Devils 2021 team discussion (news, notes and speculation) - part XXII
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Richer's Ghost
Bourbonite
I'd rather lose playing a simple system that everyone understands including the opponents than lose trying to play a complicated defensive zone system that leads to breakdowns and players losing confidence in themselves because they don't understand what is expected of them or it doesn't come intuitively once it's explained.
I think we're seeing shades of MacLean's D zone issues where players literally said they didn't understand what they're supposed to be doing and it showed with people standing still, double attacking the puck leaving opponents wide open in the crease, etc.
It's one thing to say D is free to join the rush and lead the attack, but that's the other end of the ice. Playing in your "house" shouldn't be hard or perplexing for anyone.
I think we're seeing shades of MacLean's D zone issues where players literally said they didn't understand what they're supposed to be doing and it showed with people standing still, double attacking the puck leaving opponents wide open in the crease, etc.
It's one thing to say D is free to join the rush and lead the attack, but that's the other end of the ice. Playing in your "house" shouldn't be hard or perplexing for anyone.
glenwo2
LINDY RUFF NEEDS VIAGRA!!
JimEIV
Registered User
- Feb 19, 2003
- 66,998
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Maybe...But it didn't look like this the first 11 games...In fact I thought the D-zone coverage looked very good early on. I remember commenting during one GDT that Blackwood could've taken a nap in the 1st period, I think it was one of the Boston games....Something changed/fell apart.
MartyOwns
thank you shero
- Apr 1, 2007
- 24,435
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i think ruff would agree with you, that in hindsight since the season is so short and wacky a simpler approach may have been better. but coaches are stubborn, and i don't think he'll be changing course anytime soon.
Devils731
Registered User
- Jun 23, 2008
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I think it’s possible other teams changed their approach and the Devils haven’t changed or are finding the update difficult.
The Devils have very well defined positions they patrol when they don’t have a player or puck to actively cover. Other teams know where to skate and play that won’t get you “covered” so you see the Devils players are less active on defense now than they were early in the season. The defenders spend a lot of time standing in the mid spot where 3 Devils are shoulder to shoulder and there is no opponent nearby.
Now are the Devils less active because teams have found the holes in coverage, the team is tired, or the team is timid due to being uncertain in coverage? I’m guessing it’s a combination of all 3.
Richer's Ghost
Bourbonite
They were covering down low very well but then we started getting really exposed to the point shots something terrible and it became and either/or, not both issue. I still blame the chasing the puck carrier into the corner with multiple defenders as a critical flaw. Give them the corner 1:1 but don't overload away from the house with 2 Dmen and ask center/wings to play D down low and in the slot for more than a few seconds. It's causing a cascading effect of fill-in coverage assignments and that's when confusion and recognition break down the play.
Devils731
Registered User
- Jun 23, 2008
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- Jan 24, 2007
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Lou doesn't mess around with deadline acquisitions if he thinks an important hole is being filled. Palmieri for a NYI 2021 1st might be in the cards.
SpeakingOfTheDevils
Devils Advocate
NYI could also use defensive depth, and we know how much Lou loves to add that.
I could see them having interest in Kulikov.
I could see them having interest in Kulikov.
Ruffs d zone systems are strange. Never heard of one where both defenseman are free to go into the corner and the center is responsible for the front of the net. Usually it’s defenseman goes into corner center is there for support and other defenseman stays in front of the net.
I don’t like the Diamond penalty kill. Wish we would just play the box and stop fronting the opposing player screening in the crease. Get behind him and push him away make it tougher to screen the goalie
I don’t like the Diamond penalty kill. Wish we would just play the box and stop fronting the opposing player screening in the crease. Get behind him and push him away make it tougher to screen the goalie
ChicksDigTheTrap
No quick fixes, no cutting corners and no cheating
The real story for us IMO is that the Devils have not spoken seriously to Palms about an extension. Smart move by the Devils IMO. With his decline his price has taken a hit since the off season.
FinnishDevil
Registered User
Palms for 21' 1st and Komarov would seem fair. Helps them in terms of cap not only this year but also next and we can bury him on taxi squad and possibly deal him next deadline for a 5th or something. Dont think Palms alone is worth anywhere near 1st but it is Lou we're talking about.
With the season theyre having, theyre in Win Now mode. Of course, Palms is going to have to start producing to get a 1rst back from the Isles. Theyre the only team I could see as of right now giving back that type of return.
NJDevs26
Once upon a time...
- Mar 21, 2007
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We have cap up the wazoo and have for years, why does saving even more money matter? I’d rather have Palms play like he’s worthy of a 5-30 type deal, then we wouldn’t be playing as bad or have freaking Pavel Zacha as our #1 winger for the foreseeable future - if he even stays there.
Better Call Sal
Salnalysis
ChicksDigTheTrap
No quick fixes, no cutting corners and no cheating
I would rather have him play good as well. But what I want does not matter. The fact that the Devils have had cap space in the past means what in the future?
NJDevs26
Once upon a time...
- Mar 21, 2007
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I’d keep him but it really does look like the Devils are playing the same game with him that they did with Hall, stall before the necessary deadline dump, then congratulate themselves on avoiding another dreaded 30+ contract while they ignore the fact our wing position is becoming an even bigger pile of nothing.
ChicksDigTheTrap
No quick fixes, no cutting corners and no cheating
I think there is still a good number of posters that would like him back on a short term deal.
beekay414
Registered User
glenwo2
LINDY RUFF NEEDS VIAGRA!!
I'd rather it did so he can feel at least remotely the same pain we Devils fans see when he flubs shots, misses shots, and makes bonehead plays.
Better Call Sal
Salnalysis
I’d like to think so, but boy, the GDTs sure seem to lean otherwise
ChicksDigTheTrap
No quick fixes, no cutting corners and no cheating
No doubt but the GDts have the hottest of takes. This has been such a strange year and Palms had been so consistent in the past.
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