1/ On Sunday's GAME TAPE thread (quoted below), I presented observations on balanced lines - and a formula for generating offensive chemistry.
In 'Part 2', I'll explain how Monday's needless loss to the Leafs is actually rooted in issues with the #Preds 2nd line…
In 'Part 2', I'll explain how Monday's needless loss to the Leafs is actually rooted in issues with the #Preds 2nd line…
2/ After two initial victories against Chicago & Winnipeg, the staff wanted to help a struggling #Preds 2nd line.
Unfortunately, their solution was something akin to a "Jenga" error. They began pulling the wrong pieces out of place - weakening the balance of the structure...
Unfortunately, their solution was something akin to a "Jenga" error. They began pulling the wrong pieces out of place - weakening the balance of the structure...
3/ To rehabilitate the Duchene & Granlund duo...it was decided that replacing Jarnkrok with Forsberg would be the solution.
In doing this, the #Preds destroyed their elite JOFA line...and got in return a still-underwhelming 2nd line...
In doing this, the #Preds destroyed their elite JOFA line...and got in return a still-underwhelming 2nd line...
4/ Taking a look at the run-up to the recent Toronto game, you could see common issues plaguing the #Preds 2nd line...
In *both* the Jarnkrok & Forsberg iterations, you don't *typically* see magic or chemistry. It's a poor man's attempt at recreating JOFA's cycling dazzle:
In *both* the Jarnkrok & Forsberg iterations, you don't *typically* see magic or chemistry. It's a poor man's attempt at recreating JOFA's cycling dazzle:
5/ While individually talented (again, be it the Jarnkrok or Forsberg iterations), it's like they move as islands "unto themselves".
The unbalanced composition of this #Preds 2nd line (explained clearly later), may make it difficult for them to reach & support each other:
The unbalanced composition of this #Preds 2nd line (explained clearly later), may make it difficult for them to reach & support each other:
6/ So it's no surprise that when you look at each goal members of this #Preds 2nd line have scored...they're not the result of any line chemistry.
These are highly individualized displays of skill, mostly occurring when they're not near each other:
These are highly individualized displays of skill, mostly occurring when they're not near each other:
7/ That was all in the lead-up to Toronto. Apparently there are rave reviews for this #Preds 2nd line, based on a goal scored in Toronto last night.
True, all three players were "involved" in achieving this goal. But I would caution against over-hyping a "3-on-1" rush:
True, all three players were "involved" in achieving this goal. But I would caution against over-hyping a "3-on-1" rush:
8/ I would also caution against over-hyping the even-strength play of the #Preds 2nd line.
Toronto isn't exactly heralded for their defensive acumen. When they collapsed in, and left the boards open...of course the 20 million dollar 2nd line could take advantage:
Toronto isn't exactly heralded for their defensive acumen. When they collapsed in, and left the boards open...of course the 20 million dollar 2nd line could take advantage:
9/ But when the long, distant, mumbling, grumbling voice of Mike Babcock echoed in the back of those Lil' Maple Leafs' heads...
...they took away that space. And you the #Preds 2nd line's play-making opportunities just dried up:
...they took away that space. And you the #Preds 2nd line's play-making opportunities just dried up:
10/ The fundamental problem with this #Preds 2nd line is that it's *unbalanced*.
Specifically, it's missing that *hyper-sonic* speed element.
A Grimaldi-style rocket who can evade defenses - thereby pulling them out of position & creating opportunities:
Specifically, it's missing that *hyper-sonic* speed element.
A Grimaldi-style rocket who can evade defenses - thereby pulling them out of position & creating opportunities:
11/ If you don't believe this is the case, note that the #Preds "Jarnkrok - Johansen - Watson" line suffered from a similar imbalance.
But watch how adding a single *hyper-sonic* speed element (ie. Grimaldi) to the skill/strength of the line...dramatically improved its cycling:
But watch how adding a single *hyper-sonic* speed element (ie. Grimaldi) to the skill/strength of the line...dramatically improved its cycling:
12/ The #Preds went into the Leafs game with three fundamentally flawed & unbalanced lines. They paid the price for it.
Grimaldi & Arvidsson's line lacked strength. Johansen & Watson's line needed speed. Duchene & Granlund need to be separated...
Grimaldi & Arvidsson's line lacked strength. Johansen & Watson's line needed speed. Duchene & Granlund need to be separated...
13/ In 'Part 3', we'll categorize the #Preds roster according to how they fit within the "Hyper-Sonic Speed + Strength + Wildcard" formula.
We'll also consider recent history to formulate optimal offensive lines - which has not been done so far!
We'll also consider recent history to formulate optimal offensive lines - which has not been done so far!
