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

[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.

 

[The Hockey Tonk Man]

It's played out. I'd imagine it's such a low percentage play I don't need to see any Rangers trying it.

Not sure the Bruins have ever attempted it

Been scored on with it tho

 

[Nogatco Rd]

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?

Give it a try and let us know

 

[Martin Skoula]

Give it a try and let us know

Unfortunately due to the communists at the NHL front office there’s an upper limit one can get paid under the salary cap and it’s below fair compensation for the amount of time I’ve put into developing this stratagem.

 

[joestevens29]

You're telling me the flying V doesnt work in real life?

Didn’t team Iceland stop it in the movie lol

Mike Legg never got the credit he deserves for this!

There is….
“The Forsberg”
“The Datsyuk”
“The Michigan”

The Michigan should be renamed “The Legg” !!!!

I’d like to see it renamed to “the tort”

 

[CharasLazyWrister]

Not sure the Bruins have ever attempted it

Been scored on with it tho

I do remember someone did attempt it last year (or maybe beginning of this year?) and came relatively close. Someone who you wouldn't expect like Geekie or Beecher.

 

[bleedgreen]

I think the kid really wants one because he maybe sees it as an achievement he wants to hit, and he wants to be seen as someone who can do it. Torts sees him give up good scoring chances trying to force it to make it happen. When the kid had other options any coach is going to be against it, especially when it fails. It’s always better to throw the puck in the slot or at the goalies feet than to try a low percentage skill play of any kind, and coaches want you to play the percentages. In this way, Torts is right.

I don’t agree with “no place in the game” though. I just love how people are getting on him when he’s admitting he’s relenting from his stance - the opposite of him fighting for it. He’s throwing up the white flag.

 

[rojac]

Unfortunately due to the communists at the NHL front office there’s an upper limit one can get paid under the salary cap and it’s below fair compensation for the amount of time I’ve put into developing this stratagem.

There is no salary cap on coaches.

 

[1989]

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

They even have bootleg Gretsky in front of the net on that play! KHL truly has it all.

If these are allowed, what, exactly, is preventing a player from carrying the puck on the blade of his stick from center ice to the opposing team's goal, and throwing the puck in the net?

To me, this shouldn't be allowed in hockey.


Taking the puck in your hand and throwing it in the net could also be the highest percentage play in some circumstances. Why is that not being done?

Love serial complainers like you who lack such a fundamental understanding of professional contact hockey that you think it was worth the post. Thanks for the comedy today!

 

[Aeroforce]

I do remember someone did attempt it last year (or maybe beginning of this year?) and came relatively close. Someone who you wouldn't expect like Geekie or Beecher.

It was Lauko. He came close, but no cigar.