tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87655787449717259082024-03-13T05:49:58.188-07:00An Amateur's Breakdown of Hockey GoalsA blog that follows the Tampa Bay Lightning. My goal is to teach casual hockey fans a little more about the nuances of hockey strategy to make the game more enjoyable to watch.Austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16440983781890513021noreply@blogger.comBlogger12125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8765578744971725908.post-18025131082212211462012-01-11T12:47:00.001-08:002012-01-11T12:48:33.485-08:00Canucks at Bolts: Recognize the Situation<div>The Bolts came back to get a hard earned point against the Canucks. Lots of chatter about how it shows the character of the team, how it's a positive, blah blah blah. Horse dookey. This team should be pissed off because this is a game that the Bolts should have won. This team has to recognize that the goaltending available will not bail them out of idiotic mistakes. And quite honestly, Roli (for once) is not to blame last night. 1st goal against...can't do much about. 3rd goal against, you can say was bad D by Brewer, but Brewer was in good position, you have to give Malhotra some credit on that play. 2nd goal against (the short handed goal), should NEVER happen. Clark makes a weak pass to Vinny, Vinny makes a weaker backwards pass to Marty. Marty mishandles it and loses the puck battle to the forechecker, there are 4 Bolts players back and nobody picks up Hansen who's wide open to put home the rebound. A collective brain fart of epic proportions.</div><div><br />
</div><div>However, despite this (and despite a PP that gives up more goals than it gets), the bolts get back within one, scoring in the last minute of the 2nd. With less that a minute left, do you try to tie the game going into the third, or do you realize you should be quite happy going into the third, down only 1 and make sure you close out the period being down only by 1?</div><div><br />
</div><div>The second the puck dropped after Vinny's goal, I already knew the decision the Bolts made. They were playing *way* to aggressive given the situation and I knew they would give up a good scoring chance to close out the period. Unfortunately that good scoring chance turned into a goal against and the Bolts enter the third down by 2 again. </div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/67456287@N05/6680532307" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm8.static.flickr.com/7168/6680532307_4427e0dd6c_z.jpg" id="blogsy-1326313509165.1602" class="clearleft" width="640" height="357" align="left" alt=""></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After putting some pressure, the Lightning dump the puck deep in the Cancucks zone and circle the blue line to get back onsides. There is freaking 16 seconds left. Drop back to your 1-3-1, defend the neutral zone, end the period and pat yourself on the back for making this a 1 goal game going into the third.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/67456287@N05/6680532799" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm8.static.flickr.com/7019/6680532799_3c8d169de3_z.jpg" id="blogsy-1326313590556.156" class="clearleft" width="640" height="362" align="left" alt=""></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Instead, Stamkos rushes in and almost gets injured on the play. Marty can back off and support the puck but instead chases the puck, and Vinny rather than staying high moves into the slot to try to get into scoring position. Ok....14 seconds left, puck is in Canucks' end, they are scrambling a bit.... put a little pressure on, no problem. It's not the safest thing to do, but safe is death right? Not too big of a risk, right?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/67456287@N05/6680533407" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm8.static.flickr.com/7142/6680533407_f04ea124d1_z.jpg" id="blogsy-1326313747086.5803" class="clearleft" width="640" height="362" align="left" alt=""></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Marty gets to the puck first and with 12 seconds left, he has a few options. I would have liked Marty to either a) eat the puck in the corner and let time run out or b) throw the puck behind the net (blue arrow) and let time run out. Instead he chooses c) make a backwards pass to Vinny through 3 defenders. Remember when I said Marty and Vinny could have peeled back a bit to be safe? As you all know, the difference of 4 ft of ice can be the difference between a goal or a great defensive play.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/67456287@N05/6680534025" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm8.static.flickr.com/7168/6680534025_b577d812af_z.jpg" id="blogsy-1326313931703.5479" class="clearleft" width="640" height="367" align="left" alt=""></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So Marty turns the puck over, the Canucks take off, we have 2 defensemen back and there's only 8 seconds left. All is good. Defensemen lay back, defend the rush, and let the clock die. Except Clark idiotically pinches at the red line and loses the battle (green circle). Leaving Gilroy the lone man back. Gilroy will have to pick up the puck carrier. Clark, when he gets up will have to pick up the guy circled in blue (he does, but will be 4 ft behind) and Vinny has to back check to cover the other forward (circled in yellow).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Vinny will remain 4 ft behind the eventual goal scorer. Gilroy will let the pass go through (a no-no on 2 on 1's, but of course, that is way easier said than done) and the Bolts will have to enter the third down 2. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Watch it in real time. As outlined above, within about 8 seconds of time, the Bolts had 4 opportunities to recognize the situation and determine that playing it safe would be the best option. Instead, they make bad decisions at all 4 frames outlined above and end up with a horrible goal against.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><object width="640" height="383" id="embed" classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000"><param name="movie" value="http://nhl.cdn.neulion.net/u/videocenter/embed.swf" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashVars" value="hlg=20112012,2,623&event=T.B433&server=http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/&pageurl=http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/&nlwa=http://app2.neulion.com/videocenter/nhl/" /><embed name="embed" pluginspage="http://www.adobe.com/go/getflashplayer" src="http://nhl.cdn.neulion.net/u/videocenter/embed.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="640" height="383" quality="high" allowFullScreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" flashVars="hlg=20112012,2,623&event=T.B433&server=http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/&pageurl=http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/&nlwa=http://app2.neulion.com/videocenter/nhl/"></embed></object><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This goal should never happen. All the credit in the world to the boys for not hanging it up and battling back to get the point. I don't want to take anything away from that. But the fact of the matter is, the Lightning should of made it their number one goal to keep it 3-2 going into the third. Instead, they press at the end of the 2nd like it was the end of the game and it costs them.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And don't even get me started on the SHG against. Marty says it was a bad bounce. I say it was laziness all around the power play. And if anything, the power play is extremely lazy, which is probably why it's so bad this year. Particularly in the defensive and neutral zone. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16440983781890513021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8765578744971725908.post-10114813894325308452012-01-10T12:18:00.001-08:002012-01-10T12:18:17.273-08:00Canucks Scouting Report<div>Bolts host the Canucks tonight. Time is starting to run out on the Lightning if they want to even be relevant in the playoff discussion this year, but they face a pretty tough foe tonight. The Canucks did play last night, a loss against the Florida Panthers. If we're lucky the travel, plus being the 2nd of a back to back plays into our favor.