Toronto Maples head coach Craig Berube said Auston Matthews played in an era of unskilled defensemen in 80’s and 90’s in his opponent that is why he…
Craig Berube, the head coach of the St. Louis Blues, recently made headlines with a provocative statement about Toronto Maple Leafs’ star Auston Matthews. Berube claimed that Matthews’s impressive performance is partly a result of playing against what he perceives as less skilled defensemen compared to those from the 1980s and 1990s. This comment touches on a longstanding debate about the evolution of the game and how different eras compare in terms of defensive prowess.
Berube’s statement suggests that Matthews, who is known for his exceptional goal-scoring ability and offensive skills, benefits from competing against defenders who, according to him, lack the technical sophistication and physical toughness of their predecessors. The implication is that defensemen from the ’80s and ’90s were more adept at handling elite forwards due to their different skill sets and the more physical nature of the game during those decades.
In the ’80s and ’90s, the NHL was renowned for its rugged, hard-hitting style of play. Defensemen such as Rod Langway, Chris Chelios, and Scott Stevens were known for their physicality and their ability to disrupt offensive plays with aggressive checking and robust play. The era was characterized by a high level of physicality, with hand-to-hand combat and body checks being a routine part of the game. This physical style demanded a great deal of resilience and defensive skill from players, who were often tasked with neutralizing aggressive forwards in a much less regulated environment than today’s game.
Contrast this with the modern NHL, where the game has evolved towards a faster, more skill-based style. Rule changes have reduced the physicality of play, including restrictions on clutching and grabbing and an emphasis on penalizing hits to the head. Defensemen today are often lauded for their skating ability, puck-moving skills, and adaptability in a game that prioritizes speed and finesse. The modern defensive approach involves a greater focus on positioning, quick decision-making, and managing the pace of the game rather than relying solely on physical intimidation.
Auston Matthews, with his remarkable scoring touch and playmaking ability, has thrived in this contemporary environment. His skill set includes an elite shot, exceptional hand-eye coordination, and the ability to create scoring opportunities under pressure. Matthews’s success is partly attributed to his ability to exploit the gaps in defense and adapt to the fast-paced, fluid nature of today’s game.
Berube’s comments bring to light the debate about how the changing nature of the game affects players’ performances and the perceived quality of competition. Critics of Berube’s perspective might argue that comparing eras is inherently challenging due to different playing conditions and rule sets. Each period in hockey history has its unique demands and styles, making direct comparisons between players from different eras problematic.
Moreover, Matthews’s success can also be seen as a testament to his extraordinary skill and adaptability. While it’s true that the game has evolved, Matthews has demonstrated his ability to excel regardless of the changes in defensive tactics and rule modifications.
In summary, Craig Berube’s comments reflect a broader discussion about the evolution of hockey and the comparison of defensive skill across eras. While Berube’s viewpoint highlights a potential contrast in defensive approaches between past and present, it also underscores the complexity of evaluating players and their achievements in a sport that continues to evolve rapidly. Each era brings its own challenges and skill sets, and ultimately, the greatness of players like Auston Matthews is a result of their ability to excel in the environment they play in.
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