Even Ovechkin Can Use A Cavalry
by Fehr and Balanced on Nov 29, 2009 2:56 AM EST
93 comments
Alright folks, I've been mooching off everyone else's contributions to the Rink long enough. Consider this me dipping my toes in the creative waters. This is a pretty simple example; nothing profoundly insightful, I don't think. Look at this as dry run to test a) my skills at this stuff and b) your reception/interest in it. I've got some much more ambitious ideas in mind but right now I don't have the technological set up to realize those dreams. Hopefully I'll be set to do it soon, but if there isn't much interest it's all moot anyway, right? So with that backdrop here's my first attempt at breaking down some Caps hockey. Also, let's keep one thing in mind: Hockey is not played in still frames. Keep the live action example in mind and reference it as you must to inform the context of the still shots I provide.
I've picked a play that is familiar to everyone: An Ovechkin goal. Unfortunately, I don't have video evidence of the many failures we see (this goes back to my technological deficiencies). We've all seen AO streak down the wing and get double or triple teamed and either lose the puck or attempt a low-threat shot. Keep that example in mind, though I regret that I can't give you video evidence as of now (they don't show highlights of thwarted attempts). I'm trying to demonstrate why it's important that AO enters the zone with his team. Two recent goals highlight how important it is for AO to have support entering the zone. Let's take a look at the first example, his 17th goal of the season against Buffalo. Apparently I can only use YouTube videos to embed, but my screen caps are from the NHL.com video.
Here is the link to the NHL.com video. And here is the YouTube embed (not the same video angle so you should still watch the link, stupid Effing NHL):
The first thing we see when Ovechkin carries the puck into the zone is that the D is stepping right up and not allowing him any room at the top of the zone. This is normal because no team wants to allow him the space to shoot, even just inside the blueline.
What's important to notice is that the opposite wing is with AO on the rush. That keeps the opposite D honest, he can't push over toward AO to take away the middle of the ice. Without the help on the wing we would see:
The far D would push toward AO and hold up his progress. The other red line represents the backchecking C. Every team uses the backchecking C to put pressure on AO and take away his space so he can't pull up and shoot. The C will make it into the picture just before AO tries to shoot. But since the attacking pressure on the far wing keeps the far D away from the middle of the ice, AO is able to attack the middle of the offensive zone.
Normally the far D would want to be right up in AO's face by this point. The C is also a little late on the backcheck, but if the far D could step up on AO right at this point the lack of C help would not be a problem yet.
Instead we see the far wing (Flash) drive the net and take the far D with him. That allows AO to cut all the way down to the top of the far circle. The backchecking C is in the picture now, but AO has gotten far enough down into the offensive zone that he's already shooting the puck. If the far D holds AO up higher in the zone the C would have made it in time to pressure AO, if AO still had the puck. Instead AO gets to the top of the faceoff circle and a clean shot on net, the result is a goal.
Now let's look at the second example, the goal from the game @ Montreal. This is an even better situation than the previous one because Backstrom carries the puck into the zone. As we'll see, this creates more room for Ovechkin, and an even higher quality scoring chance. Here's the video from NHL.com, and the embed:
Nick Backstrom carries the puck into the zone, allowing AO to trail the play. The D back in much further for Nick than they would for AO because they aren't as afraid of Nick's shot and because if they commit to Backstrom at the blueline AO has a free path to the net. They need to back off so they can attempt to defend both players. Giroux is also in on the rush and does draw attention from the backchecking C, but it doesn't look like the backchecking C would have been able to make a play on Nick and he definitely wouldn't have made a play on AO. Of course, the D may have played it differently if it was a 2 on 3 instead of a 3 on 3 but the salient factor in this goal is that Backstrom carried the puck and created the space for AO to shoot. Look at how the D allow Nick to gain the zone:
The D back far away from Nick and basically give him the blueline. Compare that with the goal up above where Tyler Meyers is right in AO's face from the start. Nick plays this beautifully and drives the middle of the ice forcing both D to respect him. Driving right would have allowed the D and C to focus on him and let the other D go to AO. Driving left would bring all the defensive attention in AO's direction, the opposite of Nick's intention. Nick brings the D to the middle of the high slot and gives AO a soft pass about halfway between the blueline and faceoff circle with no D in a position to do anything about it. AO, as we know, is absolutely deadly from there.
Result: Goal.
