Reply to thread

Message

[QUOTE="sholokov2, post: 4416380, member: 6629"]
For me, the d is only as good as the least competent player among the six.  When one ssdm or one long stick breaks down all the other players are effected and must move to repair the damage.  When there are two players who break down say 25% of the time, the pressure on the others is intense.  It is only when all six can avoid a breakdown for a reasonable percentage of the time that a defense can click.  In my opinion, SU has not enjoyed six very competent defenders in the last few years.  When coaches resort to zone defense, it is often to hide the weak player or players.

When there is a breakdown the other defenders as individuals feel the impulse to rectify.  This creates anxiety among the whole defense which curdles to a lack of trust in all six, just as a weak goalie creates high anxiety among the defenders and leads to impulsive over reaction and confusion.  SU recent goalies have not engendered a lot of confidence.  In hockey the the same dynamics hold.  No matter what the scheme, complex or simple, the team will experience head scratching confusion when both goalie and at least one defender screw up.  All this is to say recruiting a very competent goalie and six able defenders should always be a priority for coaches.  Not every defender needs to be Joel White, but each should aspire to be.
[/QUOTE]

Verification

What is a Syracuse fan's favorite color?