I fully believe that if we changed the system from a shell/defensive system that doesn't push for aggressiveness to even a more balanced approach, we would see some difference. The shell/defensive system is causing one of the worse defensive teams in the league. So not only are we neutering the offense, but the defense is still getting destroyed.
I have no idea what you’re watching. Do you think the Flyers are sitting back in a Guy Boucher trap?
Last night they were a bit more conservative in the neutral zone because they were at such a speed disadvantage, but generally the Flyers forecheck pretty damn aggressively. They actually had to tone it back a year ago because it was too aggressive & they were getting beat.
And I sure don’t see Ghost or Provorov being restrained. If anything they’re trying to do too much.
I think you’re trying to find a simple explanation for the team’s struggles, and “system” often seems like a catch-all, but I sure don’t think a lack of systematic aggressiveness is the problem. In fact, as they showed several times this season, I think they’re at their worst when individuals are trying too hard to push the play when nothing is there.