We all know AO is the most dangerous scorer in the league. We know he can score 1 on 3 or from any other number of seemingly impossible situations. But that's not enough. We need him to be at his best. And he's at his best when he's not 1 on 3. He doesn't even need to use his teammates, but it helps. In the first example Flash did nothing but take up space and defensive commitments. Without Flash driving the net AO never gets to the top of the opposite circle. In the second example AO lets his teammates do the heavy lifting. He isn't in the play until he shoots. Green headmans the puck to Giroux. Giroux makes his one smart play of the game and gives it to Nick. Nick attracts the D and lays the puck on a platter for AO. AO doesn't need this stuff to be dangerous, but this stuff makes him more dangerous. Also, be warned: If anyone tries to use my work to throw it back in my face as a reason that AO hurts his team and doesn't play a team game you better be ready for a tornado of teeth and fingernails. Don't bring that garbage here. This is about how to make the 2-time reigning MVP more productive and more valuable. It's not about why he isn't valuable or why he hurts his team, because he doesn't.
Rink Rats, I hope you like it and I await your feedback.
If this FanPost is written by someone other than one of the blog's authors, the opinions expressed in it do not necessarily reflect those of this blog or SB Nation.
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Rec’d and :: golf clap ::
More substantive comments later. Thank you for useful arrows. Vastly improves comprehension.
SO FЯIENDS, IS BATTLE NOW.
by Your Nation's Capital on Nov 29, 2009 3:11 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Going to the last picture, Giroux holds up instead of heading to the net, even though Ovie is clearly open and the scorer and Backstrom the passer. Maybe that’s part of the reason he’s an AHLer.
Nice work.
by red army line on Nov 29, 2009 5:27 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Good eye RAL. He’s gotta know AO is shooting that; a pass back across the ice would be a terrible play by anyone, especially AO. I don’t think he has the speed to make a difference driving the net but that’s the play he has to make. Go look for a rebound and hope you can bury it.
If consequences dictate the course of action, then it doesn't matter what's right, it's only wrong if you get caught. If consequences dictate the course of action, then I should play God...
by Fehr and Balanced on Nov 29, 2009 1:08 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Third man high, i.e., defensively responsible hockey?
"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"
by fat_daddyo on Nov 29, 2009 1:18 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah but that’s when two are down low. AO and Nick were above the circles so he was safe.
If consequences dictate the course of action, then it doesn't matter what's right, it's only wrong if you get caught. If consequences dictate the course of action, then I should play God...
by Fehr and Balanced on Nov 29, 2009 1:38 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Depends on what the D’s doing. If the pair are on a change, Giroux’s best spot is high. If the D are pushing up ice, then he should be at the net. We just don’t know on this play.
by FFSEnough on Nov 29, 2009 10:10 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Just looks to me like he stops and waits for a pass. He’s not getting one. If he wants to play high, shouldn’t he go more central, above Backstrom?
by red army line on Nov 30, 2009 4:05 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Great Stuff F&B. The only thing you missed was #8 1v3, rocketing the shot off the glass, the defending team taking the puck the other way right past our guys trying to catch up with Ovie. Net result? A clean break out in our end that results in zero offensive zone time and getting penned back up in our own end.
by HateOffSeason on Nov 29, 2009 8:33 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
Ha — I’ll rec this negativity because I’ve unfortunately seen it happen more times than I care to admit.
"Let the rest be scared of us." - Emo Bunny Sasha Semin
by Scott in Shaw on Nov 30, 2009 5:33 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Fantastic work, F&B.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Nov 29, 2009 10:06 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
Spot on, J.P.
If consequences dictate the course of action, then it doesn't matter what's right, it's only wrong if you get caught. If consequences dictate the course of action, then I should play God...
by Fehr and Balanced on Nov 29, 2009 2:27 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Speaking of spot on, a wise man once commented (on the recall of Giroux):
Do. Not. Want.
SO FЯIENDS, IS BATTLE NOW.
by Your Nation's Capital on Nov 29, 2009 3:58 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Guess who left the lonely rec on that comment.
If consequences dictate the course of action, then it doesn't matter what's right, it's only wrong if you get caught. If consequences dictate the course of action, then I should play God...
by Fehr and Balanced on Nov 29, 2009 4:33 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
that's two schrute bucks for you!
way to go.
by Natty Bumppo on Nov 29, 2009 7:45 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Woo hoo
I’m going to buy some beets!