</div><div><br></div><div>For the Canucks, obviously, the big line is H. Sedin, D. Sedin, Burrows, but they really bring a full 2 (2.5 depending on how you look at things) lines that can score. The group of forwards are good at cycling, creating space by passing, and their movement away from the puck is extremely strong. It's one of the best passing teams I've seen. They will perfectly execute a ton of drop passes to create space (see my write up on the game against the Canadiens to see what I'm talking about) and pull off crazy east/west passes as well. They can score every way. Off the rush, shots from the points with screens, or just grinding away and getting pucks to the net with traffic (which their bottom 2 lines will typically do).</div><div><br></div><div>Rush coverage will be huge, similar to when the Lightning played the Flyers. And gap control against the rush will be paramount. Extremely important to get sticks on pucks against the rush to take away time for the opposing forwards creativity. </div><div><br></div><div>The Canucks definitely are *not* a dump and chase team, which is really the best tactic against the Lightning's 1-3-1, so it will be interesting to see if they change up their offense at all for this game.</div><div><br></div><div>Their goaltending is strong, but their D is so so. They are slow footed (like the Lightning), so they can be beat with sheer speed. And number 23 on defense, Edler...while a great d man, is definitely weak along the boards. If he is on the ice, I would get the puck past the red line, make him turn his back and hit him, because he *will* give up the puck that way.</div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16440983781890513021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8765578744971725908.post-89276559671173380512012-01-04T12:29:00.001-08:002012-01-04T12:31:47.431-08:00Bolts at Maple Leafs: Failing to pick up the trailer<div>So the usual suspects showed up at the game last night. And by the usual suspects, I mean, shaky goaltending (Garon could have stopped *at least* half of the 4 goals he let in), bad puck management, and swiss cheese defense. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Like I mentioned in my scouting report, the Toronto Maple Leafs score a ton of goals out of 'nothing' chances. They do it through sheer hard work, puck dangling, and crisp passing. It doesn't help when you make bad turnovers and follow it up with bad defense. But that's exactly what happened when the game was tied 3-3. The Lightning just tied the game and should have had a "0-0 mentality" as coach Boucher often puts it. Make simple, smart plays.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Now as a disclaimer, it's easy for some bloke like me to sit here on my iPad and tell these guys they need to do this or that after i've watched a goal against in slow motion 8 times. I by no means want this to be a "bash the pro hockey players" blog. But again, my goal here is to break things down so that when you guys watch hockey games, you can see things "as they develop". </div><div><br />
</div><div>Anyways....like I said. 3-3 game, all tied up, Bolts have the momentum, what do you do?</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/67456287@N05/6636637391" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm8.static.flickr.com/7013/6636637391_92aa768349_z.jpg" id="blogsy-1325707367897.7766" class="clearleft" width="640" height="360" align="left" alt=""></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Well here Marty has the puck and he has a number of options. The simplest of these options is a hard dump down red arrow for Downie (circled in green) to retrieve. He could also just carry the puck to the defender since he's giving him a decent amount of room. You also have Stamkos busting up the center as you can see the opposing center is trying to slow him down a bit. Marty will pass to Stamkos, and while it's Marty and Stammer and they can pull off most things....sometimes you want to just do the simple play. It's cliche that Detroit is the "gold standard" of puck management. But the reason they are is because they play such a meat and potatoes game and sprinkle in talent like Zetterberg and Datsyuk. The Lightning have a talented team and sprinkle in some meat and potatoes hard work. Watch a Red Wings game and count how many times Zetterberg and Datsyuk will dump the puck. Then watch a Lightning game and see how many times Marty and Stamkos dump the puck.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now you can say this is a potential 3 on 2 since Stamkos has beat his man, but his man is RIGHT there, not to mention there is a winger back checking at full speed equal to Stammer's depth. I've seen Marty play enough to know what he is thinking here. He wants to play a give and go. Dish the puck to Stamkos in the center....Chances are both D men will converge to Stammer and Stammer can dish the puck back to Marty who's gonna skate as fast as he can down the wing. This will draw the defender back to Marty for either a) Stamkos to be open or b) Downie to be open since he will be the trailer. All sounds awesome, right?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Except Marty misses the mark on the pass. :(</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/67456287@N05/6636637959" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm8.static.flickr.com/7150/6636637959_6a0d3d9e0e_z.jpg" id="blogsy-1325707861765.2932" class="clearleft" width="640" height="370" align="left" alt=""></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Well, no big deal because Stamkos is the only one that gets caught (his nose is at the very edge of the frame). Bolts have 4 guys back and Toronto was backchecking so hard they only have one forward (guy on the near boards where the puck is going) going the other way.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/67456287@N05/6636638507" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm8.static.flickr.com/7026/6636638507_9315ea5b81_z.jpg" id="blogsy-1325707955119.6738" class="clearleft" width="640" height="360" align="left" alt=""></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Brewer ALMOST loses the foot race, but makes a great pivot and forces the puck carrier to the corner. There's a late man (circled in green, just at the edge of the frame) heading towards the slowt but Kubina, as the other defender, has the slot covered... ummm......</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/67456287@N05/6636639543" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm8.static.flickr.com/7008/6636639543_82605e7a58_z.jpg" id="blogsy-1325708034563.395" class="clearleft" width="640" height="356" align="left" alt=""></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Yea...not sure what Kubby was thinking there. Now, it could be a systems thing, because, yes the Lightning do send 2 d men to the corner at times. If you do that, then you need to be damn sure a forward is covering the slot and as you can see, Marty is not even close. Kubina was better off staying where he was and I think he knows it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/67456287@N05/6636640211" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm8.static.flickr.com/7157/6636640211_c81c222fd5_z.jpg" id="blogsy-1325708125985.6538" class="clearleft" width="640" height="360" align="left" alt=""></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Anyways, here's the video for you to watch. Again....turnover from Marty isn't the end of the world (tho you always hate to see them). Brewer does a good job forcing the puck carrier to the corner, and then Kubina inexplicably leaves the slot to leave the trailer...wide....open.....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><object width="640" height="383" id="embed" classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000"><param name="movie" value="http://nhl.cdn.neulion.net/u/videocenter/embed.swf" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashVars" value="hlg=20112012,2,575&event=TOR473&server=http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/&pageurl=http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/&nlwa=http://app2.neulion.com/videocenter/nhl/" /><embed name="embed" pluginspage="http://www.adobe.com/go/getflashplayer" src="http://nhl.cdn.neulion.net/u/videocenter/embed.