gravey9
Registered User
- Dec 29, 2008
- 2,945
- 6,331
I think it's a fair point that ADA brings a dynamic to the PP that Fox is not capable of replicating but it's really the least of my concerns. There's so much talent on the powerplay that if we're not a top-10 team in that regard then there's a problem with strategy and not personnel.
Yup, I mostly agree with this point. The only caveat I have is this. As someone whose played forward and D. I can tell you that the D at the top of the Umbrella is the General. It's the best vantage point to see what's happening. And having someone who can both shoot with velocity and has great vision from that spot has a major impact on the effectiveness of the whole PP. If the guy in that spot has the ability to get their shot through with speed but also set up Panarin, Zibby, etc for a one timer, it's lethal. And I don't get the sense that Quinn wants to put a forward at the top of the umbrella. So, it will be essential that we have someone dynamic in that position. Fox gives you the vision, the lateral movement, but not nec the shot nor the the skating explosiveness. Trouba gives you a bomb and fine, but not elite, vision. Lundkvist, Miller or Jones or say, Dunn, might also do well. But that spot is crucial for the PP. Even if every other spot has elite players, that position on the ice on the PP is critical to effectivness.
I'm not nec advocating for ADA to stay or go. I think I still lean to move him if it means shoring up LD or C and opens a spot for NL in a year. But I'm also under no illusions that his removal won't hurt the PP - at least in the immediate future.