Hockey-78

Sure, he was clean. I don't know what got to him in that situation. Well shooting percentage depends on the overall level of the goalies too. I dare say the goalies (too) are better these days than in the 80's. Their techniques have improved vastly. I believe quite a few of Bossy's shots wouldn't be credited as goals year 2018. Shooting technique probably has remained more or less the same. But with the advance of equipment players get much more power and accuracy in to their shots than back then. And probably any changes in the details of shooting favor Laine, I doubt they've left anything valuable out in the past 30 years. For the record, overall I value Bossy and his game much more than Laine's. Laine seems to rely on his shot heavily, to this day very one dimensional player.

@yave1964 I appreciate you putting a serious effort into these opening posts! Yeah, they play fast as hell. But you're right tough, the Wings are trash. Not the most suitable opponent to start analysing your team. Nevertheless their 1st line works nicely together. Aho, Ferland and TT. Or is Staall there instead of TT? If they only had a quality starting goalie, they could do wonders. Faulk is an excellent offensive D, would love to have him in the Wild jersey. Yeah, a fun team to watch since now that the league has killed all the physicality in the game so what's left is the speed.

Definitely.

Okay. That's probably the combo most to Laine's liking. Two hard working guys doing the dirty work and setting him up for one timers. Yeah, Little is by no means too old but playing for over a decade in the league takes it's toll, I can understand your buddy's reaction. And I've seen Ehlers play a lot, fantastic hands with a high hockey IQ, can't see him as the culprit. Maybe it's Laine? Feeling a bit lazy, not keen to dig the puck in the corners etc.

Was it this shot you're talking about? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgaEQglzGuE Mike Bossy was a fantastic player in his day. Not trying to pick a fight but I have a hard time believing they taught better shooting technique some 30 years ago. I sense some nostalgic feelings behind this...

Yes. At some point Maurice has to react. Three top picks who's already established themselves in the league but together not getting anything done. I don't think Scheifele and Wheeler can carry the team all by themselves although the Avs seem to be going nicely just by their 1st line scoring.

True. Plus I think he's pretty selective when he even uses his foot speed. Ok he's a big kid but I would see his tendency to take big wide circles as a problem. He likes to casually look around for some neat little opportunity which just doesn't occur by itself especially 5 on 5. So far 8 games, 3 PPG, no goals 5 on 5 (341 players have at least 1 goal). Scheifele and Wheeler play on another line which might explain it. Interesting to see how things develop.

Granny's zone entries are fine but he can't be the puck carrier all the time.

Hi Alex, what's going down pal? Quite a few doesn't remember those 100 points since they didn't accumulate anything in the playoffs - back-to-back 1st round exits! One could even argue that those exits hurt a lot more because the regular season hinted there would be more to come. I was in no hurry to sign in here since it was summer and like already mentioned, nothing really changed with this team. What was there to talk about? The "tweaks"? *no pun intended* Since this place is moderated I have a feeling we won't be seeing the "high voltage" discussions we used to. And for the record, I'm glad it's that way in here. Calling names grows old fast especially without a moderator. But hey, let's have a good one in here bud!

Hi Chuck, I know you missed me, no need for any smoke screens. Welcome back!

Yeah I agree but first they need to place a bag of dynamite under the current PP system and units and think it all over. 55 goals is a dream if Suter continues his show on the blueline not to mention Koivu and lack of players wanting to get bruised in front of the net. How would you run our PP, wildstar?

Ah, the first shot at me. Fair enough. Although seeing in the offseason we're going with the same old roster another season really didn't get me excited. I'll probably post the same old rants I did last season!

Thanks hf101 - I like you already!

Why thank you! Aiming to raise the level of hockey IQ in discussions but if voltage works for you then that's what you're gonna get...