Blues are completely on their heels against that aggressive forecheck. Center needs to come all the way back and play a bumper position for quick zone exits and hopefully catching some odd man rushes. Quick being the key word their, need faster decision making with the puck.
If I was the Blues coach I would have huge sign in the locker room that says, "skating fast and playing fast are not the same. Play fast."
1- They need to stop trying to beat 3 defenders every time they touch the puck.
2- They need to stop passing to players that are already being double covered.
There is zero attempt to use the soft areas of the ice to generate possession.
And it's pathetic that the best D men on the team at holding the zone are POJ-Kessel. We need our "top 4" to start acting like they have some puck skills.
Broberg has been skating the puck out of danger and made some good breakout passes. But, I agree that the other three need to start contributing in those areas.1- They need to stop trying to beat 3 defenders every time they touch the puck.
2- They need to stop passing to players that are already being double covered.
There is zero attempt to use the soft areas of the ice to generate possession.
And it's pathetic that the best D men on the team at holding the zone are POJ-Kessel. We need our "top 4" to start acting like they have some puck skills.
I'm talking about in the offensive zone.That's why I said they need a bumper. They are still trying to stretch ice with 2 line passes to guys who are smothered. Let the forward exit our zone with speed to back the their defense out of the neutral zone.
Broberg has made some very nice transition plays.Broberg has been skating the puck out of danger and made some good breakout passes. But, I agree that the other three need to start contributing in those areas.
I think they need to add a better goal scorer than Texier will ever be, or Texier would need to start setting up his linemates on the level of an Adam Oates, to boost their scoring enough.If the Blues are serious they want to be a playoff team they need to trade for a top 6 F or one of Neighbours, Bolduc, Holloway, or Texier needs to step up.
Add Schenn, Saad, and Joseph into that Group