When you’ve been involved in the game of hockey, you get to understand the nuances between systems or styles of play. That goes beyond saying so-and-so isn’t playing well or missed a check. And it certainly goes well beyond any stats you can find out there. Everyone knows the expression “playing the trap” but if you asked them to describe it, very few could actually do it, or fully get it. This is no knock on hockey fans, but it comes with years of playing, watching and studying the game. And that’s why NHL coaches are well ahead of any fan out there, whether they agree with it or not.
Continue reading “Coach’s Hat Trick: Two Types of Defense Philosophies”