GDT: #18 ⋅ ANA @ CHI ⋅ 5:30 PM PST
- Thread starter anezthes
- Start date
I don't know for sure, but on defense it looks like they're putting more pressure when puck carriers have the puck along the boards, and they're playing a bit more aggressively when it comes to covering players away from the puck; i.e. they're getting in position to intercept passes more rather than strictly playing inside their check and cutting off paths to the goal. I think that's allowed them to create turnovers that aren't as contested. They're not forced to win a physical puck battle every time they want a turnover.
It could just be a coincidence, but it looks like Cronin has taken the training wheels off a bit.
Hockey Duckie
Registered User
The game against Chicago this year was just perfect timing with Dostal breaking down. Dostal had played eight out of 10 games in October and Cronin didn't want to play Reimer again b/c he had the 6-goal debacle against NJ. The goalie stats per game breakdown table is in my post above in the spoiler tab if you wanna see proof. We dominated Chicago except at special teams and scoreboard. Ducks PP = 1/5 and Chi PP = 2/2.
With the recent goal scoring outbursts for Cutter, Zell, and LaCombe, maybe that'll provide enough scoring while our netminders cosplay Hodor for the season. It worked for JS Giguere for a season.
- Oct 6, 2020
- 283
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3+ goals, Ross fight and zegras stick twirl after a goal.
The Midnight Burrito
True Fan
Gudas mentioned it after one of the terrible games a little while back.
Hockey Duckie
Registered User
I can't definitely tell if there was a new system in place. I know we play man, but last night I actually saw LaCombe direct and pass off his man that was crossing the ice on defense. That was unexpected. And then Hazy informing us that our defensemen have been more aggressive against dzone entries near the blue line.
I just think Cronin told the troops to be more aggressive offensively and that's the difference. We're actually scoring some goals that probably were stopped earlier in the season along with our blue liners chipping in more and more such as LaCombe and Zell scoring a total of 4 goals in the past four games. Everything looks better now since we got Dostal some much needed rest with Gibby's return. The advanced metrics still say we suck and depend highly on our netminders. My eye test also supports that conclusion.
Hockey Duckie
Registered User
I miss when Z would do sick twirls before scoring a goal, including Michigans. Those 60 point, 23-goal seasons were good days for him.
- Jul 25, 2012
- 42,608
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They also do something different offensively. They can finally maintain an offensive posetion. Seems that they've figured out they can pass to a player too instead of just cycle. But yeah I haven't figured it out too
Yes. There is more motion and guys are getting inside more, and passes are getting to them. They're going to the net more, also. I've noticed this, as well as the defensive improvements that @JAHV noted above, for the last 4 games, and we've won 3 of those.
