swflyers25
11-07-05, 4:18 PM
http://i.a.cnn.net/si/2005/writers/darren_eliot/11/07/ice.view/tx_flyers.jpg
Dynamic duo
Gagne's on fire and Forsberg may reach 100 assists
Posted: Monday November 7, 2005 1:05PM; Updated: Monday November 7, 2005 1:05PM
One of the byproducts of giving the forwards back some space in which to operate is that the pretty passing play is again possible in the NHL. I've witnessed more nice feeds -- both in the open ice and down low in the offensive zone -- this year than in recent memory. And after seeing Peter Forsberg in a Flyers uniform, it is obvious the extra beat afforded him in finding his teammates means big assist totals.
Coming into this season, Forsberg has 525 assists in 580 career games -- prolific numbers as a playmaker. But the way he is distributing the puck right now indicates he could eclipse the 100-helper mark this season. His highest output was 86 in the 1995-96 season and no one has eclipsed the century mark since Wayne Gretzky tallied 122 assists in 1990-91.
If you're looking for signs that there is increased offensive flow around the NHL, look to the passing. Players such as Forsberg -- guys with creative offensive instincts -- will make the extra pass, given enough time. So far Forsberg looks like Joe Montana dissecting NFL defenses, taking what is available and even setting them up for plays later in games with earlier moves.
And just as every quarterback has a favorite receiver, every center in Forsberg's class needs a dependable foil. Think back to the 1980s when offense ruled the NHL -- every team had a deadly duo. Two of the most famous tandems of that era were the Islanders' Bryan Trottier and Mike Bossy and the Oilers' Gretzky and Jari Kurri. Well, Forsberg has found his Bossy/Kurri in Simon Gagne. The pair has produced from the outset and the chemistry between the two is innate.
Their precise recipe goes something like this:
1) Forsberg hangs onto the puck as only he can, shielding the disc from defenders with his body, waiting for the exact moment to make his move.
2) Gagne uses his speed to get to an opening and Forsberg finds him in full flight.
3) With the puck perfectly delivered to his stick, Gagne releases quickly and finds the back of the net.
4) Repeat sequence on next shift.
The pairs' performance has indeed been repeatable. Gagne leads the NHL with 15 goals and already has five multi-goal games. Forsberg leads the NHL in assists with 21 and has assisted on 14 of Gagne's 15 goals, providing the primary assist 11 times. That's solid evidence of instant karma.
It's also proof that Gagne, 25, is entering that next phase of his career. Already an all-star and a member of Team Canada's 2004 World Cup team, his scoring ability was in evidence with one 33-goal campaign on his resume and three others in which he reached the 20-goal plateau. But with Forsberg as his pivot, his trigger potential has soared.
All of this comes with the responsibility of being the go-to guy in scoring situations. To that end Gagne feels comfortable. He is taking on more of a leadership role with this Flyers team -- his sixth season with the club -- growing into one of the players that gives this team its identity.
Gagne says that playing with Forsberg is easy because he keeps things simple. Together it has been as easy as the simple goal call, "Forsberg to Gagne ... he scores!"
Darren Elliot (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2005/writers/darren_eliot/11/07/ice.view/index.html)
Dynamic duo
Gagne's on fire and Forsberg may reach 100 assists
Posted: Monday November 7, 2005 1:05PM; Updated: Monday November 7, 2005 1:05PM
One of the byproducts of giving the forwards back some space in which to operate is that the pretty passing play is again possible in the NHL. I've witnessed more nice feeds -- both in the open ice and down low in the offensive zone -- this year than in recent memory. And after seeing Peter Forsberg in a Flyers uniform, it is obvious the extra beat afforded him in finding his teammates means big assist totals.
Coming into this season, Forsberg has 525 assists in 580 career games -- prolific numbers as a playmaker. But the way he is distributing the puck right now indicates he could eclipse the 100-helper mark this season. His highest output was 86 in the 1995-96 season and no one has eclipsed the century mark since Wayne Gretzky tallied 122 assists in 1990-91.
If you're looking for signs that there is increased offensive flow around the NHL, look to the passing. Players such as Forsberg -- guys with creative offensive instincts -- will make the extra pass, given enough time. So far Forsberg looks like Joe Montana dissecting NFL defenses, taking what is available and even setting them up for plays later in games with earlier moves.
And just as every quarterback has a favorite receiver, every center in Forsberg's class needs a dependable foil. Think back to the 1980s when offense ruled the NHL -- every team had a deadly duo. Two of the most famous tandems of that era were the Islanders' Bryan Trottier and Mike Bossy and the Oilers' Gretzky and Jari Kurri. Well, Forsberg has found his Bossy/Kurri in Simon Gagne. The pair has produced from the outset and the chemistry between the two is innate.
Their precise recipe goes something like this:
1) Forsberg hangs onto the puck as only he can, shielding the disc from defenders with his body, waiting for the exact moment to make his move.
2) Gagne uses his speed to get to an opening and Forsberg finds him in full flight.
3) With the puck perfectly delivered to his stick, Gagne releases quickly and finds the back of the net.
4) Repeat sequence on next shift.
The pairs' performance has indeed been repeatable. Gagne leads the NHL with 15 goals and already has five multi-goal games. Forsberg leads the NHL in assists with 21 and has assisted on 14 of Gagne's 15 goals, providing the primary assist 11 times. That's solid evidence of instant karma.
It's also proof that Gagne, 25, is entering that next phase of his career. Already an all-star and a member of Team Canada's 2004 World Cup team, his scoring ability was in evidence with one 33-goal campaign on his resume and three others in which he reached the 20-goal plateau. But with Forsberg as his pivot, his trigger potential has soared.
All of this comes with the responsibility of being the go-to guy in scoring situations. To that end Gagne feels comfortable. He is taking on more of a leadership role with this Flyers team -- his sixth season with the club -- growing into one of the players that gives this team its identity.
Gagne says that playing with Forsberg is easy because he keeps things simple. Together it has been as easy as the simple goal call, "Forsberg to Gagne ... he scores!"
Darren Elliot (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2005/writers/darren_eliot/11/07/ice.view/index.html)