Amazing couple of games. I am honestly astonished that this is the same team from a week or so ago. This is the first time in 5-6 years where they actually look like a professional hockey team out there with an NHL level system. Its f***ing beautiful.
A couple of things I noticed that have improved drastically and helped in their Dzone play is how quickly they breakout. Whenever there is pressure, they are zipping it around the boards and there is always someone there to receive or support along the boards. Even the 4th line is breaking out cleanly. It really has neutralized the other team's forechecks and helped us not get stuck on own zone. In previous system they tend to hold on to the puck for so long and waiting for the perfect outlet pass behind the net for the breakout. Now they are just zipping it across the boards.
Another thing is that we finally have forwards backchecking, which in return is disrupting the other team's counter attack, slowing the opponent down in the neutral zone, and making the dmen's job a lot easier. The dmen don't have to defend so many odd man rushes or teams coming down with crazy speed from the neutral zone. I have never seen Tkachuk below the goalie red line battling in the boards for the puck before. Its amazing to see.
The forecheck is now coming in with waves and having sustained pressure. When they dump the puck, they are actually doing it with a purpose and actually have support with players retrieving the puck, and not just giving it back to the other team. The forecheck has also been helped by the dmen being agressive at the blueline and helping keep the puck in, which is doable when the forwards are actually covering for the dmen when they decide to pressure.
One last thing I noticed is the productivity of the 4th line. Usually these type of players can only thrive when there is a system and structure with clear defined roles set out for them. This system now allows them to play a simple game, and they are being rewarded for it. There has been no change of personnel, they are the same players that are simply more productive right now. The old system of run and gun hockey, with people running around like headless chicken only benefited the skilled players because it was just shinny hockey, and just relied on skill to be productive. The lesser skilled players always need to be put into a simple system where its more organized, and everyone plays within their capabilities and the team system.
Also please, we have moved on as an organization for the need of Hamonic, for the love of god, the guy can barely play in the AHL at this point. Whoever gave this dude 2 years and an NTC need to be tried for warcrimes against humanity.