GDT: Hawks @ Oilers, 05 Feb 2025, 8:30PM CST

[TheFridge]

Good coaches device a system if the team is weak on faceoffs. Start the OT with your best face-off guy and if he wins it go to the bench (if need be). It's not rocket science - possession is crucial in 3-on-3 hockey. At this stage in his career Bedard should not be taking the draw to begin OT.

Bedard should be taking as many draws in crucial situations as they can get him reps in. This is *exactly* the time.

 

[CallMeShaft]

I'm indifferent about Bedard taking draws right now. He's been bad at it and I understand wanting someone who can actually win them to take them, but I also understand he needs to continue to work on it if it's ever going to improve.

I will say, though, that he was at 61.5% last night at the dot (according to NHL.com). So he actually did really well winning faceoffs last night.

 

[BHawks77]

Missing a couple of faceoffs in OT is not going to set him back.

If he is always skipping important faceoffs he will never learn to take them. There is difference in pressure of taking faceoff at the start of the game and start of the 3 -3 OT. I really shouldnt have to tell you this.

 

[Hawkaholic]

Missing a couple of faceoffs in OT is not going to set him back.

Losing a few games in OT from a faceoff loss (which rarely happens) is not going to set the team back.

 

[CanadianHawks]

Well yeah but they are out to promote the game by hyping the offensive feats of stars like McD, Draisaitl and Bedard. Casual hockey fans don't want to hear about defensive breakdowns when they can rave about offense and exciting hockey. Perfect example: The reaction of Messier's critique of Bedard.

Just a comical example to learn. The Oilers were anything but responsible in their own end for years and that play got multiple coaches fired

Use Barkov if they wanted to make a point of a guy who plays the right way