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="640" height="383" quality="high" allowFullScreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" flashVars="hlg=20112012,2,575&event=TOR473&server=http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/&pageurl=http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/&nlwa=http://app2.neulion.com/videocenter/nhl/"></embed></object><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So next time you watch a game, cringe whenever the Bolts turn the puck over at the offensive blue line (they do it quite often). Sure, lots of times, it's harmless. But it's a mistake nevertheless. I hope you can see by some of my past posts that the "anatomy of a goal" is often one team makes 2 or 3 small mistakes in a row. So, it's best if the team (and individuals) play in a way that eliminates as many basic mistakes as possible.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And you know what? Kubby knows he's supposed to cover the slot there, but in the heat of the moment, sometimes everything you "know" goes out the window and you forget about the trailer or you think the forwards got it, when he's a good 6 strides behind. But that's where 'hockey IQ' comes in. Everyone can have hockey IQ looking at the play frame by frame. But can you interpret the situation and make the correct decision in a split second? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">FYI, from my first screen shot to the when the goal is scored is 9 seconds of game time.</div>Austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16440983781890513021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8765578744971725908.post-83753784427675366832012-01-03T11:59:00.000-08:002012-01-03T11:59:48.975-08:00Maple Leafs Scouting ReportWatching the Maples Leafs highlights from December was interesting. There really doesn't seem to be much of a pattern of how they generate goals. I did see a few point shots with traffic in front, but there isn't a single NHL team that won't score a goal like that once in a while. <br />
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The oddest thing I noticed while watching Toronto is that their forwards have an uncanny ability of making something out of nothing. As a collective group, they are a highly skilled bunch. A lot of their goals and scoring chances come off of dangles, improbable passes and sheer determination. The Bolts will have to expect these guys to deke and dangle. Gap control and strong body positioning will be paramount for the Bolts D tonight and defensive zone coverage will be important as well. Like I said, the Leafs make some of the most improbable passes and a lot of them are east-west passes to a late trailer.<br />
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This is a team just a few points ahead of the Bolts that are also fighting for their lives to stay relevant post All-Star break. They haven't played too well lately, winning just 3 of their last 10, but 2 of those other 7 were lost in the OT/SO and they were definitely in the game for their 5 regulation loses (losing by either a goal or a goal + last minute empty netter).Austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16440983781890513021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8765578744971725908.post-32356208909593237152012-01-02T16:50:00.001-08:002012-01-02T17:22:59.950-08:00Hurricanes at Bolts: How a poorly played aggressive forecheck will kill youFriday night the Bolts played one of the few teams trailing them in the standings. If they want to make any kind of push to the playoffs, these are must win games. The Hurricanes are an aggressive forechecking team. Sending in 3 forwards to the same corner and keeping their D at the offensive zone blue line. However, the whole game they were unable to establish any kind of forecheck. The Bolts did a great job with a quick transition game, but the Hurricanes were also pretty horrible at executing their forecheck. If you forecheck aggressively, and you make mistakes or you don't hustle, you will get killed. Case in point....the Lightning's first goal of the night.<div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7012/6624080475_941025e4f3.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7012/6624080475_941025e4f3.jpg" id="blogsy-1325550450592.3489" class="clearleft" width="640" height="364" align="left" alt=""></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The play starts with Carolina doing a good job of getting the puck deep and forcing the D to turn their back to chase the puck. Now it is up for the Carolina forecheckers (circled in blue) to haul ass and either cause a turn over, or at least make it tough for the D to cleanly break out. Urm...these two guys circled pretty much coast the whole play. If i'm a Carolina fan, I'm pissed at the serious lack of effort here.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/67456287@N05/6624081505" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm8.static.flickr.com/7033/6624081505_68d5e097cc.jpg" id="blogsy-1325550583198.7986" class="clearleft" width="640" height="367" align="left" alt=""></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If forechecker circled in blue would have actually hustled, he'd be 1 or 2 ft away from Gervais when he plays this puck instead of the 6 ft away he is currently. Gervais is going to play the puck up the boards (red arrow) and then it's forechecker circled in green to attack. Forechecker in green coasts...the...whole...way...there.... </div><p class=""><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/67456287@N05/6624142997" target="_blank" style=""></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/67456287@N05/6624082715" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm8.static.flickr.com/7027/6624082715_d4f7c30c32.jpg" id="blogsy-1325550750386.0054" class="clearleft" width="640" height="358" align="left" alt=""></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So instead of reaching for the puck like he is here, 59 on the 'Canes should be all over Downie. Instead Downie has plenty of time to play this puck up the boards. To make matters worse, the player circled in green here is a D man who stepped up and the guy circled in blue is the forward "covering" for the D man. Leaving defender circled in yellow the only man back. Downie will flip this up the boards and Marty and Stamkos take off (red arrows) and start up the 2 on 1. And when you give Marty and Stammer a 2 on 1, you usually give up a goal.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here's the whole thing for you to watch. Keep an eye on the 2 forecheckers and see how they totally coast, making their aggressive forecheck, not only ineffective, but also a huge liability.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hockey is often a game about details. Here's a small mistake here that leads to Stamkos' 2nd goal. It starts with the Hurricanes getting the puck in deep (successfully) and being first on the puck (successfully), except the Hurricane forward will lose the one on one battle to MA Bergeron of all defensemen.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here the Hurricanes are in a good position to start a cycle and get some offensive zone pressure. Except...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">MA Bergeron wins the one on one battle, moves the puck up to Downie (red arrow). Almost similar to the goal we looked at above, the defender and third forward high will move to Downie and will drop the puck down to Marty (yellow arrow). Stamkos and Marty are off to the races as soon as the Bolts get control of the puck (green arrow). The play will unfold and quite honestly, even tho it's Stamkos it is very embarassing to see him walk through 2 defenders to get the shot off on Ward, but kudos to Stammer for pulling it off. (and kudus to Purcell for his goal too, tho those 2 defensmen he walked through should have received an ear full from the Canes' coach)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So while an aggressive forecheck might be fun to watch, if you don't hustle the whole time and if you aren't smart about when you pinch you will get burned. The Lightning usually don't play with an aggressive forecheck. However, even when they are aggressive on the forecheck, Boucher does a good job of reminding the players to go hard and to not over commit to let an easy rush go the other way.