The Colorado Avalanche may try the seven defensem*n/11 forwards approach at some point in the second round. Here’s a look at the pros and cons.
The Colorado Avalanche had the luxury of a fully healthy team at their disposal for Game 1 against the San Jose Sharks. Unfortunately, a slower but bigger Sharks team was able to capitalize on mistakes well enough to win the first game 5-2 even though Colorado went up early.
That doesn’t mean the Avs should scrap everything from Game 1. Indeed, they may choose to ice the exact same squad for Game 2. However, throughout the year, they sometimes favored a 7-11 system — seven defensem*n and 11 forwards. With as stacked as the Avalanche’s defensive corps is right now, that may well be an attractive option for the team.
Dressing just 11 forwards to accommodate seven defensem*n is not unheard of in the NHL, even in the playoffs. In the 2015 playoffs, the Tampa Bay Lightning did it to pretty decent success. More recently, the New Jersey Devils tried the approach in March, 2017, while the St. Louis Blues gave it a shot in February 2018.
And, of course, the Avalanche ran 7-11 in March of this year.
So, let’s explore the pros and cons of such a system, especially against the Sharks. (By the way, I know it’s normally called the 11-7 system, but calling it 7-11 is more fun.)
Advantages of the 7-11 Scheme
Teams typically run seven defensem*n with 11 forwards to accommodate an injury. However, Colorado used it earlier this season to try and blast themselves out of a slump and into playoff contention.
One of the main advantages, as The Athletic points out, is the coaching staff has flexibility with the lineup. Instead of having four lines you roll out like clockwork, you can change up the combinations. You can also mix and match the defensem*n.
Said system also takes some of the pressure off the defensem*n. Instead of playing a full third — or more — of the game, they might get a little more time to relax.
Finally, the coaches can also squeeze more time out of the top forwards. For instance, Nathan MacKinnon is usually double-shifted in the Colorado Avalanche’s 7-11 rotation.
Overplaying the top forwards can also be a detriment.
Disadvantages of the 7-11 System
The convention in hockey to roll out four full forward lines and three defensive pairings exists for a reason. Successful teams roll out four full lines, especially in the playoffs. You should be able to assemble four lines that can match up against the opponents’ lines.
Part of the reason for the convention is also to keep the top forwards from getting burned out.That reason can rear an ugly head in the playoffs. After all, players have already been playing for around seven months, and they’re usually playing with injuries.
What’s more, when the game goes to overtime, the two sides keep playing until one scores. If your best player is already tired from taking extra shifts during the regular game, he’s going to be useless in overtime.
An exhausted player might be more likely to get injured.
7-11 and the Colorado Avalanche
Right now, discussing the 7-11 approach is just that — a discussion. According to Avs Insider Adrian Dater, Jared Bednar “says there is a chance he goes with 7 D tomorrow.” However, Dater also reported that the team rolled the same four lines for practice.
The 7-11 does have its advantages. I believe it could be a useful strategy for a Colorado Avalanche team that suddenly has a logjam at defense and a couple forwards who aren’t standing out. The 7-11 approach allows Colorado to suit up another big body in Patrick Nemeth and sit… I’m going to say Derick Brassard. The fourth line looked better at times than the first line Friday night, but it was Gabriel Bourque (goal) and Tyson Jost (assist) who got the points.
I’d only play 7-11 for Games 2 and 3, though. The San Jose Sharks are a big, slow team, but they’re also mean and experienced. They’ll figure out how to exploit the scheme, and they’re predatory (pun intended) in how to capitalize on mistakes. So, a better strategy would be to keep them guessing.
Anyway, we’ll find out this evening which way the Colorado Avalanche decided to address the roster. Tonight is an earlier game — 5:30 pm MT.
As someone deeply immersed in the world of hockey strategy and team dynamics, I can assert that the concept of employing a seven defensem*n/eleven forwards approach, commonly referred to as the 7-11 system, is not a novel strategy in the NHL. Throughout the article discussing the Colorado Avalanche's potential use of this system against the San Jose Sharks, the author, Adrienne Tyler, and the mentioned insiders provide valuable insights into the advantages and disadvantages of such a tactical choice.
The evidence and depth of knowledge demonstrated in the article are noteworthy. The article draws parallels with previous instances where NHL teams, including the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2015 playoffs, the New Jersey Devils in March 2017, and the St. Louis Blues in February 2018, have experimented with the 7-11 system. Moreover, the acknowledgment of the Avalanche themselves employing this strategy earlier in the same season strengthens the argument, showcasing a direct application of the concept by the team.
Let's delve into the key concepts used in the article:
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7-11 System Overview: The 7-11 system involves dressing seven defensem*n and eleven forwards instead of the conventional lineup of six defensem*n and twelve forwards. This adjustment is typically made to address injuries or, as in the case of the Avalanche, to strategize against specific opponents.
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Advantages of the 7-11 System:
- Flexibility in Lineup: The main advantage highlighted is the flexibility it provides to the coaching staff. The article suggests that instead of adhering to fixed line combinations, teams can vary their combinations, keeping opponents guessing.
- Reduced Pressure on Defensem*n: With an extra defenseman, the workload on each individual defenseman is reduced, allowing them more time to rest during a game.
- Increased Ice Time for Top Forwards: The top forwards, such as Nathan MacKinnon, can benefit from the 7-11 rotation by getting additional shifts, potentially enhancing offensive opportunities.
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Disadvantages of the 7-11 System:
- Departure from Convention: The conventional approach in hockey is to roll out four full forward lines and three defensive pairings, ensuring depth and variety. Deviating from this convention can disrupt the balance.
- Risk of Player Fatigue: Overplaying top forwards might lead to burnout, especially considering the physical toll of a long season and potential injuries.
- Overtime Challenges: In the playoffs, where overtime can be decisive, fatigued players may struggle, and the risk of injuries increases.
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Application to the Colorado Avalanche:
- The article suggests that the Avalanche might consider the 7-11 system in response to the specific dynamics of their series against the San Jose Sharks.
- The decision-making process involves weighing the advantages, such as roster flexibility, against the potential pitfalls, including the risk of player burnout and susceptibility to exploitation by the opponent.
In conclusion, the comprehensive coverage of the 7-11 system, along with specific examples and considerations related to the Colorado Avalanche, exhibits a nuanced understanding of hockey strategy and team management. The evidence presented supports the notion that the 7-11 system is a viable, albeit strategic, option that teams may employ based on their unique circ*mstances and matchups.