If consequences dictate the course of action, then it doesn't matter what's right, it's only wrong if you get caught. If consequences dictate the course of action, then I should play God...
by Fehr and Balanced on Nov 30, 2009 10:01 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Great stuff. I regret that I have only one rec to give.
One thing I’ve noticed since Ovechkin returned is that, when he’s at less than 100%, he is still a lethal goalscorer in his own right, but he doesn’t make his linemates better the way he does when he’s fully healthy. Ovechkin’s passing skills are vastly underrated, but we haven’t seen much of them in the last couple of weeks.
What you’ve broken down here is another example of Ovechkin being a little less conscious of his linemates when he’s hurt or sucking wind. I’ve noticed him going 1 on 3 more often these last couple weeks than I did at the beginning of the season, when he was playing as well as we’ve ever seen him play. Hopefully he’ll get back to that level once he really is recovered. I just hope there aren’t any more setbacks.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 29, 2009 10:37 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
I noticed a little of that, and wondered if some of it wasn’t him testing himself. If it results in a goal, great. If it results in a goal against, not so great.
The Caps fan doesn't say, 'is the glass half full' or 'is the glass half empty'. He wonders when the glass is going to spill.
by gfcaps fan on Nov 29, 2009 11:41 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
We not only have Ovi sub-par but we don’t even have one of our “normal” right wingers available either. Both Knuble and Semin are out, so the first line is not as good as it would be otherwise.
Rocking the Red since 1975
by CapsFan75 on Nov 29, 2009 2:19 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I can’t say that I noticed specifically what was wrong when AO got back. He did look off, but I thought it was maybe rust. I also missed a few games so I didn’t see what happened. You could be right that he fell into Lone Ranger mode. Then again, the start of the season is a pretty high bar to hold him to.
His last two games he was great. He had tons of chances in both games, and had his passing back on display for Chris Clark to blow it against BUF. I think we all hope he keeps it up and doesn’t suffer a setback.
If consequences dictate the course of action, then it doesn't matter what's right, it's only wrong if you get caught. If consequences dictate the course of action, then I should play God...
by Fehr and Balanced on Nov 29, 2009 5:45 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
wow, great job with this! i was actually just talking about this topic with a friend last night after the game – we all know ovie is capable of scoring on a 1-on-3 or similar situation (many of his highlight reel goals can attest to that), but that doesn’t mean it happens more often than not. great evidence to show that a little help can make a big difference.
"No Brooks Laich, no win. Know Brooks Laich, know win."
by kellobellow on Nov 29, 2009 10:38 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Monster FanPost – this should put you in the running for the Calder. Rec’d.
by Knee high to a duck on Nov 29, 2009 10:41 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
I think F&B has played too many games to still be considered a rookie.
"If you're gonna die after 24, might as well jump out at 23:59, no?"
by Laich It Or Lump It on Nov 30, 2009 8:23 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Splendid.
What’s missing from the screenshots you picked was the obvious moment when both Montreal D, as they’re on Backstrom, pointed toward their left (away from Ovi). Miscommunication on their part?
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Nov 29, 2009 11:07 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
They’re telling the trailing C to cover Giroux so the two D can focus on Backstrom and Ovi.
More reason it was criminal for Giroux not to drive hard.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 29, 2009 11:26 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Which he did, which left Ovi open — right?
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Nov 29, 2009 11:32 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Giroux stops at the top of the right circle. He should drop his head and go to the net like Flash in the first example.
by red army line on Nov 29, 2009 11:36 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Well, not drop his head, but put his garbage-goal hat on.
by red army line on Nov 29, 2009 11:36 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Giroux stopping didn’t help anything. If he drives deep to the right, he’ll give both the left side D and the trailing C something to deal with.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 29, 2009 11:40 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Oops, I meant the trailing C did cover Giroux, which to my eyes was the only thing he could do, but an overall misplay by Montreal.
I presume Backstrom would have passed to Ovechkin regardless, but that made it crystal clear which way he should go.
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Nov 29, 2009 11:55 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Great Analysis. We rarely see Ovi score on those 1 on 2’s, and with support it seems so much easier. This shows how important it is to lock up Backstrom.
by hockeyman33 on Nov 29, 2009 11:20 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
these newfound skills will help you immensely during your next showdown with marioD.
by Natty Bumppo on Nov 29, 2009 11:27 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
It’s going to be epic! I fear I have no chance at getting the last word, though. Guy knows no quit.
