The problem with the point shot bomb strategy is that it's predictable. It helps to get everyone moving/cycling and get the shotblockers guessing.
Agreed. I watch Vancouver, Chicago, etc. and they'll move the puck down low and look for the cross-ice one timers. Of course the all try to get the puck first to the blueline for the occasional "shot bomb" but it's not their only tactic. Henrik Sedin is the best at it. He can thread the needle through the most congested crease out there and find his brother for the one-timer (watch last night's PP goal).
Which is exactly why I prefer having Brunner in the slot. Keep Kronwall and a playmaking QB like Z back there (both on the 1 and 2 man advantage). Datsyuk (our best passer, to thread the needle) and Brunner (the "gunner" ) in the slot. Franzen the fat ass in front of net to stuff in the garbage goal.
On the second unit Filppula takes Datsyuk's role (since he'll never shoot it apparently), Bert takes Franzen's role, White and Smith as QB. The toughest is who takes Brunner's spot? Samuelsson?