From The Rink: An SB Nation Community

Navigation: Jump to content areas:


Sports blogs for fans, by fans.
Around SBN: Sean Keeley's Week 12 College Football Buffet

Boudreau's book

Photo

More photos » by Gene J. Puskar - AP

Because we attack and don’t sit back, critics think we’re ignoring defense. Not true. It’s really about taking time and space away from everybody anywhere on the ice so they can’t make a play and creating a turnover. Pressure defense is what I call it. We apply pressure to create turnovers and then attack when we get the puck.

Once you adapt to the style, you’re able to attack and defend. I’ve always been confused by teams that try to do one or the other. You can do both. When you do both, they feed off each other. Attacking well helps defensively; defending well helps offensively.

— Capitals coach Bruce Boudreau in Confessions of a Hockey Lifer

In case you've missed them, Japers' Rink has been excerpting Boudreau's new book all week, and there's a ton of great stuff just within the four blurbs he's pulled out so far. Sounds like it'll be a great read.

Because I like reading about all of the game's minutia, stuff like the passage quoted above really appeals to me. I wish we had more coaches offering their thoughts on strategy and techniques (i.e. "triangle offence") as what's often written about in terms of their influence on the game is very simplistic and general. Many NHL bench bosses would likely be loath to get into specifics like this, but there's a reason they call Boudreau "Gabby."

This is one book that will need a sequel once his NHL exploits are finished. (As an aside, I've only interviewed the man once, but he's already one of my favourite people in hockey. I'll be buying the book.)

0 recs  |  Comment 16 comments  |  Add comment |

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

Display:

Just based on that blurb, I’d like to know how I can get this book into Alain Vigneault’s hands

'Nucks Misconduct - Housing Swedish Millionaires Since 2000.

by Yankee Canuck on Aug 20, 2009 11:51 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Encourage him to read it to Henrik and Daniel as a bedtime story? My view may be clouded as a Chicago fan, but I picture them in matching footie pajamas in bunk beds anyway.

http://accordingtwomey.blogspot.com

by hawksfan21 on Aug 20, 2009 11:13 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

If you ever ask an NHL figure about a head coach, the first thing they’ll say 99% of the time is that “he gets his players to work hard for him.” Whoopdy-frickin’-do… I should hope so!

I agree, we need more depth in the characterization of coaches and their teams. This book does look good.

More fun than a stick to the face!
On the Forecheck is SB Nation's blog covering the Nashville Predators.

by Dirk Hoag on Aug 20, 2009 12:14 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Always on the lookout for a good hockey book.

Just finished “King of Russia” and Scampy’s memoir. I was torn between reading “The Game” for the umpteenth time or lowering myself to read Espo’s “book” again when I saw this. Hellooooo, Amazon!

You are validating my inherent mistrust of strangers.

by zyllyx on Aug 20, 2009 12:48 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

There are a bunch of good ones coming out this fall… I’ll be writing about them. Steve Brunt’s on Gretzky will likely be very good: http://www.randomhouse.ca/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9780307397294

Blogging on hockey at fromtherink.com

by James Mirtle on Aug 20, 2009 12:53 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Have you read Searching for Bobby Orr or Ralph Mellanby’s book (Walking With Legends, I believe)? I enjoyed both.

SNN Sports - A theoretical Oilers blog (i.e. theoretically, I write stuff there)

by Doogie2K on Aug 20, 2009 3:03 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I’ll have to check those out. The pickings are pretty slim around here as you might be aware… :)

You are validating my inherent mistrust of strangers.

by zyllyx on Aug 20, 2009 3:19 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Fortunately, Amazon ships nationwide. ;) I should go through my hockey books and make a list to see what you have and don’t have.

I haven’t checked out King of Russia yet. You recommend it?

SNN Sports - A theoretical Oilers blog (i.e. theoretically, I write stuff there)

by Doogie2K on Aug 20, 2009 3:48 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I do. Gives you some perspective on the differences over there, and Dave King’s a good personality to read about.

Blogging on hockey at fromtherink.com

by James Mirtle on Aug 20, 2009 5:27 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Absolutely. Great story, and a lot of insight into RSL/KHL players and their situation. Also, some pointed commentary that explains a little why some Russian players who seem like natural scorers don’t last long in the NHL. Thumbs up from me!

You are validating my inherent mistrust of strangers.

by zyllyx on Aug 20, 2009 6:47 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I should go through my hockey books and make a list to see what you have and don’t have.

Please do! Seriously. It’s hard to find (and figure out which are) decent hockey books in the U.S.

Lighthouse Hockey: Side effects may include Weight gain and frequent game loss.

by Dominik on Aug 20, 2009 11:36 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I agree, a retrospective sequel after Gabby retires seems almost necessary.

"My face is my mask."

by jakeshapiro on Aug 20, 2009 12:51 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Does he explain why he can’t get Ovechkin to take 45 second shifts to help maintain the team’s high octane style? :)

Hockey blogging can't get any flatter.

by saskhab on Aug 20, 2009 1:38 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I was reminded of this article even though it’s not about hockey.

by yrmom on Aug 20, 2009 3:04 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs


User Tools

Welcome to James Mirtle's hockey blog

Start posting on From The Rink »

Join SB Nation and dive into communities focused on all your favorite teams.

FanPosts

Community blog posts and discussion.

Recent FanPosts

Small-logo_small
NHLPA votes to establish committees to review constitution and find new executive director
450px-flag_of_saint_vincent_and_the_grenadines
Jhonas Enroth gets first career start in 4-2 loss
Cale_sbnationphoto_small
A Double-Tiered NHL: How (and Why) It Could Work
Small-logo_small
Ian Penny's letter to the NHLPA
Small-logo_small
For those who really, really like SBN Hockey blogs
Nhl-and-food-network_small
What constitutes goaltender interference these days?
Kane88_nhl2010_small
What constitutes a clean hit?
Rugby_small
Some Facts on Arena Readiness and New Markets
Kane88_nhl2010_small
Donald Fehr to become the leader of the NHLPA?
Armchair_red_3_small
30 Dirty Players in 30 Days.

+ New FanPost All FanPosts >

Blog extras

"Mirtle's performance during this year's Trade Deadline became its own tribe in Brazil."



(c) 2008 James Mirtle. This blog is a personal project and not affiliated with The Globe and Mail.


Blogger-in-chief

Small-logo_small James Mirtle

Moderator(s)

Calvin_small PPP

643c0d9c_small saskhab