If consequences dictate the course of action, then it doesn't matter what's right, it's only wrong if you get caught. If consequences dictate the course of action, then I should play God...
by Fehr and Balanced on Nov 29, 2009 1:10 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Uh! My world just collapsed… someone out-posts F&B!!!
Next you’re gonna tell me that scientists think the big super-collider is being sabotaged by the future!
DC, where Hockey is a baffling ordeal.
by Chris meet Alex on Dec 2, 2009 12:58 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
A well researched and well thought out FanPost will always get a rec from me. Nicely done. Perhaps I’ll have more after I digest this a bit.
"If you're gonna die after 24, might as well jump out at 23:59, no?"
by Laich It Or Lump It on Nov 29, 2009 12:06 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Nick plays this beautifully and drives the middle of the ice forcing both D to respect him. Driving right would have allowed the D and C to focus on him and let the other D go to AO. Driving left would bring all the defensive attention in AO’s direction, the opposite of Nick’s intention. Nick brings the D to the middle of the high slot and gives AO a soft pass about halfway between the blueline and faceoff circle with no D in a position to do anything about it. AO, as we know, is absolutely deadly from there.
Im not saying this is wrong, because the analysis is right on point. But another scenario that I have seen, and normally has the same ending, is Nick crossing over to the left and AO replacing him in the center. A quick drop pass to Ovechkin and he rips the shot from the middle or takes a couple strides and fires a wrister. Because Ovechkin is a righty, a little lead pass from Backstrom gives him all the room in the world to work with. When they do that crossover, the D men sometimes dont communicate well and both follow Nick, leaving AO either open space to move or an open shot lane.
I know that this has happened before, but cant think of a specific example. Help, anybody?
BTW, a big Rec from me. Incredible work.
Fehr is fair, but I like Laich
by amkcaps on Nov 29, 2009 12:15 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
The drop pass is another good play. It just isn’t good in this situation because of the angles of the attack. Backstrom is already in the middle of the ice, the ideal spot to be. Crossing either way would go into the backchecking C or drag the D toward AO. A drop pass here would also lead to AO skating right at the backchecking C, not ideal. Drop passes work better when you enter the zone on one side and then cut across the top of the zone, or go down the boards and drop the puck up to the middle. Think about the drop pass MP left Potsy against FLA, that was textbook, and had the same result. He opened up space at the top of the zone and left the puck for the trailer. However it works, the principle is the same: AO is more dangerous when his teammates are with him, especially so when Backstrom has the puck.
If consequences dictate the course of action, then it doesn't matter what's right, it's only wrong if you get caught. If consequences dictate the course of action, then I should play God...
by Fehr and Balanced on Nov 29, 2009 1:15 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Awesome, F&B. Just awesome.
Ya freaking grasshopper!
by Steck It Out on Nov 29, 2009 12:58 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
‘Fess up…you used MS Paint for the red arrows, didn’t you?
Nice work with the screen caps. We’ve all seen the times that AO enters the zone alone and gets smothered by 2 or 3 guys just inside the blue line, but I hadn’t done much thinking about what has happened when he shakes free.
"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"
by fat_daddyo on Nov 29, 2009 1:29 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Definitely used MS Paint.
If consequences dictate the course of action, then it doesn't matter what's right, it's only wrong if you get caught. If consequences dictate the course of action, then I should play God...
by Fehr and Balanced on Nov 29, 2009 1:38 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Kudos on a great “chalk talk”, F&B.
by mechanicsville on Nov 29, 2009 2:08 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Great stuff F&B. Amongst us peons here at the Rink, you are definitely da man. Looking forward to more.
Extra points for not shoehorning a “Baxter” reference into it. Heh.
by Cluster on Nov 29, 2009 4:29 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
We are all elites.
If consequences dictate the course of action, then it doesn't matter what's right, it's only wrong if you get caught. If consequences dictate the course of action, then I should play God...
by Fehr and Balanced on Nov 29, 2009 4:30 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
great stuff…that took a lot of work!
Support your local bakery!
by bigonetimer on Nov 29, 2009 5:35 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
And I didn’t get started until after VAN/EDM ended, hence the publishing time.
If consequences dictate the course of action, then it doesn't matter what's right, it's only wrong if you get caught. If consequences dictate the course of action, then I should play God...
by Fehr and Balanced on Nov 29, 2009 5:43 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Keep them coming gleep glop.