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16440983781890513021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8765578744971725908.post-76793356102269766512012-01-02T10:57:00.001-08:002012-01-02T10:57:27.558-08:00Hurricanes Scouting Report<div>Here is an unedited version of my scouting report on the Hurricanes. I got a little sick this weekend, so I didn't get a chance to take these notes and turn it into a blog post proper, but since I took the time to write these notes down, I suppose I might as well post it. The first Hurricanes PP goal came off of a good screen from a fwd who got behind the Lightning D. And I tweeted that the Hurricanes played a crap game. A large part of their identity is a strong forecheck and they totally failed at it.</div><div><br></div><div>***********</div><div><br></div><div>They are very good at getting good position in front of the net. They will force themselves behind the D to be in a good position for a rebound. Important not to leave the D zone too quickly, because they will have one forward stay in front of the net and if their D holds the puck up at their offensive blue line that forward will be wide open if our D starts flying out of the zone prematurely. The fwds actually float in the slot if the puck is down low to try to set up a shot to a forward in the slot. However, if the puck moves back to the point, the forwards will then quickly try to get behind the defense for a rebound.</div><div><br></div><div>Hard forechecking team, will send all 3 forwards to the boards in one corner to dig the puck out. Extremely fast transition team. If the Bolts turn the puck over they will rush up the ice very quickly. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16440983781890513021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8765578744971725908.post-46619391398391200252011-12-30T09:35:00.001-08:002011-12-30T09:37:52.743-08:00Canadiens at Tampa Bay: puck mismanagement and rush options<div>The goal I really wanted to talk about had the Lightning failing to pick up a trailer but the camera angle available on the replay sucked, so I'll have to save that topic for another game.</div><div><br />
</div><div>In my scouting report of the Canadiens I said their chances will come off the PP (they scored a PP goal and had a few good shots off their chances), or off of puck mismanagement by the Lightning. Well Desharnais' goal came off of puck mismanagement by the Lightning which resulted in a 3 on 3 rush.</div><div><br />
</div><div>What do people mean when they say puck management? It's a blanket term for making the smart, safe play while having possession of the puck. On top of making the smart play, it's being able to execute it. So while it's a team thing, it requires a certain skill level of all individuals. You can make the right or "smart" pass, but if it's a crappy pass, it doesn't matter. You can dump the puck in when it's the right or "smart" thing to do, but if it's a crappy dump, then it doesn't matter. In summary, puck management is a team's ability to make smart plays and execute them well to move the puck forward and avoid costly turnovers.</div><div><br />
</div><div>So let's take a look.</div><div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The play starts with the Canadiens actually failing to get the puck in deep (see my blog from the game against Colorado for a discussion on that). So Gilroy picks it up and the Lightning have a chance to have a 3 on 2 the other way since all 3 Canadien forwards are up ice (numbered for you that need assistance counting ;) ) Giroy has three options. Two of them are in the frame and labeled with blue arrows. The best option was probably Marty making a cut towards center. The 2nd option is the forward who's leg is just at the edge of the frame. The 3rd best option? Is Stamkos who is on the near boards outside of the frame, which is where Gilroy decides to go. The pass is off, the Candiens D picks it up and now all of a sudden instead of gaining a 3 on 2, we give up a possible 3 on 2 (which actually ends up being a 3 on 3)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">3 on 3 or 3 on 2 drills are a fun one when you are young and play hockey. And they are a good way to practice set plays because 3 on 2/3 on 3's happen way more often than 2 on 1's, and they require a little more creativity than just skating with the puck and trying to pass it cross ice to an open man like a 2 on 1 usually plays out.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/67456287@N05/6601197311" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm8.static.flickr.com/7004/6601197311_bf88c2398c_z.jpg" id="blogsy-1325264929794.6213" class="clearleft" width="640" height="361" align="left" alt=""></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So here's how it starts out. Anytime you are on the rush, having the forwards swap places is a great way to break down defensive coverage. The lightning actually do a really good job of swapping coverage, but the criss cross pattern the Canadiens run here accomplishes a few things regardless. The puck carrier (blue arrow), will skate between the other two forwards and drop the puck to Desharnais who is taking the path of the green arrow. Bergeron, who is currently on the puck carrer, will puck up Desharnais as he should, but because of the criss cross, it creates a little space for Desharnais as you can see in the picture below.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/67456287@N05/6601198073" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm8.static.flickr.com/7150/6601198073_e5cc343103_z.jpg" id="blogsy-1325265237759.4126" class="clearleft" width="640" height="356" align="left" alt=""></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Look how far off Bergeron is to Desharnais (circled in blue) once he gets the puck. This gives him time and space. And a lot of hockey is about creating time and space on offense (or taking it away if you're on defense). At this point, the defense coverage isn't as clear cut as the picture above. Sometimes the defense will botch up swapping coverage, but like I said the bolts do a good job.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/67456287@N05/6601198665" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm8.static.flickr.com/7032/6601198665_a1eeabc539_z.jpg" id="blogsy-1325265398983.633" class="clearleft" width="640" height="369" align="left" alt=""></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But even if the bolts swap coverage well, the play Canadiens run is effective because it created some a few options. The puck carrier can shoot and Cammalleri (green X) is driving the net, or he can pass to blue circle (which is probably the first option since east west passes on rushes really screw a goalie). In fact, if you see Desharnais' head, he is looking at blue circle the whole way (again, kudos to I think Moore, in this case for taking making that pass option not the best one). This probably throws Garon off a bit (and the goal is one that Garon would probably like to have back). But either way, the play gives Desharnais time to look at the pass, realize it's not a great one, and get a shot through with all sorts of traffic in front of Garon.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here it is all together. Watch how Gilroy has a great chance to make something happen. Unfortunately, he makes not only a bad pass, but not the smarest one either. Then watch the Canadiens rush pattern and how it creates space and options for Desharnais (and watch his head for a cool little detail of how he telepaths pass to Garon all the way before taking a quick shot that surprises the goalie). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Lightning get a ton of 3 on 3 and 3 on 2's. It's something that as a fan I wish they worked on. They usually do a drop pass to create time for whomever receives the drop pass, but they rarely skate any criss cross patterns, giving the defenders an easy job of maintaining coverage.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16440983781890513021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8765578744971725908.post-3991759040760901442011-12-29T07:31:00.001-08:002011-12-29T07:31:39.899-08:00Canadiens scouting report<div>Next up for the Tampa Bay Lightning are the Montreal Canadiens. While watching the past month of highlights for the Canadiens, it was eerily similar to watching the Lightning. This team is very weak around their own net. They play the puck, not the man (similar to the bolts). Their D also seem to get caught at the offensive blue line quite often too. If you get this D to play along the boards and take away their time and space, they will cough off the puck.