Some brief thoughts to build upon the comments made by others concerning the PP.
The 1:3:1 is probably the best formation for the Jets IF they are trying to model the Caps system and utilize Laine`s tremendous talents on the left similar to Ovechkin. BUT the 1:3:1 requires that all 5 players be skilled competent puckhandlers, comfortable with executing short crisp passes while under pressure (frankly Lowry and Wheeler have some limitations in these areas).
The 1:3:1 used by the Caps relies heavily on the strong side half wall player (Backstrom) to basically QB the plays, pulling defenders out of position and taking shots on net or making cross ice passses to Ovechkin for his famous one-timer. Neither Ehlers nor Connor,despite their tremendous quickness and shooting capability, have shown that they are comfortable or competent yet at functioning in this half wall role. Their instincts are to take flight and create space with speed, and both will inevitably simply bounce the puck back to Buff, or Trouba, when pressured along the boards.
The defender on the !:3:1 (Carlsson) has to be skilled at walking the blueline, drawing players out of shooting lanes, and getting a hard accurate shot on net as a secondary or tertiary scoring threat.. He must also be able to make accurate passes to Backstrom and of course Ovechkin when opportune. Buff ,as much as I love the guy, just doesn`t think the game in this fashion - probably because he has functioned as a defender and PP pointman for only a few short years, with no coaching/game experience in this role in junior hockey or his formative pro years. His inclination is to just hammer the puck towards the net, with little thought to shooting lane issues or to potential tip- shot opportunities. Regrettably, cross ice passes to Laine also do not seem to be instinctive with Buff.
So, for those who ask whether the PP problems are the fault of the coaches or the players , I say both. The Jets do need a Backstrom-lite to QB the PP and take full advantage of Laine`s strengths.Right now, the only players who styllistically fit the mould are Perreault, Petan and Roslovic. We`re not there yet. The coaches for their part need to make much clearer to the PP units just what it is they are attempting to do tactically given the options inherent to the !:3:1. Intensive practise on a limited number of set plays (including how to efficiently enter and set up in the offensive zone) might accomplish a great deal.