chances, while relying on their goalies to keep the puck out of the net instead of playing solid defense. Problem is, when you play really good teams in the playoffs and you don't score on your opportunities, you lose.
I like Holden, I think he quietly plays a steady game. Thing is, every so often he'll lose a game by himself.
In general I think he's fine, though. Especially considering he's essentially used as a shutdown #2 defender. No idea what his fancy stats are. Does look like a ton of shots against are coming from the left side of the ice when he is out though.
I'm a fan of this D group, although I think in the past I've overstated how important the quality of the group is relative to the systems in place. I mean this team hardly even plays defense, it makes me curious just how good our D group would need to be to play very effectively in the same exact system.
Not just the Rangers either...the Dallas Stars have completely reversed their defensive efficiency with, essentially, the same roster as last season. Just a coaching change...
Meanwhile the Rangers clearly upgraded their defense, yet are even worse defensively than last year...
Offensively they absolutely are. If, as a whole, they are playing AV's system perfectly, then this is literally an EA Sports strategy lol.
