One thing that I think contributes to Ceci's misevaluation is that he checks off so many surface boxes that it's easy to get googly eyes over his ability to handle tough minutes. He can skate, he can pressure, he can block shots -- sounds like the foundation for a top four defender right? Except there are so many skills beneath the surface that make a player. In Ceci's case it's the lack of defensive scanning, and OZN planning. He never uses his teammates, nor does he have the spatial awareness to leverage his teammates for efficiency. I think it was Petey's breakdown where he noted that Game 5 power play where Ceci just barrels toward McDavid without even looking at where the pass might go, or if he had support to keep from biting so hard.
These little plays add up. But they don't really add up over the course of a game. It's a ripple effect of idle subtraction, where his big mistakes are indirect, and his small mistakes are very explicit, like not being able to clear the puck, or wiring too many passes into board battles already underway. In other words, he's the safest defender there is at a premium position. But safe is...as they say....death.
(Wouldn't be surprised if Ceci rated horribly on Micah Blake McCurdy's blueline traversal data.)
It's really death by a thousand cuts with Ceci. So many passing plays that ended with him taking the shot. He's obviously in for his defense not his offense, but every player on the ice has do both. You've been beating the drum on this for a while now, but it's so frustrating how "one way" is only derogatory when it's offense first.
I was surprised to see that historically he's been fine (even good!) in a limited role, although with aging who knows how he'd be now. No coach ever wants to limit his usage though.
The microstats on retrievals are pretty eye opening. Cici really leaves his partner out to dry - he gets the easy pucks, but nothing else.
This had to be tough on Lindell, who can retieve, but needs easy exits. Not surprising that the pair got caved - the pairing emphasized each players weaknesses.
Ha, I think Ceci has a better toolbox than Polak did, but I wasn't surprised at all when Polak was one of his most similar players. Dallas and Toronto definitely have a type.
Such fantastic work Aaron.
One thing that I think contributes to Ceci's misevaluation is that he checks off so many surface boxes that it's easy to get googly eyes over his ability to handle tough minutes. He can skate, he can pressure, he can block shots -- sounds like the foundation for a top four defender right? Except there are so many skills beneath the surface that make a player. In Ceci's case it's the lack of defensive scanning, and OZN planning. He never uses his teammates, nor does he have the spatial awareness to leverage his teammates for efficiency. I think it was Petey's breakdown where he noted that Game 5 power play where Ceci just barrels toward McDavid without even looking at where the pass might go, or if he had support to keep from biting so hard.
These little plays add up. But they don't really add up over the course of a game. It's a ripple effect of idle subtraction, where his big mistakes are indirect, and his small mistakes are very explicit, like not being able to clear the puck, or wiring too many passes into board battles already underway. In other words, he's the safest defender there is at a premium position. But safe is...as they say....death.
(Wouldn't be surprised if Ceci rated horribly on Micah Blake McCurdy's blueline traversal data.)
It's really death by a thousand cuts with Ceci. So many passing plays that ended with him taking the shot. He's obviously in for his defense not his offense, but every player on the ice has do both. You've been beating the drum on this for a while now, but it's so frustrating how "one way" is only derogatory when it's offense first.
I was surprised to see that historically he's been fine (even good!) in a limited role, although with aging who knows how he'd be now. No coach ever wants to limit his usage though.
The microstats on retrievals are pretty eye opening. Cici really leaves his partner out to dry - he gets the easy pucks, but nothing else.
This had to be tough on Lindell, who can retieve, but needs easy exits. Not surprising that the pair got caved - the pairing emphasized each players weaknesses.
Absolutely baffling that they never seriously tried another partner for either of Lindell or Ceci.
I saw the title of this post and immediately knew we would be discussing Roman Polak at some point.
I hate this sport sometimes. *sighs in Dallas*
Ha, I think Ceci has a better toolbox than Polak did, but I wasn't surprised at all when Polak was one of his most similar players. Dallas and Toronto definitely have a type.
This was such an awesome article. What a unique case study for the ages lol
I really liked your performance vs usage chart. Its a really solid way of "normalizing" team bias a bit to try and understand ceci
I truly wonder who's going to sign him this off season and for how much
Thanks man! Gonna be very interesting to see where he ends up. I feel like he might still be a positive contributor in the right role.