HockeyRhetoric

Here’s Robyn Regehr explaining to CBC’s Eliotte Friedman the difference between playing defense for the Flames and the Sabres.

One: “Here, they want the defence to go much further up ice. That doesn’t affect me as much … but I know I’ll have to cover for [partner Tyler Myers].” Two: “[Lindy Ruff] plays some different systems here, including a 1-3-1. I’ve never played that before. In Calgary, we always played a 1-2-2 … As the left defenceman, I’ll be the one [farthest back], but it will still be new for me.” Three: “They play an attacking collapse in the defensive zone … Everywhere I’ve been, there is always supposed to be one defenceman in the front of the net. Here, when the puck goes below the line, both defencemen and a forward pursue, with another forward going to the front.”

Based on what Regehr told Friedman, defensemen on the Flames were instructed to play a safe, traditional, style. » Read the rest of this entry «

If you still think this Sabres team is without any redeemable qualities, you need to check your pulse. These games lately have been exciting and fun to watch. The Sabres’ most important players have been coming through when it matters most and that’s a great sign. I think the elevated competition has really galvanized this group. » Read the rest of this entry «

Forget where you are in your career, the status you’ve been able to achieve and the struggle that it was getting to that place. Forget your age. Let’s say you’re young and a recent addition to your profession, enough that you’re somewhat unfamiliar with failure. Then let’s say you do well; by all accounts, you excel.

What happens? You’re applauded; you’re praised; you’re glad-handed by lots of people with smiles on their faces. That’s a powerful thing for a young person to experience. » Read the rest of this entry «

Before I get into this, let me ask a totally subjective and slightly ridiculous question. If you could pick any defensemen to have on your team for the next five years, anyone in the league, how far do you objectively have to go down that list until you get to Tyler Myers? Forget about contracts and money. Just based on talent and what’s reasonable to expect in the following years, where does Tyler Myers rank on your list? » Read the rest of this entry «