Your opinion on our defensive zone coverage?

[goldenleafs]

I really like the idea of "defence first", and strong emphasis on getting in shooting and passing lanes.

But when it's 5on5, the Leaf's are sitting back waaay too much and it looks like the opposing team has a powerplay. When it's even strength like that, you should be applying pressure to the puck carrier, or like the best teams in the league, have 2 guys pressure the puck carrier.

If you let the other team pass the puck around, then you're giving them chances to score. I don't care if you have 20 people trying to block the shot, it's still a chance to get a goal (accidental deflections, screening goalie etc. etc.). I think it would be better to pressure the puck carrier and force them to make a mistake and thus minimizing chances to score. Teams do this to us ALL the time.

When I first noticed this, I figured the players were just being a little too defensive trying to impress the coach by blocking shots... but after seeing an interview with Tim Hunter, this is exactly what the coaching staff wants.. everyone protecting "home plate". You're going to see a lot of goals against us that our goalie has no chance on because he couldn't see it, or the puck pinballs through our players.

[Chance]

Problem is we're not a very fast team at all and our positioning isn't exactly marvelous. Having two guys pressure the puck carrier's a big risk as we're to big bulky and slow to get back in position.

Just my thoughts.

[Cool Hand Luke]

I think we are actually a fast team. Young legs, and motivation. But I think better 5 on 5 will come with more games and confidence in the defensive system.