Flyers' Tortorella admits defeat on fight against Michigan goals: 'I've lost that battle'

[NVious]

Just wait till NHL players learn "The Atlanta" where you put the puck in your pants and twerk it into the net.

 

[Cup or Bust]

It's a pretty low percentage play. Unless you are extremely good at it and you have a goalie well out of position and don't have any other quality options. A player shouldn't make any low percentage plays if they have other options, that is using hockey IQ.

 

[SoundAndFury]

You guys make it sound like the pass from behind the net is the highest percentage play ever. It's a way to beat coverage. Of course you aren't going to do it if you have a teammate wide open in front of the net. Furthermore, even after most unsuccessful "Michigans" puck ends up in the crease so it's pretty much as good as any rebound chance.

 

[tarheelhockey]

The game needs Michigans and the game needs Torts.

 

[Drake1588]

Torts seems to be making two points here:

• One, it's not the "right way to play" and thus "it shouldn't be in the game."
• Two, it's not your best option versus a pass, a wraparound tuck, opposite corner wrist shot, or any number of other options with teammates in various positions in front of the net to accept a pass/defenders covering those guys.

Those are two distinct reasons. I can get behind the second, but don't have a lot of time for the first reason to dissuade your players from doing it.

I would have no problem telling someone who keeps attempting the Michigan, and failing, to stop doing it and attempt more high-percentage options instead. Yet in the case of someone who can pull it off at game speed, it should be in that player's toolbox. You'll keep opponents honest, if you periodically use it successfully, when everyone is taking away the low shot/pass and there is a clear opening for someone who has practiced it extensively.

Score any way you can. A goal is a goal, and I don't much care how it makes coaches or opposing players feel. Maybe expect extra attention from opponents the rest of the game, though.

 

[CharasLazyWrister]

Also, the first posts in the thread are so silly. “I don’t find it interesting anymore”.

Okay, do you find empty net goals at the end of games “interesting”? Do you find icing calls “interesting”? Do you find the gremlin alien behind the Red Wings bench that is Derek Lalonde interesting?

Should a subjective view of “interesting” really have anything to do with what is or is not allowed?

 

[Star Platinum]

It probably only makes sense in those rare cases where the puck carrier is behind the net and alone in the offensive zone with nobody to pass to. Something like on a penalty kill where a defenseman backchecks to prevent a breakaway, but you can get free behind the net to try it.

But some people just hate there being any fun in the game.

 

[Metroid]

I can't wait till someone scores a Michigan in game 7 Stanley Cup final triple O.T

 

[tabness]

Pronger still fighting the good fight though

 

[Nogatco Rd]

Kuznetsov scored on a rare Michigan attempt from in front of the net earlier this year in the KHL. Not quite center ice though.

 

[John Mandalorian]

This guy needs more attention?! For someone who is “old school” he seems to be extremely needy for attention. Is it possible this is all a disingenuous act and it’s really about his own glorification?

 

[CantHaveTkachev]

“The Michigan” is a played-out move done by several players now

Zegras’ flip over the net is far more fresh and innovative

 

[PatriceBergeronFan]

It's not a gimmick, it's just another way to score a goal. Depending on coverage, it could be the highest percentage play in some circumstances.

Absolutely a gimmick. Torts is not wrong. Fortunately we rarely see players attempt it.

 

[Martin Skoula]

Ok but what if a player balanced the puck on their stick and skates at the net backwards, hunched over, and near the boards such that the only way to hit them is either a boarding call or a blindside to the head?

To any GMs reading, don’t bother reaching out with a coaching job, you can’t afford me.

 

[Mrfenn92]

 

[Oddbob]

That seems like a fair answer. Basically go for it if you see it as your best option, but don’t do it just to try it.

This is my issue with it. To me it seems the players don't look first and then go for it, they go and only are thinking of trying it, even if there are teammates to pass to in much better scoring spots.

 

[grachevsceiling]

I only recognize clear-sighted slap shots from the point. Either you beat the goalie honestly or you don’t. None of that other bullshit. And don’t get me started on goalie equipment. Masks ruined the game. “Headers”? In the’50s, when the game was still honest, those were called beheaders.