The System

The System refers to the 1-3-1 defensive structure (also known as the Trap) employed by former Senators head coach Guy Boucher on basically team he has ever coached. The System is essentially a strategy used by hockey teams to force turnovers at the blue lines, ensuring that the opposing team cannot break into the offensive zone. It is also used to push opposing forwards to the perimeter of the ice, forcing them to take very low quality shots at the net.

The System became a meme during the 2016-17 Ottawa Senators season. The Senators were having lots of success under new head coach Guy Boucher, and it became a common thing to say "Trust #TheSystem". It is also worth noting that many opposing teams and their fans complained the Senators new style of play to be excruciatingly boring, which only made Senators fans trust in The System even stronger.

After the 2016-17 playoff run, most people's trust in The System disappeared after the Senators imploded during the 2017-18 season. Common consensus around the league was that teams learned to effectively counter The System, and that the 2016-17 Senators overachieved. Guy Boucher was fired the next season on March 1st, 2019, and replaced with assistant coach and head-kicker Marc Crawford.

#TheSystem smokin' the opposition.