Decent wind up in own zone with nhl average power. Nice creative idea at blue line. That said, I don't see guys in the NHL coast from the center red line to the opponents goalie blue very often. It doesn't make me think his skating is bad, but it doesn't make me think it's a strength. I don't think skating was a big part of that play.
I appreciate your thoughts....seem reasonable. To me, the coasting or gliding through the neutral zone, is indicative of a strong lower body and edgework. You can see him shift his weight, which assists him in keeping his momentum as he approaches the defender. It's that stance and glide that allows him to make quick decisions, like bouncing the puck off the boards and slicing through the defence. It is harder to read for the defencemen, as he can do so much from that stance, as opposed to if he was actively skating or crossing over as he approached. It slows the play down for him, while keeping the defence guessing. It's brilliant. Similar to how Crosby uses his lower body to generate power and speed.
Fair points, to mention NHL. This is indeed the KHL, and it is a step faster in the show. But, that is very exciting and very enticing for us Habs fans.
I believe he has elite edge work. His straight line speed will be tested in a foot race, but even average NHL straight line speed with elite edges, is a huge problem for opposing players.
if they pan out . But certainly more swing and miss imo to that potential play .