"Good luck and God speed, Ben. See you on the other side of the pitch."
by Bald Pollack on Nov 29, 2009 5:45 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
…eatin’ all the government space cheese.
by Stonewarden on Nov 30, 2009 8:52 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
You do realize this is a hell of a high bar you’ve set for yourself, don’t you?
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Nov 29, 2009 6:31 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Ha. I have to say I’m a little surprised by the response. I’m really glad you guys appreciate it. I’m gonna get DVR and then my options are going to drastically expand because I won’t be forced to work with clips I find on NHL.com and YouTube. As I said, I have more ambitious projects in mind but if you all have suggestions about something you’d like to see then just put them in the comments and I’ll see what I can do. First person to ask me to show them why the Trap is the best form of hockey gets a punch in the nose.
If consequences dictate the course of action, then it doesn't matter what's right, it's only wrong if you get caught. If consequences dictate the course of action, then I should play God...
by Fehr and Balanced on Nov 29, 2009 6:44 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
You might get sent to the box for that.
by red army line on Nov 30, 2009 4:05 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Show me why the Trap isn’t the best form of hockey!
"I think the relentless negative coverage in The Washington Post is a real difference from previous years," Redskins general counsel David Donovan said. "But in terms of the way our actual fans are behaving, we don't see any difference."
by Sct112 on Nov 30, 2009 9:09 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Ok, but I think illustrating why the Caps have so much trouble with the Trap would be somewhat useful.
"Let the rest be scared of us." - Emo Bunny Sasha Semin
by Scott in Shaw on Nov 30, 2009 5:37 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
This post might be a useful start. If somebody else can analyze it.
SO FЯIENDS, IS BATTLE NOW.
by Your Nation's Capital on Nov 30, 2009 5:47 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
YNC I can’t even tell you what a gold mine this is. Thank you so much, I’m just sad it’s too late. If kellyn or her friend come back around talking shit about my trap knowledge this is getting stuffed in their face. Basically it tells me that Lemaire’s trap really hasn’t made the Devilzzz any better defensively, just way more boring. Suck it jerks, giving up the same number of shots a game and barely fewer goals against (with getting the best goalie evurrrr!!!!!111 back). They have 2.88 goals for a game this year, 2.98 a game last year. Suck it you vampire jerk.
If consequences dictate the course of action, then it doesn't matter what's right, it's only wrong if you get caught. If consequences dictate the course of action, then I should play God...
by Fehr and Balanced on Nov 30, 2009 6:07 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Oh, and that MIN, even though they are largely a basket case so far this year, isn’t even much worse defensively than they were with Lemaire. They’ve been getting used to a new system and had some disappointing individual performances, but their D isn’t even horrendously worse.
If consequences dictate the course of action, then it doesn't matter what's right, it's only wrong if you get caught. If consequences dictate the course of action, then I should play God...
by Fehr and Balanced on Nov 30, 2009 6:08 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I actually have thought about that. There are a few problems with doing that. First, the camera angles I/we have access to make it really hard to break down neutral zone play. It would be working with disjointed quick clips. Second, it would require me watching lots of trap hockey, which I hate. It’s on the list, but it’s low on the list. I can show what the Caps try to do, why it fails, and what the proper way to beat the trap is, it would just be real time consuming. (FWIW the list I have in my head is PK, PP, cycle, forecheck, crash the net, defend the crease, clearing the zone, neutral zone play. Based on some discussions I’ve had PK is probably up next. As stated, I’m also open to suggestions if people want to see something else.)
If consequences dictate the course of action, then it doesn't matter what's right, it's only wrong if you get caught. If consequences dictate the course of action, then I should play God...
by Fehr and Balanced on Nov 30, 2009 5:55 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Cool. I like your list and respect the amount of work required.
"Let the rest be scared of us." - Emo Bunny Sasha Semin
by Scott in Shaw on Nov 30, 2009 6:21 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks, I was more making a joke about my well-known hatred of the Trap than I was trying to be a threatening dick. I’m definitely open to suggestions so don’t feel scared off, I was just heading off some snark that I saw coming from a mile away (just like my Will-Ferrell-as-Harry-Caray line in the post that has been sadly overlooked).
