Re: Habs News & Notes: 2018 Offseason
you are basing that on the assumption it is the defense and not price sucking
but even if it was defense i expect Julien to adjust the system anyway
Price has been consistent the past few years, I don't think he simply forgot how to hockey.
The defense, especially without mobile, puck moving defensemen, was very different this past season. Not well suited to todays NHL. So either price suddenly, and completely out of character, forgot how to hockey, and started letting in a lot more HDCA, or something about the defense was putting him, AND Niemi in a position that they could not stop nearly as many HDCA.
Looking at this defense this past season, I don't think it was better than last years, and I would assign them the lions share of the blame.
So yes, maybe Julien can find a way for the d-corp of misfit players to stop giving up as many breakways, odd man rushes, turnovers, and lack of transition, and if he can, give the man the Jack Adams. But If it's what I suspect, the actual players he's been given to work with on defense, then the goalies are screwed.