Should Sheldon Keefe use 4 Forwards on the power play in overtime?

[LeafsNation75]

Last season when Toronto defeated Ottawa 2-1 in overtime they were given a power play which meant they were playing 4v3. During that power play instead of Keefe using 3 Forwards and 1 Defenseman he went with Auston Matthews, John Tavares, Mitch Marner, and William Nylander, with Marner getting the game winning goal, so he went with 4 Forwards. So is that something you like to see him do again in overtime if Toronto happens to get a power play? For those who don't remember here was that goal during this situation.

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[LEAFANFORLIFE23]

Not really, you can get away with that VS Ottawa because there aren't many game breakers but I don't want forwards playing defense against Mcdavid and Draisatil or Laine

 

[ottomaddox]

The answer is yes. We saw some questionable coaching decisions in the elimination gave vs. CBJ. Unless we see Maclean reign him in, we can probably expect this.

I'm sorry. Maybe I sound harsh. I think TOR improved in the offseason in different ways, but I still question the coaching.

 

[Nineteen67]

I suppose it depends on whether they have a offensive defenceman available to go out on thePP, but I don’t see why they couldn’t.

 

[Buds17]

I suppose it would be alright if the thought is that the fourth forward is the better bet than Rielly to provide offence. The opposing team is definitely an important consideration. I'd typically be thrilled when it worked out once though and not be overly eager to return to it often.

 

[The Iceman]

Reilly can go on offense or defend. He is a better option than a 4th forward.

 

[stewpac]

I could see it if Reilly is hurt otherwise it makes little sense. His play making is as good as any forward who would be the 4th guy and we have enough scoring ability out there already. In the event we don't score its nice to have Nylander out next shift.

 

[Mickey Marner]

With a minute left against Ottawa, sure. Otherwise, no.

 

[Judas Tavares]

I won't be able to handle this place when we lose on a OT SHG breakaway. Forwards can't score. No defence! Andersieve! Bad coaching decision! Dubas bad!

It is just too risky, let Rielly handle it.

 

[Stephen]

You have to also be mindful of the game clock. In that Ottawa example, there was less than 2 minutes left to play, so it's reasonable to load up your big guns to score the PP goal. If it's at the start of the OT period, you risk tiring out 4x of your top 6 forwards, so not only are you risking a SH goal you don't have the horses at F if you don't score for the remaining 3 minutes.