Completely disagree, the team game allows your individuals the moment to grab the game. When you don't play like a team no amount of individual talent is likely in most scenarios to allow you to be close enough to matter.
For years this was actually the idea that crushed American hockey. We need a Roenick or Modano. We need to create a superstar. It would be nice but that isn't what has helped turn the program. Although the first two players certainly made hockey more popular in the states not to diminish their accomplishments.
The USA decided on a development and a system that could improve the team and players. But it falls in the team concept. They all take power skating, they work together now. They allow for various different aspects but the American game of break neck speed has now started to come to the forefront. When a guy like Bob McKenzie says consistently over the last decade the Americans have been the fastest team at this tournament that is no mistake. They pushed the team concepts and improved.
It very much reminds me of the scene in Miracle when he explains why the Soviets were so good in their heyday. They used their talent in a system that was utterly unique. Right now some of the time the Canadians have not got their system off the ground here lately. They will look disorganized or they take players because of draft status or coaching arrangements at this level. It has been counter productive. Also quite frankly the other nations picked up on something else and seem to focus on it. The goalie is the great equalizer in this sport and they develop a lot of them. You have seen a similar focus for US soccer to help push development. Though a little less important there, identifying the most important position and stressing development is important. Hockey Canada needs to work on their goalies again, once a huge strength they are likely to show up to Sochi with the 4th or 5th best goaltending duo.
And what happens in games like today when a team like Canada, who showed against the Russians that they do have very strong systems play, has their system cracked open like a walnut, or never get it started in the first place?
Troops don't rally for a strategy, they rally for a leader, and today, Canada had no leader. An individual doesn't win you a game, that's true. Teams win games. But, as I said,
in games like these, to get the team going again, it comes down to the individual. Everyone in the room realized it today: "one of us is going to have to turn this around if we're going to win." And not one of them answered the bell. There was no Tavares, or Eberle to say "we're not playing for Bronze."
As a habs fan, I've seen how far systems and teams get you, and that's quite far. But when someone has an answer for your system, and you don't have the individual to lead you past that hurdle, you're done. There's nothing that can be done, because there's no one to do it.