People forget there’s more than 1 way to defend. Stopping entry is the best form of Defense. He’s just not good once in his zone
This has always been said by the big prospect analysts like Wheeler and Ellis. They also mention scouts who share same sentiment. He has a very good, active stick and great gap control. This has been evident watching his entire game and not hyper focusing on little mistakes. People just see his weakness in board play and all jump on the horrible defense nonsense narrative ignoring Al the stuff he actually does well. Yes he needs to get stronger and be better on board battles, though hockey offensive Dman are usually never good with that aspect of the game
I just have to say that part of the reason he looked so awful in his own zone at the WJC is because his D partner was absolutely horrible for most of the tournament. Zayne was regularly hung out to dry because his partner was completely incapable of playing D.
3 comments
People forget there’s more than 1 way to defend. Stopping entry is the best form of Defense. He’s just not good once in his zone
This has always been said by the big prospect analysts like Wheeler and Ellis. They also mention scouts who share same sentiment. He has a very good, active stick and great gap control. This has been evident watching his entire game and not hyper focusing on little mistakes. People just see his weakness in board play and all jump on the horrible defense nonsense narrative ignoring Al the stuff he actually does well. Yes he needs to get stronger and be better on board battles, though hockey offensive Dman are usually never good with that aspect of the game
I just have to say that part of the reason he looked so awful in his own zone at the WJC is because his D partner was absolutely horrible for most of the tournament. Zayne was regularly hung out to dry because his partner was completely incapable of playing D.