Our powerplay setup is just stupid.
Suter at the top is not a threat for a one timer when getting a pass back from the guy at the half wall. This is a huge problem. He has to adjust and shift his body into position to even take a shot from the top of the blueline. This gives the opposition way too much time to set up and clear space/get in the lanes.
I want us to run an Umbrella type powerplay like this:
Top D is Spurgeon. we need a right handed defenseman running the blueline if we are going to have Granny on the left side.
Granlund is the F on the left side
Pominville is the other D on the right side
Parise is the guy out front on the left
Vanek is the F in front of the net on the right.
This way everyone is in position for quick passes/shots. You need to be able to one touch pass/shoot from every position imo.
I don't like Suter on the PP and haven't for a long time. Spurgeon is playing very well this year and I think he can handle it.
So the plan is to let Spurgeon and Granny handle the puck most often while passing down to Vanek or Parise as they slide away from the net to open passing lanes through the slot. I think this setup puts everyone in a position best suited to their stengths. Of course the powerplay isn't to be stationary like the picture. the guys down low move in and out of the crease/slot as well as the top guys rotating around to find scoring/passing opportunities. That is another key, the powerplay cannot be stationary. That is one thing Suter is ********* at. He slows the play down way too much and initiates the static powerplay all the time with Koivu. Those two are powerplay killers imo.