from Tony Gallagher of the Vancouver Province,

The problem with the league, in the Western Conference at least, is there aren’t enough players that can do the big things. The NHL and every other league in the world is screaming for guys who can do the things with creativity and offensive instincts that bring people out of their seats.

Everyone does the little things, and little things prevent lesser players from doing the big things. And big things are what makes the game worth watching.

If you break down “little things” in coach-speak it almost always means defensive ability and improving same. The only time it’s generally applied offensively is when it’s used to describe a player either going to the net or not going to the net, and all that does is create boring goals if said little thing should lead to a happy conclusion.

Why can’t we find some coaches that will talk about how they value and encourage the big things, the end-to-end rush or the rocket shot or making a great saucer pass to put somebody in cold?

Better yet, why can’t we get somebody to find a way to teach and encourage those skills or if they can’t, leave kids alone to teach themselves?

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