</div><div><br></div><div>Not much offense I've seen so far. They like to break out quickly (also like the bolts) and try to apply pressure. But like the Lightning, their forecheck is easily beaten. All of their offense or at least a good portion of it is generated on the power play or by defensive mistakes by the other team. They get a lot of chances off puck mismanagement from the opposition. Their only big offensive game was their last game against the Senators (also their first win under their new interim head coach). Poor Ottawa goaltending had something to do with it, but the Canadiens did generate a number of goals off 3 on 2 opprotunities. The Lightning are pretty good about limiting odd man rushes, so I don't foresee this to be a big problem.</div><div><br></div><div>The key for the Lightning will be to get pucks deep (past the opposing teams goal line) and make their D turn their backs and finish their checks. The Canadiens will cough up pucks if this is done well. To keep the Montreal offense at bay, the bolts will have to stay disciplined as the majority of goals and scoring chances for the Canadiens are coming off the power play. Other than that, just defend the neutral zone well because Montreal will look for those long stretch passes to get a break. Lastly, puck management is key. Montreal's offense is based off of mistakes made by the opposition. If the Lightning manage the puck well and keep the pressure on the Canadiens D, I don't see Montreal generating too much offense based on their performance for the past month.</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16440983781890513021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8765578744971725908.post-60367807349066675282011-12-28T09:11:00.001-08:002011-12-28T11:27:23.207-08:00Flyers at Bolts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7165/6588301217_96e7e77320.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="alignleft" height="370" id="blogsy-1325089151211.7512" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7165/6588301217_96e7e77320.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br />
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</div><div>As expected the Flyers generated a ton of chances off the rush last night. In the above photo, Stamkos does a good job of communicating who he's going to cover. This allows the D man back to take the puck carrier and know that Stamkos will do his best to cover the pass. Simmons is the last player. His movement away from the puck is poor, because as this play develop he is too close to Stamkos, allowing Stamkos to effectively cover both players. If Simmons eased on the brakes a bit, he'd bit wide open with Stamkos in too deep since he's covering the guy on the far post. The pass is attempted and Stamkos blocks it.</div><div><br />
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</div><div>For the most part the Bolts did a great job of rush coverage. Making sure to keep an eye on players without the puck. And that will be the theme tonight. Not on defense though, but on offense. If you notice a lot of Stamkos' goals this season (and his two goals last night), you would think "Gee, anyone could score those". And that is true. However, what Stamkos does so well (and what Hartnell did well on his goal) is put himself in a position to score a goal. </div><div><br />
</div><div>I'm going to try explaining the goal first, and then letting you watch video, so that by the time you watch the video of the goal, you know what to look for and you can train yourself to catch these kind of points in "real time". It takes practice, but it makes watching the game of hockey so much more enjoyable.</div><div><br />
</div><div>The goal starts off as a 3 on 4 rush (the Bolts having 4 defenders back!). Giroux makes a great play to bank it off the boards to pass to himself. Here is a frame as it happens.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/67456287@N05/6588349099" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="clearleft" height="360" id="blogsy-1325089151199.4243" src="http://farm8.static.flickr.com/7013/6588349099_1a3d6a17f3_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">I've circled in blue Downie and Hartnell. As you can see the Bolts have plenty of D back. Giroux makes a great individual effort to chip this puck in and beat Clark to the chase (at least I think it's Clark). There should be two Lightning players that can take the trailer for the Flyers and Downie has Hartnell covered. Everything is ok at this point.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/67456287@N05/6588349099" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/67456287@N05/6588350117" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="clearleft" height="369" id="blogsy-1325089151193.077" src="http://farm8.static.flickr.com/7032/6588350117_8fb24fde3c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div>And this is where Hartnell's movement away from the puck allows him to score the eventual goal. Rather than making a B line to the corner or to the goal, he peels off to the center a little bit puting him in a position where it is vague who should defend him. He's broken his coverage away from Downie. Downie could follow him, but he'd be technically leaving his "zone" as a winger. Plus there are two defenders for the Lightning in the slot. What should happen is the other Defender takes the Flyer driving to the net, and Stamkos, who's playing center should pick up Hartnell who has drifted to his zone.</div><div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Unfortunately, Stamkos does not pick him up as he effectively duplicates the other defender's position (perhaps because he say it was Jagr and felt the need to double cover him?). Stamkos should move along the yellow arrow to pick up Hartnell who is now drifting to the far post. Below is a video of the result. Rather than watching the puck, keep your eye on Hartnell who starts off on the near boards and watch his movement away from the puck.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now let's take a look at Stamkos' second goal of the game. It's a power play goal and if you just watch it, it looks like the Flyers left Stamkos wide open on the far post. However, what leads up to that is a breakdown of coverage on the Flyers part, and a quick few steps of Stamkos away from the puck that leads to the goal.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here's where the play starts. Vinny has the puck (red circle) in the corner. The Flyers D coverage at this point is fine. I've circled in yellow the groups of coverage. Every Flyers defender has a Bolts player covered. Stamkos is a little open, but the Flyer in the center is covering him via the passing lane (tho at this exact moment, Vinny could have made a sick between the legs backhand pass to a wide open Stamkos, but chances are slim). Either way, the Flyers look ok at this point. Except.....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/67456287@N05/6588618119" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img align="left" alt="" class="clearleft" height="359" id="blogsy-1325091418424.403" src="http://farm8.static.flickr.com/7164/6588618119_b88090e8da_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div>Meszaros (I love to pick on him) inexplicably moves towards Vinny in the corner (red arrow). What he possibly thinks Vinny can do with the puck and a guy on him from there is beyond me. He most likely is going for the double team to strip Vinny of the puck and clear. Vinny is going to move the puck up to Marty who is on the half boards, that forces the defender covering Downie to move to Marty (yellow arrow). This leaves the poor Flyer with the green X over his head to cover both Downie (whom Marty will dish the puck to) and Stamkos all by his lonesome, which looks like this........