Proposal: How would you fix the Powerplay?

MarMarSab3

formerly #13 & TML4EVR
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Feb 27, 2002
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Apparently remove the best scorer in the world. In all seriousness Tavares should be in PP2
Knies
Nylander. Matthews
Marner(rover)
Reilly
 
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Sep 18, 2009
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That popped in my head too...I wouldn't do it long term but maybe for a game or two I put my bottom 6 on the ice with some dmen that dont get a lot of time but might have a bomb of a shot. What's the worse that can happen we put some grinders out there and muck it up for 2 minutes? It;s not like we are scoring now.



What do coaches always say, when you are struggling to score just get the puck on the net... they are looking for TSN turning point type highlight reel plays. Get some big bodies in front of the net and just bomb it.
Could just jumble the lines for PP and see what works
 
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no2ninja

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Oct 22, 2023
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I think the key is to not make it predictable.

In the playoffs and to start the season our power play sucked, it was predictable, every team studied it. Pass the puck to matthews and he shoots... I would say he took 50% or more of all the slap shots on the net.

The Boston announcers were awed by Rielly's shot, they said, they could not believe that he did not have more goals with a shot like that. We need defensemen that can shoot the puck like that, Rielly obviously being one of them. Matthews will still get his looks, but lets not make a point of looking for him the way we always seem to do.

I am not surprised that sans AM we scored 3 PP goals, suddenly, we were not so predictable... they were never sure who was going to let it rip. Also the size and physicality of Knies at the net was a great advantage.

EDIT: I am not saying that AM should not shoot, if he doesn't that hurts us also. We just need a more balanced attack from everyone, AM faking a shot here and there and then passing would not be such a bad idea now and again... might get a few guys to drop to the ice to block.
 
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notDatsyuk

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Jul 20, 2018
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Knies in the middle, as he does a much better job of screening the goalie and engagingthe D. (Rielly's shot is nothing special, but when the goalie doesn't see it....) All three PP goals last night were a direct result of his presence there.

The two shooters (Matty and Willy) in the shooter positions in the circles. Two options, so they can't cheat to cover Matty.
 
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Fogelhund

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Sep 15, 2007
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Knies is the net front this group needs... it's that simple. I've been saying this for a while... teach him to be like JvR out front, except he's bigger and more physical. Screen the goalie, tip shots... They'll need to focus a D on net front clearing, leaving more room for the others... as per above... Matty and Willy in the shooting positions... and move the puck better.
 
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Stephen

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Feb 28, 2002
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Whenever Matthews rejoins the PP I don’t think he should be wasted on the point. He’s not blasting Al MacInnis style shots from distance anyway and he’s not a natural facilitator. So why position him away from the net? And yes, Knies stays in the net front.
 

egd27

exspecta usque ad proximum annum
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Jul 8, 2011
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Between the drop passes and the methodical passing when they are in control in the O-zone, they allow the penalty killers far too much time to set themselves and remain in their defensive positions,
 

banks

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Aug 29, 2019
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Oddly enough, until last night I'd have said to give a bit more time to the 2nd unit. OEL, Patches, Robertson looked pretty good against Boston. But now you can't punish unit 1 when they've finally connected.
 

notDatsyuk

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Jul 20, 2018
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Whenever Matthews rejoins the PP I don’t think he should be wasted on the point. He’s not blasting Al MacInnis style shots from distance anyway and he’s not a natural facilitator. So why position him away from the net? And yes, Knies stays in the net front.
I don't recall anyone saying Matthews should be on the point.

Other than JT, our biggest problem has been Marner on the left side. Too predictable. It's usually either a pass across to Matty (often cut off) or back to the point. With Willy there you have a comparable puck handler and passer, plus an excellent shot (with a willingness to use it), to detract from Matty.
 
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Stephen

Moderator
Feb 28, 2002
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I don't recall anyone saying Matthews should be on the point.

Other than JT, our biggest problem has been Marner on the left side. Too predictable. It's usually either a pass across to Matty (often cut off) or back to the point. With Willy there you have a comparable puck handler and passer, plus an excellent shot (with a willingness to use it), to detract from Matty.

I think he’s been utilized there on the point lately, and it’s not a great spot.
 

conFABulator

Registered User
Apr 11, 2021
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Fix it with having two units. Neither one is the first unit or the second unit, we simply play whoever is most rested and next up in the rotation and certainly ride the hot hand when we can.

Matthews
Knies
Marner
Robertson/McMann
Timmins

Nylander
Tavares
Pacioretty
Domi
OEL
 

notDatsyuk

Registered User
Jul 20, 2018
11,482
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I think he’s been utilized there on the point lately, and it’s not a great spot.
I don't recall seeing him there, but I agree it's not great.

I've been saying the same about Willy - yes he can qb from there, but it's wasting the shooter.
 

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