CBC-Sports

Winning formula determined by trades, team philosophy

March 8, 2010 08:27 AM | Posted by   Kelly Hrudey  

This whole trade deadline thing just keeps getting bigger with more media coverage every year.

We at the CBC and Hockey Night in Canada just finished an entire day dedicated to the day’s transactions. Not only did our crew report on the trades, we also analyzed every move made by the teams.

Tthe Washington Capitals and Calgary Flames were the two teams that intrigued me the most. Both teams added players based on their respective team’s philosophy. In other words, they added what they felt they needed to win the Stanley Cup.

And each team has completely opposite points of view.

Capitals go for mix

Washington added grit with Scott Walker, size and strength with Milan Jurcina, a dependable two-way player that’s good on faceoffs in Eric Belanger and lastly an exciting puck-carrying defenceman that can change the course of a game in Joe Corvo.

Capitals general manager George McPhee admitted that their game plan is to outgun their opposition. Forget about shutdown hockey. McPhee has designed a team to strike fear into their opponents and they feel this group has all the weapons to take Washington right through to the finals.

The only concern I have is someone will have to convince their goalies not to pay much attention to stats like goals against or save percentage. The goal is to win, whether it’s 2-1 or 7-5.

On the other hand, the Calgary Flames believe in shutdown hockey by relying on great goaltending combined with a perfectly balanced group of defencemen that can stifle any attack.

Flames build up back end

Their group of defencemen match up well with any in the league. This collection of defenders looks like it has all the ingredients needed to win on the back end. I like their mix, along with some experienced guys they also have the youthful exuberance, but their skill sets are the key.

The Flames have strong puck movers who are willing to join the rush. They have gritty and hard to play against defenders, and best of all, they have supreme confidence in their goalie so they can take a chance every once in a while.

Goal scoring is a very big concern in Calgary, but my guess is they believe great defence ultimately wins in the end.

I really believe this will be a year of upsets in these playoffs but I sure like how these two organizations stuck to their blueprint to success.

We’ll know in about three months who has the winning formula.

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