Do you think "Chemistry" exists

[Meeqs]

Do you think that "chemisty" exists in hockey or not? This all stems from a convo I had with a friend about the Avs talented roster that just doesnt work.

I'd just like to hear more thoughts on the subject.

Click to read more...

 

[triggrman]

I do

 

[phrenssoa]

It definitely does. I can feel it myself with certain people when playing on outdoor rinks.

 

[c-carp]

Heck yes, all great lines or D pairs have it

 

[Xavier Laflamme*]

Uhh, yeah.

 

[Plural]

Ask Jari Kurri.

 

[417th]

Ask anyone on the Kings. No chemistry no cups.

 

[dahrougem2]

Just ask the Sedins

 

[Plural]

Just ask the Sedins

That's not chemistry. It's some weird telepathic connection between them.

 

[Steamwhistle]

Just ask the Sedins

Exhibit A, pretty much all you need.

 

[LiveeviL]

Chemistry as in a sympathetic understanding of what certain others do without having to communicate it?

Of course. It is not black magic. it can come from being exposed to that person for a long time, learning a pattern, pattern recognition. It can also be initially unrelated to exposure. People can be similar, sympathetic as they are; acting and reacting in a way that the other person assume as likely for that first person.

 

[Plural]

Chemistry as in a sympathetic understanding of what certain others do without having to communicate it?

Of course. It is not black magic. it can come from being exposed to that person for a long time, learning a pattern, pattern recognition. It can also be initially unrelated to exposure. People can be similar, sympathetic as they are; acting and reacting in a way that the other person assume as likely for that first person.

It's weird how these two people don't need to be similar at all, but can have insane chemistry on ice. Selanne and Kariya being the most obvious example on this. Nobody could deny how well they meshed up together. But outside of the rink, two complete opposite characters.

 

[CanadienShark]

What's more real? This question or NHL chemistry? The latter. Never played hockey myself, but there are certain people I tend to "click" with in sports. For example, both my best friend and I are a undersized for rowers [him being stocky, me slender (especially when we rowed)], yet we'd tear apart heavyweights in regattas because of our technique and more specifically, our chemistry. We complemented each other well, and fed off each other for motivation. The concept of chemistry absolutely exists, and is important.

 

[Hynh]

Absolutely. Beyond learning where and how your teammates position themselves there's also playing styles that complement each other. 5'9" players can be elite but a line of three 5'9" players wouldn't be nearly as effective as splitting them up with more average to above average sized players. A line with three pass first players would make their fans pull their hair out.

 

[rumrokh]

Yes it exists. As it pertains to your original discussion: the Avalanche's overall roster just really isn't that "talented," by which I assume you mean good at hockey. Some individual guys are good and they especially have good speed, but their overall depth and defensive ability is pretty bad.

I have zero intention to bash them, but that's your example and it's a good one. Maybe chemistry is a factor, but if your point is that they'd be a playoff team if they had better chemistry with the same overall ability level, I disagree. Last year was more of a fluke than this year is. They're super young, though, so it'll be interesting to see how they improve (and possibly gain chemistry), but I think they're playing to their level, not below it due to a lack of chemistry.

 

[TorNsh*]

Yes. At all levels of the sport.

Those that have played can confirm this.

 

[Unlimited Chequing]

This all stems from a convo I had with a friend about the Avs talented roster that just doesnt work.

??????

 

[Meeqs]

Do you think Chemistry is just something that is there or it isnt? Or do you think that if 2 players play together long enough it will just happen. Or that a player has to try enough to overcome it?

 

[Meeqs]

Yes it exists. As it pertains to your original discussion: the Avalanche's overall roster just really isn't that "talented," by which I assume you mean good at hockey. Some individual guys are good and they especially have good speed, but their overall depth and defensive ability is pretty bad.

I have zero intention to bash them, but that's your example and it's a good one. Maybe chemistry is a factor, but if your point is that they'd be a playoff team if they had better chemistry with the same overall ability level, I disagree. Last year was more of a fluke than this year is. They're super young, though, so it'll be interesting to see how they improve (and possibly gain chemistry), but I think they're playing to their level, not below it due to a lack of chemistry.

While I think that is fair, A top 6 of Duchene, O'reilly, Landeskog, Mackinnon, Tangs and Iggy should be better than 6th worst in the league. No?

 

[Mathew Barzal]

Of course, it's the reason a guy like Burrows will always be better suited for the Sedins than Vrbata. Understanding the way others play the game is an essential cognitive factor in achieving success as a trio.

 

[Blueline Bomber]

Do you think Chemistry is just something that is there or it isnt? Or do you think that if 2 players play together long enough it will just happen. Or that a player has to try enough to overcome it?

Depends on the situation.

There are some players that click instantly. There are some that have simply played together long enough that they have built that chemistry.

On the opposite scope, there are also situations where two guys that should work together great on paper simply...don't.

 

[1989]

Depends on the situation.

There are some players that click instantly. There are some that have simply played together long enough that they have built that chemistry.

On the opposite scope, there are also situations where two guys that should work together great on paper simply...don't.

I actually wonder where the Sedins started on the bolded. Clearly they've maintained chemistry by playing hockey with each other for their entire professional lives, but I wonder if they clicked instantly as children/juniors. One would assume so, but I'm looking for anecdotal evidence.

 

[rumrokh]

While I think that is fair, A top 6 of Duchene, O'reilly, Landeskog, Mackinnon, Tangs and Iggy should be better than 6th worst in the league. No?

No, because you dress twenty guys every night.

 

[Pip]

I cheer for the team with the Sedins on it so I'm going to go with yes.

 

[Blueline Bomber]

I actually wonder where the Sedins started on the bolded. Clearly they've maintained chemistry by playing hockey with each other for their entire professional lives, but I wonder if they clicked instantly as children/juniors. One would assume so, but I'm looking for anecdotal evidence.

Probably a little bit of both. I'd have to assume the majority of what they can do is simply playing together for their entire lives, but I don't doubt the "twin-ness" plays a part.