Nashville Exposed
If you've been watching the semi-finals lately, particularly the Phoenix/Nashville series, you know that Rinne has given up as many goals in to two games against Phoenix as he did in five games against Detroit. If you're like me, you're thinking "Where was THIS version of Rinne when we played him?"
Well, he was right here...
Hudler scored that goal by crashing the net. Phoenix has been doing that constantly for two games now and are being rewarded for it. Rinne is completely rattled out there. He's slamming his stick after goals and turning the puck over on routine plays. He's giving up huge rebounds and there tends to be a Coyote there to bury it. He gave up huge rebounds against Detroit, too, but instead of going to the net, guys like Franzen tended to glide away from traffic for some reason.
Datsyuk scored this goal because he forechecked and pressured the Nashville defense. Phoenix has been doing that for two games now and has forced dozens of turnovers. One right after the other. Where was this crappy defense when Detroit played them?
Better question: Where was this Phoenix-level of forecheck when we were playing Nashville? Why weren't we crashing the net when we played Nashville? Detroit had the ability to beat Rinne clean about once per game, but in order to win, they really needed to get dirty. They were not willing to do that, hence the long summer.
There are other factors, of course. Nashville seems to be playing like they already accomplished their main goal of beating Detroit while Phoenix seems intent on going further. There's also the lack of hilariously absurd good luck going Nashville's way. No more dump-ins grazing off of 2 sticks before hitting off the post and going in. No more centering passes to no one deflecting off a dozen skates before landing on the tape of the only open skater on the ice. Nope. Can't win 16 playoff games relying on luck. Can't win 4 series hoping to always draw lazy teams.
Watching Phoenix match our offensive output in just 2 games sucks, but it's also a good thing if our team is taking notes. Remember this next year, guys. When cute doesn't get the job done, get your hands dirty.
Comparing how a team plays against our team with how they play against another is stupid. Different players, different mindset. Not to mention, we're in the same division. They know everything about us and we know everything about them. Plus, we probably would have won the series if we didn't put the walking triage that is Daniel Cleary on our top line. Jus sayin!
Maybe I'm biased because I'm from Winnipeg,but if the Coyotes somehow manage to win the Cup this year,I won't be able to help but think the fix is in.I mean,think about it:wouldn't that make a great selling point Bettman could use to help the NHL unload this money pit of a team?
Every team has their nemesis that dominates them, even if it can't dominate anyone else. For us, Nashville was our nemesis after the trade deadline that we couldn't solve. That's why I wanted us to draw #6 so we could see Nashville dumped in Round 1 and we stomp the Yotes. Regardless, Nashville crumbles under aggression, not skill. Aggression was the main thing we lacked this season. I really hope we get some angry people on our team over the summer and that the anger on rises over the course of the season. Losing indirectly to Phoenix should inspire anger like nothing else (that's assuming Phoenix wins the series; Detroit loses to Nashville who loses to Phoenix).
"There's also the lack of hilariously absurd good luck going Nashville's way"
I don't know man, that Yip goal in Game 1 was about what I've come to expect from NSH. I mean I'm glad it didn't result in NSH winning but that's the kind of crap that they live off of. After that, I'll agree that their luck has seemingly run out.
Only problem is that I can't route for Phx. And I'm not too bitter about the Nashville series, we beat ourselves so I don't think they're a strong team nor do I think they warrant any hate from me. It's almost become a battle of which fanbase I can tolerate less. The Underwoods or the Oh-My-God-I-just-saw-Jeremy-Roenick-on-a-Scottsdale-Golfcourse-and-he-winked-at-me's. I mean really? Jeremy Roenick? Their icon?
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@brendanksullivan Think bigger. If Nashville goes out in Round 2, Suter is more likely to leave than had they made it to the Conference Finals, which gives us a way better shot of signing him.
I was thinking the other day when I heard Trotz told Lidas to come back. Weber told him to come back. Poile voicing his desire to see him play 1 more year. All the Nashville players in the media saying they hope he comes back. Then it hit me. They want him back so that we don't have the need/space to sign Suter away from them.
Perhaps a little far fetched but it sort of makes sense, right?
@DetCapC19 Haha I think that is very far-fetched. Saying he should come back another year is a no-brainer and it's good for the game, the sport, the fans and probably the players since he exudes such an air of class. I wouldn't look too deeply into that one, they know it's going to be tough to keep him no matter what because Lidstrom or no, there are 30 teams interested in Suter.
Nashville also seems to be playing different vs. Phx. Like, they're taking more chances and getting burned on them. They sat back against us and played patiently knowing that if they made a mistake, we'd probably make them pay for it. They don't seem to be that worried about that against Phx even though they probably are now.
Also, Rinne apparently sucks when he faces 35 shots or less. Although, not sure how you formulate a strategy that forces you to not shoot the puck. Hahaha.
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@DetCapC19 "not sure how you formulate a strategy that forces you to not shoot the puck" Easy, let Hudler plan the offense.
Interesting article. Watching the series so far, my husband and I are saying exactly the same thing. I would also add that, if the current Detroit and Phoenix teams were playing each other this year, I would see Phoenix winning the series. Bottom line is, Phoenix has the fire, Detroit doesn't. Hopefully (and probably painfully) Detroit will begin to correct that problem this off-season.
Problem is, we aren't built to get the dirty goals anymore. We rely on perimiter plays and pretty passing to turn the other team around. We need a serious infusion of grit and, for lack of a better word, bastardness. Pretty boy teams don't get it done anymore.
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@KevinMichael thing is, anyone can be a bastard, but not everyone can score sexy goals. so it's cool that we have a team that can make nice passes and beat teams that way, but there's no reason a guy can't sacrifice himself for a scoring chance. they just chose not to.
Does anyone else think it would be hilarious if Phoenix went to the conference finals or beyond? I'm hoping they do!
@teddywings i was really hoping for a phoenix vs florida finals. oh well. phoenix vs anyone would be fine. mostly because it would be funny to see phoenix win the cup and still lose money or to see them win the cup and then raise the banner in another town the next season.
@Twig @teddywings Would be epic to have a Cup banner raising ceremony at some other city's first game. The best part is how it would draw attention to Gary's failure.
@Twig @teddywings I'd like to see Phoenix or LA win the cup this year, hopefully by sweeping the flyers in the finals...
