Hivemind
We're Touched
The powerplay has been tremendously effective the past few years, and they should milk that formation for all it's worth until the league's meta changes enough that it's no longer effective. That doesn't mean they don't need to keep evolving it and adding new wrinkles and plays. They have done that to an extent so far, with more movement by the player down low and some weird/situational reversed-ice formations being incorporated last year. However, we've seen a couple teams effectively neutralize it (most notably in the playoffs), and they need to stay a step ahead of them. The biggest improvements, IMO, aren't going to happen with the formation, but rather on the zone entry.
*Why Johansson over Kuznetsov on PP1? - If Kuznetsov is on PP1, one of he or Backstrom will be secluded beneath the goal line/around the crease. That is not an ideal utilization of their talents. Backstrom has been the PP's QB for quite a while, and as good as Kuznetsov was late in the year, he's not going to supplant Backstrom's role on PP1. Johansson has generally done well in terms of gaining the zone for the PP, and he fills the role down low about as well as can be asked. I don't see what Kuznetsov would bring to that position over Johansson, so I'd rather save Kuznetsov to lead PP2.
*What is PP2 alternate? PP2 alternate is essentially an inversed PP formation, with Kuznetsov as the triggerman. This would be used when Ovechkin is too tired to run the full 2 minutes on the powerplay/is in the box/etc. Oshie would act as the QB in this formation
*Why Williams over Oshie on PP1? Williams fills the slot triggerman and crease presence role more closely than Oshie days, for starters. Additionally, it frees up Oshie to play a more create role on PP2, where Kuznetsov can act as an alternate triggerman on the right boards.
*Who is Ovechkin's back-up? Ideally, Niskanen takes over Ovie's role on PP1 if he in injured, but with a lack of RHD candidates to man the point on PP2, an additional RH shot might need to be added. In terms of the current depth, Galiev is likely the best fit.
PP1:
Johansson
Ovechkin - Williams - Backstrom
Carlson
PP2:
Burakovsky
Ovechkin/[RH shooter] - Oshie - Kuznetsov
Niskanen
PP2 alternate:
Wilson/Williams
Oshie - Burakovsky - Kuznetsov
Orlov
Johansson
Ovechkin - Williams - Backstrom
Carlson
PP2:
Burakovsky
Ovechkin/[RH shooter] - Oshie - Kuznetsov
Niskanen
PP2 alternate:
Wilson/Williams
Oshie - Burakovsky - Kuznetsov
Orlov
*Why Johansson over Kuznetsov on PP1? - If Kuznetsov is on PP1, one of he or Backstrom will be secluded beneath the goal line/around the crease. That is not an ideal utilization of their talents. Backstrom has been the PP's QB for quite a while, and as good as Kuznetsov was late in the year, he's not going to supplant Backstrom's role on PP1. Johansson has generally done well in terms of gaining the zone for the PP, and he fills the role down low about as well as can be asked. I don't see what Kuznetsov would bring to that position over Johansson, so I'd rather save Kuznetsov to lead PP2.
*What is PP2 alternate? PP2 alternate is essentially an inversed PP formation, with Kuznetsov as the triggerman. This would be used when Ovechkin is too tired to run the full 2 minutes on the powerplay/is in the box/etc. Oshie would act as the QB in this formation
*Why Williams over Oshie on PP1? Williams fills the slot triggerman and crease presence role more closely than Oshie days, for starters. Additionally, it frees up Oshie to play a more create role on PP2, where Kuznetsov can act as an alternate triggerman on the right boards.
*Who is Ovechkin's back-up? Ideally, Niskanen takes over Ovie's role on PP1 if he in injured, but with a lack of RHD candidates to man the point on PP2, an additional RH shot might need to be added. In terms of the current depth, Galiev is likely the best fit.
