Can somebody with a better hockey mind please explain to me our defensive coverage.
Time and time again, I notice that opposing teams have their way in our zone. I notice that our team sticks to this "box" and allows the opposing team to cycle and hold on to the puck. As it stands, our best hope is that the team coughs it up or we get a blocked shot. I never see our wingers try to challenge platers on the half boards. When the puck goes into the boards, our players do not go for it and elect to sit back and allow teams to shoot around.
I noticed Tampa + many other teams stopping the cycle on the boards and I see how effective that is. I think one reason why Markstrom has to stand on his head most nights is because of the amount of time we let teams cycle in our zone. It is so frustrating to watch and was very prominent in the Chicago game (which i believe was the reason they kept coming back)
I can see this as an issue in the playoffs when we are up by one goal and the intensity increases. When given that much time to set up and cycle, most teams, especially good ones will find the back of the net.
I hope i'm not the only one frustrated by this! However, I am hoping someone with a better hockey mind to explain to me why we resort to this and the benefits of it!