</div><div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now look what would have happened if Meszaros understood that Vinny can't do crap in the corner with another defender all over him. He'd be right about where the puck is or all over Marty. One defender would still be on Downie and the poor Flyer in the middle could play the passing lane to Stamkos, which he's doing quite well in this frame. Notice if you drew a straight line from the puck to Stamkos, that defender is in the way. That is exactly how you play the passing lane. Stamkos knows this, so what does he do?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/67456287@N05/6588619457" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img align="left" alt="" class="clearleft" height="361" id="blogsy-1325091815965.3062" src="http://farm8.static.flickr.com/7161/6588619457_7869093548_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Once the puck goes to Downie, the defender who was playing the passing lane to Stamkos is forced to step up to the puck carrier. It now turns into an isolated 2 on 1. In a 2 on 1, the defender must always play the pass and let the goalie take the shooter. And the defender *would* be playing the pass if Stamkos wasn't aware of the situation because Stamkos would normally be where the red X is. But Stammer is smarter than that and takes 2 (literally 2) quick steps to get into open position to receive a great pass from Downie. Here it is in video. When watching this, keep your eye on Stamkos' movement away from the puck. You can see the Flyers defender does a great job and staying in the passing lane until the very end when he's forced to step over to Downie. Then you will see Stamkos take his two quick steps to get open.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So next time you're watching a game, try to train yourself to keep an eye on the players away from the puck. The great scorers that seemingly get so many "tap in" goals, usually get them because they can read the play and and get themselves in position to get those goals. The two goals shown here are great examples of it. Watch a lot of Crosby goals and you will see he is amazing at it too.</div>Austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16440983781890513021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8765578744971725908.post-14539266244400352992011-12-27T08:55:00.001-08:002011-12-27T11:09:55.226-08:00Flyers scouting report<div>So I am going to give this a try. Time permitting, before some games, I will look at about a month's worth of highlights for opposing teams to see if I can come up with some sort of "scouting report" for the opposition. I don't know how accurate it will be, but if it turns out to be semi-accurate, i'll continue doing it. If it's not accurate at all, I won't waste your time (and my time!) with it. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Anyways, watching a good deal of Flyers' highlights, I have found a majority of their goals and scoring chances come off the rush. They are *extremely* good on 4 on 3, 3 on 3, and 3 on 2 rushes. They pass well and switch places (criss-cross) a lot to breakdown defensive coverage. Often times there is a late trailer that they will find to get a great shot off and either score or create a rebound chance. The Lightning will have to be very sharp in not being mesmerized by the passing and puck carrying and make sure that everyone takes a man and make the appropriate switch in coverage when necessary.</div><div><br />
</div><div>A second major source of offense from the Flyers is shots from the points. Meszaros in particular gets some heavy shots off (especially from the power play). They are good at going down low, pitching the puck back up the D and then the D is very good at *quickly* getting a shot through traffic to the net. Resulting in either a goal or a rebound chance. </div><div><br />
</div><div>However, the Flyers defense seem to be prone to the same kind of attack. They collapse down low in their own zone and will leave the points wide open. If the Lightning can get down low make a crisp pass to the point to allow our D to get a quick shot off (often times, the Lightning's D hesitate giving the opposing D precious milliseconds to get into position to block the shot), they should be able to get pucks through and go for a rebound chance.</div><div><br />
</div><div>So in the game against the Flyers, watch to see how the Flyers generate offense off the rush (probably the reason why Boucher was so adamant about playing that conservative 1-3-1 on that infamous game in Tampa) or how they pitch the puck back up the points to get a quick shot off through traffic.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Also look for the Flyers D to collapse down low in their zone to leave the Bolts' point men open when the Lightning are on the attack.</div>Austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16440983781890513021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8765578744971725908.post-53049468595401371822011-12-25T20:42:00.000-08:002011-12-26T09:25:08.144-08:00Bolts at Colorado<div>So bear with me. I'm blogging from my iPad and i'm trying to figure out how to do this so things might look a little funny. I'm also trying to figure out a way to make this blog...ya know...useful to read. So instead of looking at every goal or chance, i'm going to highlight some basic hockey "strategies". I use strategies in quotes because it's more like, things you learn in pee wee hockey that is easier said than done.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Anyways, for todays blog...i'm going to be highlighting a goal by the Lightning and a good scoring chance from the Avalanche that are created by the same mistake. Failing to get the puck in deep. Getting the puck in deep is the most basic maxim in hockey. If you've been watcing 24/7, you hear the coaches (this season and last season) say things like "let's grind these female dogs out" or "let's keep moving north". It means, you either carry the puck in and you are good enough to dangle around the D. Or you chip it in and chase after it. Or you throw in a hard dump and have a team mate chase after it. What it DOESN'T mean is chipping it right to the opposing D so they can turn it around. It doesn't mean making a drop pass at the blue line that fails, trying to dangle a D and failing, trying an east-west pass and failing etc etc. Teams fail to get the puck in deep. Sometimes it's not a biggie. But often times, it leads to a good scoring chance for the opposition.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div>Anyways, the first goal we'll look at is Kubina's goal that put the Lightning up 1-0. The goal comes because the Avalance fail to get the puck in deep. Here it is.<br />
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<div>Now let's take a closer look. Ultimately this is a bad goal by Giguere, but I'm gonna make the argument that there were two Colorado defensive lapses. One that caused Kubina's shot (failing to get the puck in deep) and the other that would have allowed Purcell to have a wonderful chance at a rebound had Giguere made the save on Kubina's initial shot (failing to cover the late man coming in).</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/67456287@N05/6572817571" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="clearleft" height="358" id="blogsy-1324874870211.4736" src="http://farm8.static.flickr.com/7173/6572817571_5be858ccf9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>I've highlighted where the puck is with the red circle. This happens all the time in hockey games and I get upset every time the Lightning do it (which is often). It's a small mistake but it is relatively easy to avoid and if you make this mistake it often times leads to a scoring chance for the opposition. The colorado player who last touched the puck has one goal in this situation. Get the puck in deep in the Lightning's zone (make the puck go down the blue arrow!). He fails. To make matters worse, Colorado is on a line change. This allows the Lightning to get a quick break the other way.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/67456287@N05/6572818207" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="clearleft" height="350" id="blogsy-1324874870187.9604" src="http://farm8.static.flickr.com/7142/6572818207_e4d937e97d.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div>So we have Vinny with the puck (circled in red) with Kubby trailing the play. The Avalanche just finished a line change so they are in scramble mode. The defender in the center should move up to Kubby once Vinny makes the drop pass to him. That defender actually does a decent job (albeit a little slow)</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/67456287@N05/6572818829" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="alignleft" height="360" id="blogsy-1324874870197.2249" src="http://farm8.static.flickr.com/7028/6572818829_ac370d698c.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br />
