In reading different blog analyses of the past couple of games, I've seen a couple mentions of the Columbus Blue Jackets' questionable passing during games, especially the long transition passes from the defensemen to the forwards to ignite fast breaks. I'm gathering that some commenters think that the inconsistent-to-poor passing is a big contributor to the CBJ's - ummm - inconsistent performance.
I'm not sure if this should be taken as a positive sign, but perhaps the most time in the off-day practice that DBT and I attended was spent on just this topic...long passes by defensemen. In fact the whole practice was basically passing drills - and special teams work.
So is it good that Scott Arniel and his staff recognize this as an issue that demands attention, or is it not good that the team isn't picking up what the coaches are teaching in practice?
I certainly don't think it's the biggest component, but it's definitely up there on the list. They're far better now than they were under Hitch (passes are at least on target now, even if they have to waste time settling them down) but a little more crispness would certainly go a long way toward turning some of these wasted scoring chances into goals.
ReplyDeleteUp in section 207 we call those tape to boot passes.
ReplyDeletegallos
Canadiens/Canucks fan here, and admirer of the Blue Jackets, quite frankly...
ReplyDeleteThe fact that Scott Arniel and his staff recognize this as an issue that demands attention is very good. If the team isn't picking up what the coaches are teaching in practice, they just need to practice harder.
I, for one, believe the Blue Jackets have some great heart and soul. I also think the negative focus on Arniel is, to a certain extent, unwarranted.
One of the things I like about the Blue Jackets is the grinding. Keep that up, practice the play making (without it you're dead), keep up the hitting LOTS OF HITTING, grinding, hurt the other guys, make them pay for their goals. And the Blue Jackets will turn things around.