Hockey is a fast game - when an appropriate pass is delivered to you and you have an open lane, you take the shot.
I did not equate Buff's shot to Laine's - I stated that Buff has a very powerful and dangerous shot. Go back and look at some PP stats for him over the last 5 years. Laine's shot is definitely superior - I've never argued otherwise. I've simply stated that having another player with a dangerous shot out there who actually throws it at the net on occasion keeps the opposition honest.
It's not a straw-man when this is your opening argument:
I love Laine. I think he'll play one of the biggest parts in the future success of the Jets. All I'm stating is that we shouldn't undersell Buff and what his "danger" factor brings to the PP, including opening up Laine because other players pay attention to him because he can also put the puck in the net.
In any event, I like them on the PP together. I think it's situational regarding when Buff shoots or doesn't shoot. I do think that Buff understands that Laine will be the best option most of the time, but if you become too predictable, it could cost us some points on the PP. Just my opinion.
Buff may have been the main driver of the power play for five years. It does not matter AT ALL after Laine is drafted. The game plan should change accordingly.
I should have not been so harsh in my words against Buff, this I admit. It was such a "not again" moment for me after seeing the same thing going on from last year. I was so naive that I was entertaining the thought that Buff is doing it on purpose to help with the draft. That being said, I was only critizing this one play, not Buff in general (unless he just won't adapt).
It does not mean Buff is not a great player. This should not grant him a free pass though. If you think the play I am referring to was ok, then so be it. It would not be ok on my team. That is not to say people cannot make mistakes, but hopefully they remain the exceptions.
And yes, it was a straw-man. Even in my opening argument I am not claiming that Buff should never shoot. It's as clear a straw-man as can be.
One more time, my point is not that we don't need secondary threats, because we absolutely do. But if the Jets don't ride Laine's shot to the maximum on the power play, then there are serious issues with competence in the team.
I love Buff, I just don't think we should give him a free pass when does bone-headed plays. Laine is open and the D is scrambling, pass to Laine. No exceptions.
Ultimately it boils down to if you think that play was ok or not. I thought absolutely not, but naturally people can disagree.