theoriginalBCF
Registered User
- Jan 29, 2018
- 637
- 352
Hey all,
So I know it has only been three games, however there is so much to like about this version. I predicted they would finish 2nd in the division and here is why:
1). Massive upgrade on Defence. OEL, so far, is back to playing like his old self. He is engaged, smart, makes the right plays usually, gets his shots through around 80% of the time, and is a catalyst on Def. Hughes has improved incredibly, Rathbone is better than all the "experts" have said, while Myers is playing well, and of Course Poolman and Burroughs are surprises. However they are all proving to be competent NHL defencemen, and if anyone notices, aside from the crappy goal in Detroit, the goals scored against them are high % shots off broken plays. That is not a damnation of the defence necessarily, as they have done a great job of controlling the play in their zone. Don't forget they controlled McDavid and Draisaitl pretty much game 1, and in the 2nd/3rd v Philly they really befuddled the Flyers. Detroit was just bad breaks.
2). Moving the puck up the ice. This may be the defences biggest strength. The transition game has improved incredibly. They get the puck out quick. But this has left them a little susceptible to transition themselves, however, more often than not, they move the puck very efficiently, cleanly. Teams do plan around this, but I'll take this over an 82 game schedule as it will pay off prob 3 out of 4 games.
3). They are bigger. Yes, while Hughes and Rathbone are smaller, Myers, OEL, Poolman, Burroughs are bigger, play bigger, and it is more noticeable. I see so many say this team is small and pushed around. I haven't seen that so far. I don't know what game anyone else is watching, but they are physical, and like I mentioned, the defence is way more sound. They've played 1 bad period. That is it.
4). Finally, they care for each other. They are really playing hard with chips on their shoulders, something to prove, and they are there for their teammates. 3 times Myers has jumped in to protect his teammates, While that D rallies around each other, and their entire team.
This D is improved massively, and over 82 games, it will show if they can keep this first 3 games up, and of course the great destroyer of teams... injuries.
So I know it has only been three games, however there is so much to like about this version. I predicted they would finish 2nd in the division and here is why:
1). Massive upgrade on Defence. OEL, so far, is back to playing like his old self. He is engaged, smart, makes the right plays usually, gets his shots through around 80% of the time, and is a catalyst on Def. Hughes has improved incredibly, Rathbone is better than all the "experts" have said, while Myers is playing well, and of Course Poolman and Burroughs are surprises. However they are all proving to be competent NHL defencemen, and if anyone notices, aside from the crappy goal in Detroit, the goals scored against them are high % shots off broken plays. That is not a damnation of the defence necessarily, as they have done a great job of controlling the play in their zone. Don't forget they controlled McDavid and Draisaitl pretty much game 1, and in the 2nd/3rd v Philly they really befuddled the Flyers. Detroit was just bad breaks.
2). Moving the puck up the ice. This may be the defences biggest strength. The transition game has improved incredibly. They get the puck out quick. But this has left them a little susceptible to transition themselves, however, more often than not, they move the puck very efficiently, cleanly. Teams do plan around this, but I'll take this over an 82 game schedule as it will pay off prob 3 out of 4 games.
3). They are bigger. Yes, while Hughes and Rathbone are smaller, Myers, OEL, Poolman, Burroughs are bigger, play bigger, and it is more noticeable. I see so many say this team is small and pushed around. I haven't seen that so far. I don't know what game anyone else is watching, but they are physical, and like I mentioned, the defence is way more sound. They've played 1 bad period. That is it.
4). Finally, they care for each other. They are really playing hard with chips on their shoulders, something to prove, and they are there for their teammates. 3 times Myers has jumped in to protect his teammates, While that D rallies around each other, and their entire team.
This D is improved massively, and over 82 games, it will show if they can keep this first 3 games up, and of course the great destroyer of teams... injuries.
