I think the main issues with the power play are twofold. Firstly the zone entries haven’t been great, as well even if we win the initial draw it often leaves the zone which is bad luck. Establishing offensive possession is the first order of business.
Secondly, it seems players are forcing plays that leads to turnovers. There needs to be patience in regards to making that first high reward play, and this seems to be getting better though you can now almost see hesitation in order to avoid the turnover.
I think we have some good pieces to get it going. Suzuki, Caufield, and Monahan is a good trio and each guy has a distinct role, while Suzuki and Monahan can rotate on face offs depending on what side the draw is on.
In terms of what we need to add to those three guy and how to structure formation there are options. As much as a left handed QB like Hutson would be nice, Suzuki seems to be great in that role from the other side. I now think a big left handed shot ala Souray would be just what the doctor ordered, as right now the opposing PK isn’t respecting the point shot and collapsing downlow, leaving less room for cross ice passes to Caufield which should be option one. Would be nice if Guhle could be that guy, but he needs to establish that threat and get that respect first.
In terms of the 5th guy, that all depends. As much as Hoffman makes sense as a left handed sniper, he’s doing too much right now and doesn’t have the space he needs to be effective. If that big point shot opens things up, we could see it really benefit our snipers. Having Dach down low as a playmaker wouldn’t hurt either. Again, it’s all about finding the right balance, and the first order of business after establishing zone possession should be establishing the threat of a shot from the point to open things up in the slot.
