So, I've been thinking. The Sabres PP was #1 when Eichel-Risto were on the blue-line quarterbacking the puck. I wish Risto would set up Eichel more for the Kotalik/Ovechkin unstoppable slapshot that Eichel is more than capable of taking with previous success.
When they used to shoot more from the point, they had traffic in front of the net and popped in any chance they had (they didn't miss in tight).
Now, you want a guy like Dahlin on PP ONE
With Eichel-Dahlin on the point, the two just don't have the same chemistry that Eichel-Risto had.....I'm not delusional and want Dahlin to be a forward which is utterly ridiculous in too many ways to list...
But, what if Dahlin switched to forward, only on the PP? He used to play center.
So you'd have PP #1:
Reinhart-Dahlin-Skinner
Eichel-Ristolainen
*(Faceoffs):*
Reinhart-Skinner-Dahlin
Eichel-Ristolainen
All of Skinner, Renhart, Dahlin have played CENTER before so it may not sound as far out there as it may seem.
Skinner takes draws, but plays right wing as a shooter close to the net. Dahlin plays as RW at the faceoff but takes center responsibilities and has the offence and plays flow through him. Reinhart screens the goalie for garbage goals. Reinhart, Dahlin, Eichel have the highest offensive hockey IQ's on the team, so they're all on one unit and learn to feed each other but as Skinner just focuses on being close to the net with Reinhart. (Skinner and Reinhart don't miss right in front of the net)
Dahlin is the first defensive forward back if the puck is cleared out of the zone.
I'm just so sick of this drop-pass going nowhere and Dahlin & Eichel both deferring to each other and not get it CLOSE TO THE NET where it needs to be. With both Skinner and Reinhart in front of the net, and Dahlin, Risto, Eichel controlling possession and feeding off each other, I truly believe the PP can be something special. Say what you want about Risto but he is absolutely "money" on the PP.
I think the PP could be top 5 in the league but is tragically misused with Phil's deployment and line combinations.
PP #2:
Okposo- Mittelstadt- Sheary
Thompson-Pilut
Before someone says I'm crazy, what do you guys think? Again just an idea, I'm not a coach by any means but I think it's a novel idea that can work.