If consequences dictate the course of action, then it doesn't matter what's right, it's only wrong if you get caught. If consequences dictate the course of action, then I should play God...
by Fehr and Balanced on Nov 30, 2009 6:39 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
My preference would be to tackle defending the crease. That seems like a ninja art that doesn’t get talked about any time other than a guy “kabonging” a forward… are Locker references acceptable in the Rink?
If you go with PK, be sure to clarify with or without their sticks. ;)
DC, where Hockey is a baffling ordeal.
by Chris meet Alex on Dec 2, 2009 1:09 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Clearing the crease is one that I think is interesting, but it’s going to be very tough to get the film. We’ll see what I can do.
Opinions of yours I don't care about: Politics, Religion, Ovechkin.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 2, 2009 10:13 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I’d appreciate a long fanpost about the trap since we seem to struggle against it.
by caps19 on Dec 9, 2009 9:58 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Short Answer
Individualism. When the Caps’ top two lines encounter the trap, their play breaks down into 5 individuals each trying to beat the trap by themselves.
Beating the trap requires several things:
1. Good, quick outlet passes to prevent the opponent from even setting up the trap.
2. Transitions through the neutral zone with deliberate haste.
3. A willingness and capability to dump and chase.
The Caps don’t have a ton of defensemen who make great outlet passes. Their top-6 forwards love to carry the puck and make “cute” plays in the neutral zone. Their top-6 forwards really don’t like to play dump and chase, and because they’re not set up for it in transition, they can’t do it effectively.
The result? Lots of turnovers at the blue lines and lots of ugly neutral-zone play, particularly by our elite forwards.
I'm trying to work out a deal with a club in Europe
by D'ohboy on Nov 30, 2009 6:11 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Thanks for the knowledge. My comparitively uneducated response/observation is that a lot of these points are also problems even when the other team isn’t trapping.
"Let the rest be scared of us." - Emo Bunny Sasha Semin
by Scott in Shaw on Nov 30, 2009 6:20 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
These are just my offhanded observations on their issues with the trap. I’m guessing F&B will probably have something to add. :)
The individualism is definitely not a problem just with the trap, it’s noticeable any time the Caps are struggling. It’s a problem with many teams comprised of very talented players. These guys have spent their whole lives being the best player on any team they played for – they’re used to taking the whole team on their back and winning the game single-handedly. It’s not surprising that they try to do the same in the NHL when things aren’t working.
I'm trying to work out a deal with a club in Europe
by D'ohboy on Nov 30, 2009 6:34 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
You pretty much nailed it, just need more MS Paint. These problems do apply basically anytime the Caps get into a tight checking defensive game (not a good sign for the Spring). There are a couple other ways to beat a Trap (back-pass to the D for a quick diagonal cross ice pass) but as I said, that’s going to be real hard to document with screen caps based on the camera angles we get. I’d kill to get my hands on the scout tapes for this exercise.
If consequences dictate the course of action, then it doesn't matter what's right, it's only wrong if you get caught. If consequences dictate the course of action, then I should play God...
by Fehr and Balanced on Nov 30, 2009 6:41 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Excellent post. Connected to this issue of AO coming up the ice with his linemates, I’ve noticed that a lot of the best chances that the top line has been getting off the rush (including AO’s goal against Buffalo) in the past two games have started with Ovechkin picking up the puck around the top of the circles.
He hasn’t been leaving the zone as early looking to get behind the D, and to me this has had two major benefits. 1) he isn’t getting so far ahead of his linemates so they are entering the zone together creating plays like the one F&B explained and 2) he is doing a better job at supporting the D and getting the puck out of the zone when it comes out around the points.
I thought that one of the biggest reasons why the D looked so solid against Buffalo was that the forwards were doing a great job backchecking and getting the puck out high in the zone to reduce the amount of time spent running around in the D zone. Makes you wonder how much of that is due to Ovechkin leading by example.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Nov 30, 2009 9:47 AM EST reply actions 3 recs
Those are really solid points about AO helping on D and the D clearing the zone. I definitely noticed AO swooping low to start that BUF rush as well. I think there are several things that play into our ability to clear, one of which being Karl Alzner. Getting the puck out of the zone requires quick, decisive, crisp passes. You don’t have time to dick around when there is a forecheck on. But at least half our D on any given game (before Alzner) are not capable of playing the puck like that.
