Aaronp18 wrote:
Some have also complained about the coaching staff's inability to make adjustments to the opposition. I've always hated this argument because when the Canucks are successful they are the ones dictating the play and forcing the opponent to adjust, as you mentioned. As soon as the Canucks get off their game plan (whether it be due to injuries, fatigue or simply uninspired play) is when they get into real trouble.
This complaint would be mine.....
While part of what you say is true, sometimes the Canucks are going to run into a team where the Vancouver gameplan is not going to work. It is no different than when teams run into Vancouver and cannot get their gameplan to work. Simple strategy really.
Defensively you will not get an argument from me regarding Vigneault, he knows how to coach a team to buy into that system and stymie the opponent in the neutral zone while, for the most part, keeping them to the outside in the defensive zone.
Offensively is a different story, and this is where adjustments need to be made.....and this holds true for any team and coach.
When your playbook has been read by the opponent, and they setup wall, sometimes you just can't keep throwing bodies at it. Sometimes you have to come at it from a different angle. I don't understand why some people seem to think that you can make the other guy play your game if you just stick with it.
Boston and LA were more than happy to let the Canucks play Vigneault's gameplan, they just setup against it and waited for the Canucks to do exactly what they expected them to do. The result was a complete inability for the Canucks to score at their usual pace. Yes, injuries played part. But why was an uber talented team like Vancouver completely incapable of replicating the success of a team like Tampa Bay from just a week or so before? It had nothing to do with Boston altering their gameplan, I watched both series. The Bolt's just exposed the weaknesses in Boston's defense and goaltender. Limited mobility, slow feet, and Thomas way out of his net and screwed on the weakside rebound or cross ice one-timer. Vancouver didn't even try to do this. Watch the Canucks first PP unit tonight, or next game you watch. The Sedins move up and down the wall, but nobody else really moves around. PK's just have to setup in the passing lanes and not bite on the puck carrier. Gameover. PP dead. 2 minutes of wasted time. Zero motion. Sure, the PP works against some teams, the ones that play a little more high risk and try to pressure the puck carrier into a turnover. Henrik is too deft a passer not to beat that half the time, but if you just sit back and don't give him or Daniel a pass, well they just have to go back to the corner or to the point.....and everyone knows our pointmen can't hit the broad side of a barn 90% of the time.
Defensive gameplans will always be something that you try and keep fairly static.....if they are solid and well thought out. Vigneault's certainly are. Offense and attack are things you adjust to try and make your opponent either change his defensive strategy or expose the weakness and make him pay for not adjusting.