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</div><div>So as you can see Kubby has the puck, the defender has moved over to him to try to block or disrupt the shot, but now you have another defender that is comitting the sin of looking at the puck carrier and not paying attention to his surroundings. That would be Purcell (yellow arrow) floating in towards the net to look for a rebound.</div><div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So of course we know the shot from Kubby goes in, but as you can see because the Avalanche player failed to pick up Purcell coming in late, he's wide open right in front of the net.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Next, let's take a look a this great chance by the Avalanche. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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<object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" height="383" id="embed" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://nhl.cdn.neulion.net/u/videocenter/embed.swf" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashVars" value="hlg=20112012,2,515&event=COL303&server=http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/&pageurl=http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/&nlwa=http://app2.neulion.com/videocenter/nhl/" /><embed name="embed" pluginspage="http://www.adobe.com/go/getflashplayer" src="http://nhl.cdn.neulion.net/u/videocenter/embed.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="640" height="383" quality="high" allowFullScreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" flashVars="hlg=20112012,2,515&event=COL303&server=http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/&pageurl=http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/&nlwa=http://app2.neulion.com/videocenter/nhl/"></embed></object><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It starts because Tyrell fails to get the puck in deep. That starts it, but the second mistake is a breakdown in coverage that leads to a player being wide open for a rebound chance.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/67456287@N05/6573018687" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img align="left" alt="" class="clearleft" height="361" id="blogsy-1324875054566.5579" src="http://farm8.static.flickr.com/7149/6573018687_a95a8c1b3e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Tyrell is usually good about not making this mistake, but as you see, he *tries* to do a simple chip and charge, except the chip fails, the avalanche quickly move the puck the other way. And, as it just so happens, the Bolts are trying to complete a line change here (which is a big reason the defensive coverage lapse happens).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/67456287@N05/6573019179" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img align="left" alt="" class="clearleft" height="357" id="blogsy-1324875198568.784" src="http://farm8.static.flickr.com/7164/6573019179_64329478b1_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So because of the line change, poor old Hedman is alone in taking on 3 players while the others rush back to get in the play. Hedman being the lone guy, has to take the puck carrier.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/67456287@N05/6573019797" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img align="left" alt="" class="clearleft" height="353" id="blogsy-1324875317883.6465" src="http://farm8.static.flickr.com/7159/6573019797_edc728b5ee_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The puck carrier that Hedman was covering drops the puck to the shooter here. Now that some time has passed, a few other Lightning players have joined the play. What ideally should happen here is Hedman moves off the puck carrier and follows that guy driving the net (red arrow) and the defenseman should move up to the puck carrier, which he does. Hedman stays with the puck carrier and makes an attempt to block the shot. Which would be great....except he doesn't block the shot, leaving a WIDE open rebound chance. Great save by Garron.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So next time you watch a game, look at how often fails to get the puck deep vs the opposition. It's one of the fundamental things that the Bolts aren't great at this season.</div>Austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16440983781890513021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8765578744971725908.post-56601003546833698232011-12-22T10:56:00.000-08:002011-12-23T09:27:14.178-08:00Bolts at Sharks 12-21So the Bolts got pummeled 7-2 yesterday and as the season continues, there are all sorts of conjectures as to why the Bolts look so dull this year. I won't attempt to answer those questions on a large scale (at least today), but I'll attempt to break down tape and explain the goals against.<br />
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By the way, I'm a total amateur who happened to play a decent amount of rec hockey and lots of soccer. This is no way the "truth" about how to play hockey, but merely to be entertaining, particularly to those hockey fans that enjoy the sport and are interested in learning how to view the game more from a strategic standpoint.<br />
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One last thing, this is heavily influenced (ie, ripped off) by some writings of Justin Bourne (<a href="http://www.jtbourne.com/" target="_blank">his blog</a>) whom I believe to be the best writing on the subject of hockey i've come across (and I tweeted him my thoughts about his writing too).<br />
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With the introduction out of the way, let's get down to bussiness.<br />
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Here's the first goal against coming a whole 3 and a half minutes into the game.<br />
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Now let's break it down.....<br />
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The play starts with the Sharks throwing the puck behind the net, the Lightning, employing a pretty aggressive defensive zone system, send both D men to pursue, the battle is lost (small mistake 1). To make matters worse, Hedman and Brewer kind of collide and its the beginning of messy D positioning at this point. Now in the frame above, Hedman moves back to cover the post. Unfortunately, it's the side that Brewer is already covering (meaning, in order for the puck to get to where Hedman is standing, the puck has to go through Brewer). Ideally Hedman is where that big red X is. Downie has the guy in the slot as should be the case. Moore is floating a bit to cover a pass back up to the point.<br />
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This is where things start to go awry. The puck was brought out and Brewer pursues. The puck gets cycled back down to Thornton behind the net. If Hedman was where the big X was in the first picture, he's already all over Thornton. Instead he's at the post and he can either stay there, or let Joe set up camp behind the net. he decides to pursue Thornton (not sure why). Brewer's read is much tougher here. He's caught right now. He should be at the post Hedman was at to stop Thornton from some wrap around attempt, but if he does that he leaves the eventual goal scorer open. Downie who had the guy in the slot in the first frame is now covering no one and looking at the puck. Though in his defense, he's at least in good position to intercept a pass to the slot. Moore who was floating to cover the points now has left Dan Boyle wide open. In actuality, this is a horrible picture. Joe has the puck behind the net, there are 3 Sharks in pretty good shooting areas, and all 4 Lightning players in the picture are looking at the puck behind the net. <br />
