Defending not allowed in the NA?

[jRuutu 2,475]

 

When you take a look at the standings more closely you might make the following observation: teams in the European division allow fewer goals than the teams in the North American division. At the moment, six teams in the European division have allowed less than 100 goals. The number of teams that have allowed less than 100 goals in the North American division is one. While the differences might not be huge, but when you also look how the teams in the European division are performing in general over the NA teams, it is fair to speculate why the teams in the EU division are better. One potential reason could be that those players with less motivation and determination prefer the less tactical, free-flowing, and less pressure-to-perform type of hockey that the NA division has to offer. Meanwhile, those players who are the opposite: equipped with determination and hunger for success, they want to challenge themselves and improve while also appreciating the competitive nature of the EU division, these types of players tend to automatically be found more likely in the EU division.

 

When the level of competition in the NA is so much weaker, the teams and players in the NA division are well-rested by the time playoffs take place. This type of advantage has been a key reason behind the last two championships being won by NA teams. While the teams in the EU battle hard every single game, the teams in NA can take it easy, feasting on weak teams. It will be interesting to see if we see yet another NA team winning the championship this year. Early signs say no as so many of the EU teams have played extremely well in the first 36 games.