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Power play time
With so many offensive studs like Marian Hossa, Pavel Datsyuk, Tomas Holmstrom and Henrik Zetterberg up front, I've wondered how coach Mike Babcock will distribute that talent on the power play.
They're working on the power play right now at practice and here are the two units ...
Hossa-Datsyuk-Holmstrom
Lidstrom-Rafalski
Hudler-Zetterberg-Franzen
Kronwall-Samuelsson
So, it looks like the top two forward lines will remain intact as the top two PP lines. On defense, Mikael Samuelsson will be on the point on the second unit as he did much of last season.
They're working on the power play right now at practice and here are the two units ...
Hossa-Datsyuk-Holmstrom
Lidstrom-Rafalski
Hudler-Zetterberg-Franzen
Kronwall-Samuelsson
So, it looks like the top two forward lines will remain intact as the top two PP lines. On defense, Mikael Samuelsson will be on the point on the second unit as he did much of last season.
posted by Chuck Pleiness at
11:28 AM
7 Comments:
Keeping the forward lines together seems to make sense. It should not only maintain whatever chemistry they've established together, but also helps ensure a (relatively) rested forward unit will start all PPs.
Interesting, but not surprising, that Babcock still has Samuelsson on the point with Stuart now fully integrated into the system. I wonder how much of keeping him there is designed to boost Sammy's confidence? If he does falter (or get hurt), I'm sure Stuart would love a shot at manning the point. Likewise for Filppula and Cleary should Hudler, Homer or Franzen not work out for some unforeseen reason in their forward slots.
Why is Babcock so keen on having Sammy play the point on the power play? I'm aware he has a rocket of a shot, but both his aim and shot selection are terrible, or at least I think so. Also, he often appears out of place as the weak link on the PP when the gang are trying to move the puck around to an open man. I would love to see Stuart or a different forward play that position.
Zetterberg on the 2nd line and 2nd PP unit...im sure that will hurt his numbers some. I hope it doesnt hurt his ego.
I'm not worried about his numbers or ego.
Between ES, PP and PK, Zetterberg and Datsyuk will probably still end up with about 18-20 minutes per game. Plus, with extremely strong #1 and 2 (and 3) lines, on many nights opponents will have to "pick their poison." If they put their top defenders on the Datsyuk line, that should help Zetterberg and his linemates.
I would rather have Ericsson on the point instead of Samuelsson. Oh well, after a year in Grand Rapids as THE point man on the PP, he should be more than ready next year to take that spot.
Good lord Our ntire 3rd line is good enough to be on most teams second unit. Likewise most coaches would love to have our second ppu as their first. Just drop the puck and let the slaughter begin.
Zetts finishing with just 85 points or so and Fil on the 3rd line with 40 points makes them more signable right?
Markus
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