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And here's where you have to give some credit to the opposition. Brewer decides to take the post and leave the man. So whereas the eventual goal scorer is open, Thornton is forced to make a sick back hand pass from behind the net. But it's Joe Thornton, so he makes a sick back hand pass from behind the net. The only thing that might have helped (though it probably wouldn't have) is if Hedman stayed in front of the net and he could have possibly got a stick on this shot (since he's like 8 ft tall) but for some inexplicable reason he chases Big Joe behind the net (presumably to not give him time to set up there). Best case scenario is that Hedman is where the red x is in the first picture. That way when the Brewer pursues the puck carrier and the puck is cycled back behind the net, Hedman is already there to give Thornton no time at all.<br />
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The second goal against comes while the Lightning are on the PK. Take a look.<br />
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Now lets look at it slowly.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zqyGbwHyZho/TvN8hd29zDI/AAAAAAAAAGg/zYCPu74VJiE/s1600/1+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zqyGbwHyZho/TvN8hd29zDI/AAAAAAAAAGg/zYCPu74VJiE/s1600/1+%25281%2529.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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There's a shot that goes around the boards. Adam Hall pursues the puck. Pyatt for some reason over plays this even though he should let Hall take the puck on his own (remember, the Bolts are a man down?). In fact, if you watch the clip again, you see Pyatt race towards the puck, realizes that Hall is there and that he's out of position and does a hard stop to try to get back where he's supposed to be. Ideally Pyatt is way more center than he is on the near boards (red x marks the spot). That allows him to cover the guy on the point in the frame and also the guy on the far point (eventual goal scorer). It's a difference of maybe half a second and 5 ft of ice. But that minuscule difference separates a pass to a wide open shooter and a pass to a well covered shooter.<br />
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The puck is where Hall is but will eventually drop down to Super Joe at the half boards. When it gets there, Brewer inexplicably over plays to engage Thornton (shown with blue arror) perhaps the game plan was to take away his space? not sure, but it's not working. Ideally Brewer realizes that Joe having the puck there isn't the end of the world (it's where he can dish it that will kill you) and Brewer stays about where he's at.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e9JvKr1sb94/TvNpd_vs34I/AAAAAAAAAFM/JbUozogqcm0/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e9JvKr1sb94/TvNpd_vs34I/AAAAAAAAAFM/JbUozogqcm0/s1600/1.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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Above is where things are already lost. Thornton makes a sick pass to the guy at the far point. Remember that X i said Pyatt should be at? Well, now it really hurts that he isn't there because he struggles to get to the shooter. Hedman has the option of stepping up to the shooter if he feels like Pyatt is completely burned, or, you know, being a defenseman and covering the front of the net, especially important since we saw Brewer take himself out of the play already. Circled in red is the eventual goal scorer whom no defender is even bothering to look at since everyone is so concerned about the shooter. Hedman decides to step up and attempts to block the shot (which would have been great...except the shot goes through). Brewer is doing his best to get back into play, but it's too late.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l_2yx8M-yvc/TvNrQVHBT6I/AAAAAAAAAFY/NelQol31fns/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l_2yx8M-yvc/TvNrQVHBT6I/AAAAAAAAAFY/NelQol31fns/s1600/1.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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The shot goes through and the rebound sits nicely for Pavelski to finish it off. It was probably best for the Hedman to try to block the shot while not moving so far out because then perhaps he's in a better position to get a stick on this rebound (since he's 8 ft tall). As you can see in this frame, he realizes he's not quite where he's supposed to be.<br />
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Third goal is one Garron would like to have back. Plain and simple.<br />
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Fourth goal, Stamkos gets smoked in the back check by Couture. Doesn't help that the other 2 guys are taking their sweet little time back checking.<br />
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5th goal (last one i'm going to go over because, i'm learning this is actually a lot of work). Also while on the PK.<br />
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Over aggressive PK kills us again.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IBldoVmygy8/TvNtmtRrW8I/AAAAAAAAAFk/nh-J05C3vhw/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IBldoVmygy8/TvNtmtRrW8I/AAAAAAAAAFk/nh-J05C3vhw/s1600/1.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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Moore loses the race at the point and the puck gets chipped to Couture. Hedman unfortunately misses a few poke checks and follows Couture aggressively. No problem except Hedman must prevent the pass, which he unfortunately doesn't. I say unfortunately because sometimes, there's just nothing you can do. Couture makes a great pass back to the far boards and leaves the defense in the following little predicament.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TqZZfjt3tJY/TvNueuAFxoI/AAAAAAAAAFw/HkQy-9e0BHY/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TqZZfjt3tJY/TvNueuAFxoI/AAAAAAAAAFw/HkQy-9e0BHY/s1600/1.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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Hedman is now in no man's land and Brewer has the tough job and playing the shot *and* the man in front of the net. He actually does it kind of admirably.<br />
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Just a few frames later it looks like this.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lO90vMBQIII/TvNvO65SdOI/AAAAAAAAAF8/qrLWC_RMJl4/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lO90vMBQIII/TvNvO65SdOI/AAAAAAAAAF8/qrLWC_RMJl4/s1600/1.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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If Hedman and Brewer were smooth they could pull off a nice switch here where Hedman drifts towards the guy in front of the net and that allows Brewer to step out towards the puck carrier. Unfortunately Hedman is...umm....not sure what Hedman is doing. Tyrell is currently looking behind him because he knows his job is to cover Couture who is hovering around in the slot.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IF7RU_i6bdk/TvNwCrw1iMI/AAAAAAAAAGI/axxa0g-G9R8/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IF7RU_i6bdk/TvNwCrw1iMI/AAAAAAAAAGI/axxa0g-G9R8/s1600/1.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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Unfortunately, the shot goes through. Brewer is trying to play both the shooter and man in front of net since Hedman was doing neither. Hedman, since he's 8 ft tall, is in ok position to take the guy in front of the net, Tyrell, whereas before was keeping tabs on Couture has now left him open to try to clear the rebound away from the net. Rebound goes straight to an open Couture and this was around the time I decided I was going to get some sleep instead of staying up for this late west coast game.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k-X1oJkKrjA/TvNw00Du2PI/AAAAAAAAAGU/SkTQH5NAxVY/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k-X1oJkKrjA/TvNw00Du2PI/AAAAAAAAAGU/SkTQH5NAxVY/s1600/1.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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So, while, in general, yes...the Lightning played poorly to open the game. It really comes down to making small defensive mistakes. Add in the combo of some great plays by Couture and Thornton. That's why i get so distraught over small things that happen that don't really effect the game. Because, you do that enough times and it will cost you.Austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16440983781890513021noreply@blogger.com0