Scrap the trap—please

It crept in unexpectedly and was not immediately noticed, like an infection that sucks the life from a patient before anyone can react. The trap descended on the World Cup of Hockey, and it wasn't just the oft-misused term that arrived, but the worst form of the strategy.

And you can thank the U.S. team for taking even that worst form to the extreme. The oldest roster in the tournament did what it had to do to win but killed the viewing pleasure for hockey fans. The Americans still generated offense, finishing off Russia in a 5-3 quarterfinal win with one empty-net goal. But their offense came off the mistakes and frustration of the Russian team. That was the goal--frustration. The Americans frustrated the Russians, and they frustrated the fans, who were hoping to see a little speed through the neutral zone and some skilled passing.

The whole idea of this moment in hockey history is to save the game, right. The point, we re told, is to improve the game, to help it survive and thrive. So at this time of transition, let's rid the game of the trap--kill the word from the hockey vernacular and end the most conservative, suffocating version of the strategy.

The word trap generalizes and conjures memories of the 1995 Devils. The most extreme form of the strategy brings about parity in the ugliest of ways--less talented teams suck the life and entertainment out of games--and unfortunately for fans, the trap is successful.

The trapping style, in its many forms and degrees, has been around for decades. Former Canadiens defenseman Larry Robinson used to cringe as coach of the Devils when asked about the trapping revolution. The Canadiens dynasty played a form of that style, he said; it just didn't have a name then.

Those Canadiens had superior talent. The Russians at the World Cup, too, had youth and speed and skill--even if they were playing a less risky, more defensive game. They keyed on turnovers, but when they got those turnovers, they turned and ran. They passed and made moves. They were fun to watch.

After losing to the Russians in the round-robin portion of the World Cup, many American players lamented the state of the tournament. The Americans claimed they came into the tournament wanting to play a fast-skating game but couldn't because the Russians were trapping.

What the U.S. players realized when they lost to Russia was not that the World Cup was dragged to mediocrity, not that their master plan of a fast-paced tournament was ruined by the opposition. What they learned was that they couldn't skate with the likes of Russia. Their defensemen were getting spun like tops by the great one-on-one talent at the World Cup.

So, to the credit of the American coaches and players, the game plan for the teams' rematch in the quarterfinals became a familiar one to NHL fans everywhere. The Americans trapped. They trapped the way people imagine when they hear the word. And they didn't stop there. They grabbed on and held tight to the Russians and their sticks. They took away the beauty, grace and speed. And they won. They moved into the semifinals--a step closer to a title they desperately wanted to defend.

Still, the World Cup and the Americans taught us the situation is worse than we thought. Now, in this time of change for hockey, it's time to really make a change. When the NHL returns, it should initiate an illegal defense rule. Call the hooking and holding and hugging and tackling. Call it; don't just call for a crackdown.

SPEED READ

* If this is a sad week for North American NHL fans, it's a great time for European hockey fans. Their heroes are coming home to play for local teams. For years, talented European players learned their game at home, then left. Now, European fans will be repaid for supporting these players early in their careers.

INSIDE DISH

Mighty Ducks (and 2003 Conn Smythe winner) G J.S. Giguere had better get his game back on track after an off year. During Russia's World Cup games, Ducks prospect G Ilya Bryzgalov proved he's ready to take on the NHL. With G Martin Gerber traded, Bryzgalov will battle Giguere for the Ducks' No. 1 spot.... Tournaments for prospects and rookies are taking a hit because of the expected lockout. The Capitals were the latest organization to cancel an annual tournament that spotlights their top prospects against similar players in other organizations. It's just another example of how NHL veterans aren't the only ones whose careers are being disrupted. Younger players who were heading into their first or second NHL camp will not get needed opportunity and experience. ... With the end of D Chris Chelios' international career looming, who will step in as the captain of the U.S. team? There isn't a strong, typical captain-like personality among the younger generation, but C Chris Drury is a good choice because of his NHL experience and loyalty to USA Hockey. Drury eventually could hand over the "C" to C Scott Gomez, who played well in the World Cup and will be counted on heavily in the future. Gomez, however, is not ready for that responsibility yet and must prove his dedication to the national team by playing in future world championships .... Big players didn't come up big at all when it mattered in the World Cup. The list of disappointments starts with the entire Swedish team and includes RW Marian Hossa and D Zdeno Chara of Slovakia and the Senators. Those two needed to be at their best for Slovakia to have a chance.--K.Y