Physical play is a bonus, not a necessity. Chiarot hits a lot because he’s told to, and he knows Mo loves it, not because it’s an effective option. If he isn’t gaining possession of the puck from the hit, he’s just taking himself out of the play*.
Point is: Chiarot does not contribute positively to any aspect or area of the game, and at 26, that points streak is likely his best run.
*there is some level of merit to being hitty in the playoffs. You’re not going to wear anyone but yourself down by being overly-physical during the regular season, but in a 7 game series, it does show.
- Rexypoo
I am reminded of a Star Trek episode where a computer was beating Spock at a logic game until Spock changed his strategy and played for a tie rather than a w.
Hockey has many games within the game - try to look at the effectiveness as players such as Chiarot and consider the role they are asked to do (change the pace of the game, provide rest time for scorers, be frustrating to play against, trusted to take short shifts rather than pursue opportunities, block more shots than star players)
Hockey is a team game that is an artform in the way it all comes together, not math equations. It is very peculiar in that there are many different roles/styles asked of players even playing the same position.
Hockey would be very frustrating to watch without an understanding of this.