If consequences dictate the course of action, then it doesn't matter what's right, it's only wrong if you get caught. If consequences dictate the course of action, then I should play God...
by Fehr and Balanced on Nov 30, 2009 10:04 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
This is the one thing I loved about when Feds played defense last year. Beautiful outlet passes.
Great post F & B. Had a similar discussion at my 9 year old nephew’s soccer game 2 weeks ago. Forwards were getting no support from the midfielders in 1st half. It was 1 on 3 to 2 on 6 the whole first half. In the second half coach juggled the lineup and all of sudden the midfielders were moving forward and the play on the offensive side was more like 4 on 4 and 6 on 6. 1st half = 0 goals. 2nd half = 2 goals.
A man gotta have a code
by CP2Devil on Nov 30, 2009 10:16 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Can someone define “outlet pass” for me?
SO FЯIENDS, IS BATTLE NOW.
by Your Nation's Capital on Nov 30, 2009 11:51 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Pass from your own defensive zone up to the forward in the neutral zone. Same way I used the word “headman” in my post.
If consequences dictate the course of action, then it doesn't matter what's right, it's only wrong if you get caught. If consequences dictate the course of action, then I should play God...
by Fehr and Balanced on Nov 30, 2009 11:58 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
It can’t be said enough, this is great work F & B. FWIW, I expected nothing less from you.
One quick point I wanted to make – I do wonder if Knuble is cut out for playing RW alongside Ovechkin. Is he fast enough to keep up with 8-19 on the rush and be in the zone in time to drive the net the way Flash did on that goal against Buffalo? That bears keeping on eye on when 22 returns, and I suspect it’s why Boudreau continues to flip him and Sasha in that spot when both are healthy.
by Kolzilla on Nov 30, 2009 10:52 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
While the one play may be an anomaly, Giroux was in the rush with AO in the second example above. He’s slow as dirt so I have hope. Knuble has thrived with high skill and speed players before, most notably in PHI, so I assume he knows how to make it work. But I definitely understand the concern.
If consequences dictate the course of action, then it doesn't matter what's right, it's only wrong if you get caught. If consequences dictate the course of action, then I should play God...
by Fehr and Balanced on Nov 30, 2009 11:13 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
All I know is that AO shoulda had this goal. And that Knuble would have buried that rebound.
SO FЯIENDS, IS BATTLE NOW.
by Your Nation's Capital on Nov 30, 2009 11:49 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
You know quite a bit more than that, YNC. And yeah, anyone one would have been better to try to get that rebound than Giroux.
If consequences dictate the course of action, then it doesn't matter what's right, it's only wrong if you get caught. If consequences dictate the course of action, then I should play God...
by Fehr and Balanced on Nov 30, 2009 11:59 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Betcha Knuble was hollering at the teevee, from whereever he was watching the game.
SO FЯIENDS, IS BATTLE NOW.
by Your Nation's Capital on Nov 30, 2009 12:03 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
… whereever he was watching the game.
Philly. Duh.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Nov 30, 2009 12:20 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Oh, that’s right. Prolly at Mike Richards’ pad.
SO FЯIENDS, IS BATTLE NOW.
by Your Nation's Capital on Nov 30, 2009 12:30 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm late to the party
But awesome work F&B.
Because now I can justify browsing and commenting during the work day with the argument that I am promoting my business.
by Sombrero Guy on Nov 30, 2009 2:08 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Nah – the party doesn’t start ’til you get here, SG.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Nov 30, 2009 3:23 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
And Anyway
The After-party is the one you want to attend.
If consequences dictate the course of action, then it doesn't matter what's right, it's only wrong if you get caught. If consequences dictate the course of action, then I should play God...
by Fehr and Balanced on Nov 30, 2009 3:31 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Ain’t no party like a Japers’ party…
SO FЯIENDS, IS BATTLE NOW.
by Your Nation's Capital on Nov 30, 2009 3:45 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Sweet
This is some good stuff, F&B.
This whole analysis only makes me wonder how many goals Ovie might have scored in the 1970-1995 firewagon hockey era. The defensive zone coverage that Buffalo threw at him was practically unheard of back then. The idea that the off-D would do anything other than offer up a token hook/slash, or that the backchecking center would actually, you know. . . backcheck, were pretty much unheard of. Moreover, the notion that a 6’8" defenseman could skate well enough to engage an onrushing forward at the blueline without the forward simply burning around him was pretty much science fiction in that era.
