Angry Goose

I never played hockey beyond Midget.  So, never really appreciated defensive side of the game, tbh.  I think you may be on to something though.  The team looked very different under WD -- a lot of shoot ins.  And very different under Torts -- a full court press game.  Travis is different again, not sure what his system is, but the team seems to be giving up fewer 3 on 2, 2 on 1s and also seems to be getting more out of Edler, and now Hutton.  They do pinch a lot, and generally don't give up the blueline as easily.

i really think edler has another year or 2 after this season of being a very effective dman for the nucks

the issue will be injuries

but i can see him easily playing 3 seasons after this one, he might decline in the 3rd year

he'd be a good mentor for our 2 young prospect, hughes and oj

if those 4 and hutton and stetcher and guddy are the main 7

we have a chance of being a much better d grouping next season

I'm a huge fan of Edler.  That being said, right now you are seeing a defense that can really move.   They are pinching aggressively and doing a pretty good job with coverage in their own end.  I hate to say it but perhaps speed is the nail in the coffin for him.  

Hutton might even be showing he can play a similar role next season:

Hutton Stetcher

Hughes Tanev
Juolevi Gudbranson
Pouliot