The trap is back. Are you happy?

Question

I think it sucks. It's boring, low scoring, dump and chase.

Back to the old NHL...

Answer 1

Happy? No. It's entirely frustrating and watching games lately I can't decide whether to pull out all my hair or give up and take a nap.

Answer 2

Um..............the Left Wing Lock (aka the trap) never left. Every game I've seen since the lockout ended has had the trap in it at one point or another.

The left Wing Lock is a valid defensive scheme that teams have been using since the 1970s. There are several offensive variations that can break the trap (speed kills it for one) but a lot of today's coaches try and get to fancy.

People can't pass anymore............if they could, the trap would be less useful
People don't skate anymore..........if they could, the trap would be less useful.

The left Wing Lock was developed in North America by Montreal Canadiens coach Scotty Bowman as a way to improve their transition game and protect their 2.74 goal leads (or whatever the ridiculous number was). However, Montreal's speed made the trap work like a gem.

Roughly the same time, a similar stype of defensive plan was born in Sweden I believe to counterract the Russians.

The trap works beautifully against teams that don't do cross ice passes, but rather....drop pass. Since the early 90's (the advent of (Eastern Europeans)..........teams drop pass the puck to one another at the blue line............this is okay once or twice a game (and the Soviets were masters at this).................but once or twice a minute? Gimme a break.

So, until some team realizes that passing the puck and speed will stretch and break the trap, some form of the trap is going to be used....which will eventually force the dump and chase..........which will put us all asleep...Thank God Toews and Kane have some speed!


DJG, the Red Line was removed from play in 2005. Only the Centre Ice 'dot' is in use.

Answer 3

I am usually up for most hockey games even if my favorite team is not playing. Was going to order the NHL package on TV, but watching numerous games has turned me off to all but my home team's games. Interference is rampant. Watch when VS network shows an overhead shot of one forward in and four players dropping back into defensive shell...it looks like Italian soccer. You are right..this is getting bad.

Answer 4

Its tough. The trap can be annoying at times. On the other hand, it does lend itself to a more rigorous and disciplined game. Sometimes, the most amazing plays are created simply because the trap exists.

I still like not having the trap but can see the benefits that it produces.

Answer 5

Once again, LITY gets it right.
I believe until the league collapses some of the teams, causing the remaining teams to increase their actual talent level the trap will remain.
Currently there is just not enough talent on most of the teams to play any other way. At least that are my thoughts.

Answer 6

I like watching a 2-1 chess match, but I realize I'm in the minority and in order for the NHL to survive, the more casual fan must be attracted to it.

Answer 7

no! I was really enjoying the wide open play. Watching a player like Kovalchuk go up the ice was awesome. Now?
Get rid of the trap once and for all!

Answer 8

LITY: I agree 100 % with your answer. Based on your answer, would you be in favor or opposed to contraction of the NHL? I personally feel that a contraction would be a good thing.

Answer 9

See, I knew it would happen, hate to say I told ya so, but I told ya this was going to happen. Everybody complaining about Bettman screwing up the game. I knew it, if people didn't keep their mouth shut, I knew it, they'd bring back the trap. Well, I guess its official, I hope everybody's happy !!!

Answer 10

it was expected. the last 3 cup teams played the trap, so obviously more teams will start to do the same.

Josh - Tampa Bay does play a trap, but they cant get it right. they played the trap when they won the cup, and still play it today.