I'm trying to work out a deal with a club in Europe
by D'ohboy on Nov 30, 2009 4:49 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
And you watch the old clips of Gretzky wide open in the slot. I’d love to see AO get that kind of “defensive attention.” I’m definitely glad you appreciate the work, though I suspect it was pretty elementary for you.
If consequences dictate the course of action, then it doesn't matter what's right, it's only wrong if you get caught. If consequences dictate the course of action, then I should play God...
by Fehr and Balanced on Nov 30, 2009 4:59 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Those “Classic” games on the NHL Network just kill me. No defense being played, and the goalies just plain sucked. One thing I find shocking is the amount of hooking/holding/slashing/etc. Having watched a ton of hockey during the dreaded trap era, I always thought that the clutching and grabbing was a partial cause for the scoring drought. Looking back at those old games, though, the players used to clutch and grab like no other – they just didn’t move their feet, so their defense still sucked.
Actually, I meant to ask. . . How’d you do the screen-grab thingy? I use a Mac (typical elitist), so I suppose I could just use “Grab,” but I figure there might be a better way.
It’s good stuff, and the use of pictures is great – I’d take more than 1000 words to describe all that.
I just have to speculate – is this the product of some free time away from school/work? This is way to involved to have been done while slacking off. :)
I'm trying to work out a deal with a club in Europe
by D'ohboy on Nov 30, 2009 5:10 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
My screencap tutorial is here, with Mac advice from the Mac folk included.
SO FЯIENDS, IS BATTLE NOW.
by Your Nation's Capital on Nov 30, 2009 5:20 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks
One of these days, I’ll get on something. I’m still kicking myself for not finishing my “scouting report” from the Bears. I’d have looked pretty prescient regarding Perrault. D’oh.
I'm trying to work out a deal with a club in Europe
by D'ohboy on Nov 30, 2009 5:56 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Just don't step on my toes, I got a gig now
Just kidding. More Rink Rat contributions are going to take this place through the roof.
If consequences dictate the course of action, then it doesn't matter what's right, it's only wrong if you get caught. If consequences dictate the course of action, then I should play God...
by Fehr and Balanced on Nov 30, 2009 6:02 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
You should have a utility in your applications folder called “Grab”. That’s your screen grabber if you want to grab just a single window. Apple-Shift-3 will grab the screen and dump it to file, or Ctrl-Apple-Shift-3 will copy it to the clipboard.
Unleash the Alex!
by gotsparkly on Dec 7, 2009 6:10 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I had been thinking about it for a while and then when YNC poster her screen cap tutorial I decided to give it a try. Finals start next week so I knew I wouldn’t have another chance for a while so I did it Saturday night after the hockey ended. I’m hoping to do a more in-depth one during Xmas break. It’s easier than it looks at first glance but finding the video for my next projects is probably going to take way more time than I can/should afford during Finals.
If consequences dictate the course of action, then it doesn't matter what's right, it's only wrong if you get caught. If consequences dictate the course of action, then I should play God...
by Fehr and Balanced on Nov 30, 2009 5:28 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
As an aside, thank you for inserting a jump in your FanPost; it doesn’t make a difference for desktop browsers, but it’s huge on mobile phones. A massive post with no jumps takes forever to scroll past and the site gets unwieldy.
by Knee high to a duck on Dec 2, 2009 10:40 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
I never knew that. About the mobile phones that is. Noted for further FanPostery; I will make better use of the jump myself.
IS SOЯE KИEE AND TЯACK SUIT NOW
by Your Nation's Capital on Dec 2, 2009 10:54 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
As someone who also checks from his phone I’m totally with you.
Opinions of yours I don't care about: Politics, Religion, Ovechkin.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 2, 2009 11:18 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Rec’d.
Though I’m probably a culprit with my fan posts as well.
DC, where Hockey is a baffling ordeal.
by Chris meet Alex on Dec 2, 2009 8:22 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
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Southeast Standings
| GP | W | L | OTL | PT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Washington
|
70 | 47 | 14 | 9 | 103 |
|
Atlanta
|
69 | 29 | 29 | 11 | 69 |
|
Tampa Bay
|
69 | 28 | 29 | 12 | 68 |
|
Florida
|
68 | 28 | 30 | 10 | 66 |
|
Carolina
|
69 | 28 | 33 | 8 | 64 |
(updated 3.17.2010 at 8:57 AM EDT)
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