snip...

A much, much bigger problem than lack of physicality on defense is the gap between the forwards and D. That causes d-men to have to back in and also limits chances to take the body when there's too much real estate to cover.

Watch the Rangers and other defensively excellent teams: it always seems like there are two of their players in the vicinity of the puck and those passes over the middle just aren't there. Philly's forwards provide defensive puck support only sporadically. Hell, they aren't even that good about rotating someone up high when a D-man pinches.
- bmeltzer

This. This. 1000 times this.

Biggest issue with this team imo is that gap between the D and the forwards. It affects everything from team defense, to goaltending, to our breakout, to our lack of puck support, to our ability to transition off a turnover. It's killing them, and until they fix it, we are going to continue to struggle.

I dont disagree. Suter is an all around better defenseman IMO. Only problem is you will have a bunch of teams bidding on Suter and the price is going to be raised higher than expected. I think with Lidstrom hanging the skates up and all the money Detroit has its going to be tough to compete with them for Suter.
- stveshdy

wouldn't be shocked of someone gives him 7 or 8 years in the 56 mil neighborhood.

I dont disagree. Suter is an all around better defenseman IMO. Only problem is you will have a bunch of teams bidding on Suter and the price is going to be raised higher than expected. I think with Lidstrom hanging the skates up and all the money Detroit has its going to be tough to compete with them for Suter.
- stveshdy

Providing the Flyers can use amnesty on Briere or Bryz. They should be in a good position to go after him. Just hope that Prongers cap space that he takes up in the summer isn't an issue

Providing the Flyers can use amnesty on Briere or Bryz. They should be in a good position to go after him. Just hope that Prongers cap space that he takes up in the summer isn't an issue
- Just5

unless i'm mistaken, they're not going to be able to use amnesty on briere or bryz by UFA season this summer since the CBA doesn't expire until september.

statistics tell a completely different story about yandle, but i cannot say i watch a bunch of 'yotes games.
- OrangeBlack27

It's fairly common knowledge that Yandle is not a reliable defensive defensemen.

Klesla/Schlemko are the shutdown pair.

This. This. 1000 times this.

Biggest issue with this team imo is that gap between the D and the forwards. It affects everything from team defense, to goaltending, to our breakout, to our lack of puck support, to our ability to transition off a turnover. It's killing them, and until they fix it, we are going to continue to struggle.
- BringBack25

I dont understand why this seems so complicated to fix. Its basic fundamentals of playing hockey. It comes down to be committed and giving effort in both ends of the ice. Why is this still an issue with 20 games left in the season is beyond me.

It's fairly common knowledge that Yandle is not a reliable defensive defensemen.

Klesla/Schlemko are the shutdown pair.
- bradleyc4

Based on what? Yandle is not a liability on defense.

The other pairing you listed has been in and out of the lineup.

unless i'm mistaken, they're not going to be able to use amnesty on briere or bryz by UFA season this summer since the CBA doesn't expire until september.
- OrangeBlack27

hmmmm they could have problems then

I dont understand why this seems so complicated to fix. Its basic fundamentals of playing hockey. It comes down to be committed and giving effort in both ends of the ice. Why is this still an issue with 20 games left in the season is beyond me.
- stveshdy

under laviolette's system, it can be complicated, imo. i think the effort thing can be a bit too easy of an answer. maybe it's because all three forwards are busting their ass in the o zone and get caught deep?

i refuse to pose for you in various rooms with different hairstyles
- Crimsoninja

i refuse to pose for you in various rooms with different hairstyles
- Crimsoninja

You fascist pig

under laviolette's system, it can be complicated, imo. i think the effort thing can be a bit too easy of an answer. maybe it's because all three forwards are busting their ass in the o zone and get caught deep?
- OrangeBlack27

Then the system needs to have adjustments which im sure the coach has done. As a player you have to take responsibility on getting back into your own zone imo.

Based on what? Yandle is not a liability on defense.

The other pairing you listed has been in and out of the lineup.
- stveshdy

How much PK time has Yandle accrued?

How much PK time has Yandle accrued?
- bradleyc4

You said accrued.

How much PK time has Yandle accrued?
- bradleyc4

More importantly, what is his +/- ?

I dont understand why this seems so complicated to fix. Its basic fundamentals of playing hockey. It comes down to be committed and giving effort in both ends of the ice. Why is this still an issue with 20 games left in the season is beyond me.
- stveshdy

Tired? Chasing stats? Cheating now because they know they can't in the playoffs?

Then the system needs to have adjustments which im sure the coach has done. As a player you have to take responsibility on getting back into your own zone imo.
- stveshdy

I wouldn't be so sure, to be honest. Lavy is a pretty stubborn guy. I'm sure some minor adjustments are made based on time/place/score/opponent, but his system in general is very aggressive.

Tired? Chasing stats? Cheating now because they know they can't in the playoffs?
- rockychocbill

Or, the attacking offensive style that Lava wants them to play leads to these types of gaps. The players are also to blame. They need to tighten up.

More importantly, what is his +/- ?
- hockeylover

awesome

3-1 isles

More importantly, what is his +/- ?
- hockeylover

Plus 7 this yr

+12
+16
past two seasons.

Plus 7 this yr

+12
+16
past two seasons.
- stveshdy

easy to be a plus player when you're facing inferior competition and starting your shifts in the o zone.

edit: also, the flaws of +/- are pretty bleepin' obvious.

Plus 7 this yr

+12
+16
past two seasons.
- stveshdy

List of PHX defensemen who have played at least 15 games and have logged more PK time than Yandle:

Rusty Klesla
Derek Morris
David Schlemko
Adrian Aucoin
Mike Rozsival
Chris Summers (?!?)
Oliver Ekman-Larsson

then Yandle.

3-1 isles
- flyfan1212

I wouldn't be so sure, to be honest. Lavy is a pretty stubborn guy. I'm sure some minor adjustments are made based on time/place/score/opponent, but his system in general is very aggressive.
- OrangeBlack27

Just going by what Lavi has said on radio. He said they make adjustments.