Id say a lot of these issues go beyond what a coach can simply do.
People have this unrealistic view that a coach can and should be able to solve a persons issues (confidence, over aggression etc) by saying a few words.
It doesn't work that way and some people never get over those issues.
The NHL has many examples of guys who never fulfilled their potential for one reason of another.
Yup, so true. It's time for AV to go. How many of our players has he rubbed the wrong way?
How many has he groomed that are now key to our offense and defense and goaltending? BTW does Bowness not run the defense, so why is AV always to blame because Ballard sucks? Is AV suppose to creep into Ballard's head and decide what play to make for him? Sure Av/Bowness may not help his confidence but it's the NHL, and on a team like the Canucks, when you don't perform well, you don't play.
Ever since coming back from the concussion Ballard has been our best defenceman. He's looking like the player we thought we got from Florida.
What? Is this sarcasm?
Ballard has serious issues with "toughness". That is why Vineault limits his ice-time. Vineault expects his "defense-men" to take body contact in their own zone to both free up the puck for their teammates and to occupy a fore-checking player. Ballard does not do this. He chooses to avoid the contact, allowing the fore-checking forward to continue to pursue the puck.
Many NHL coaches expect this from their defense-men. This is why it's so hard to find defense-men who can play 30 minutes each game, and not wear down. The Canucks don't have one of these types of defense-men, and Ballard is certainly not that type of player.
Ballard has serious issues with "toughness". That is why Vineault limits his ice-time. Vineault expects his "defense-men" to take body contact in their own zone to both free up the puck for their teammates and to occupy a fore-checking player. Ballard does not do this. He chooses to avoid the contact, allowing the fore-checking forward to continue to pursue the puck.
Many NHL coaches expect this from their defense-men. This is why it's so hard to find defense-men who can play 30 minutes each game, and not wear down. The Canucks don't have one of these types of defense-men, and Ballard is certainly not that type of player.
It's called "toughness", and is the foundation for winning hockey. Taking a hit to make a play for your teammates is huge, both on the ice, and in the dressing-room.
Ballard has serious issues with "toughness". That is why Vineault limits his ice-time. Vineault expects his "defense-men" to take body contact in their own zone to both free up the puck for their teammates and to occupy a fore-checking player. Ballard does not do this. He chooses to avoid the contact, allowing the fore-checking forward to continue to pursue the puck.
Many NHL coaches expect this from their defense-men. This is why it's so hard to find defense-men who can play 30 minutes each game, and not wear down. The Canucks don't have one of these types of defense-men, and Ballard is certainly not that type of player.
I've seen you make this claim repeatedly, could you substantiate it please?
What he's saying about our defensive system is true for the most part.
The dman who's side the puck is dumped to is supposed to make a pass (usually a reverse) to his partner for a quick outlet. This usually means a small bump in the corner boards or turning your back to the play and possibly being boarded - Tanev is notorious for getting plastered on the dump.
Ballard has a tendency to try and skate the puck out when it's dumped to his side which makes sense as he's a very good puck skating defensmen. The problem is that it usually leads to a slower breakout or even worse a turnover to the forecheckers.
For a guy of Ballard's build he has to try and do what Duncan Keith does in the corners. Keith is nearly impossible to hit on the forecheck.
What he's saying about our defensive system is true for the most part.
The dman who's side the puck is dumped to is supposed to make a pass (usually a reverse) to his partner for a quick outlet. This usually means a small bump in the corner boards or turning your back to the play and possibly being boarded - Tanev is notorious for getting plastered on the dump.
Ballard has a tendency to try and skate the puck out when it's dumped to his side which makes sense as he's a very good puck skating defensmen. The problem is that it usually leads to a slower breakout or even worse a turnover to the forecheckers.
For a guy of Ballard's build he has to try and do what Duncan Keith does in the corners. Keith is nearly impossible to hit on the forecheck.
IMO "toughness" isn't the right word.
Your analysis is correct, to a point. It does display "toughness" to take a hit to make a play. How is that not tough?
I've seen you make this claim repeatedly, could you substantiate it please?
Considering your "handle" name, I would be certain you understood this. Dave Babych was a player who displayed this aspect of toughness and team play. He often took hits to make plays. Of course, he was a very solidly built player, making it easier for him to accept the contact.
Toughness, to me, is not fighting, or laying out big body checks. True toughness is being the player who is the target of aggression - the one with the puck - and taking contact to make plays. Team toughness is enhanced by players who play this way.
Guy will never play 80 games in a season again, but boy can he take a hit (whether he should or not).
Some players should stay within their skill-set.
Why has Scott Gomez gone from a top player to one who cannot make a roster? It's the nature of the game (at an elite level) to make these players targets. Hence, the roll for the "goon".
Why has Scott Gomez gone from a top player to one who cannot make a roster? It's the nature of the game (at an elite level) to make these players targets. Hence, the roll for the "goon".
I dont correlate your Gomez talk, but let me just point out that G money has never been a top player. He benifitted from the devils style and had 1-2 decent seasons before declining. Gainey did not notice this decline and was blinded by the need of a centre since he kicked Koivu out of town.
Your analysis is correct, to a point. It does display "toughness" to take a hit to make a play. How is that not tough?
Ballard doesn't need to get hit to make the play. His toughness is fine, him being hit more won't make him a better player. He needs to learn how to avoid forecheckers while making the first pass to his d-partner. For a guy who is 5'10 he should be avoiding the big bruisers in the West.
Alflives, your argument is inherently flawed. You're suggesting we have a singular defensive "system" that requires all of our d-men to play and react the same way within our defensive zone, and that AV punishes Ballard for not playing that style. Such a set-up is not a system at all, and would result in a very predictable and ineffective defense. In reality, a system is made up of multiple parts that work in conjunction by bringing different skillsets and styles to the table.
What kthsn posted is far closer to the actual truth.
Ballard doesn't need to get hit to make the play. His toughness is fine, him being hit more won't make him a better player. He needs to learn how to avoid forecheckers while making the first pass to his d-partner. For a guy who is 5'10 he should be avoiding the big bruisers in the West.
Except that he doesn't pass or he just doesn't do it well. He's got David Booth-like tunnel vision.
Except that he doesn't pass or he just doesn't do it well. He's got David Booth-like tunnel vision.
He should improve on that facet but AV should also loosen the reigns and allow Ballard to rush the puck up.
Sure 90% of the time it results on a weak wrister from the blue line but Ballard's speed can cause some defensive systems to break down. Obvious risk of turnovers which AV seems to hate.
He should improve on that facet but AV should also loosen the reigns and allow Ballard to rush the puck up.
Sure 90% of the time it results on a weak wrister from the blue line but Ballard's speed can cause some defensive systems to break down. Obvious risk of turnovers which AV seems to hate.
That's why he doesn't allow Ballard to rush it up. Also, Ballard doesn't use or wait for his teammates to catch up when he rushes. Often, he's the only one on his rushes
That's why he doesn't allow Ballard to rush it up. Also, Ballard doesn't use or wait for his teammates to catch up when he rushes. Often, he's the only one on his rushes
Those weak wristers allow for more offensive zone faceoffs - a very good thing.
