FanPost

New or Maybe Old Thought on Power Play

The problem is not shooting the puck or finding a great net-front presence. In fact it is a possibility that the Bruins have been converting on the power play at roughly the same rate that did in the regular season once they get set up in the zone. On at least 2 of the 5 power plays in game 6 the Bruins had less than 20 seconds set up in the offensive zone. I would also be comfortable in making the assumption that puck control in the offensive zone on the power play has been consistently poor in this playoff run. If that is an accurate assumption it would mean that the Bruins are actually converting closer to 14% of the power plays that they actually set up. This number is very close to 16% conversion ratio of the regular season.

On the current power play the B's are not controlling the puck while entering the offensive zone - way to much dump and chase. The dump and chase has its place in the 5 on 5 game (probably one the reasons that the Bruins are the best 5 on 5 team in hockey) but on the power play it is too risky for a number of reasons. The defense with no threat of icing is free to hammer the puck up the boards or back through the center. Additionally, the best defenders are on the ice. These are the opponents that are least likely to be intimidated by an aggressive puck pursuit. This strategy is on the coaching staff - trying to force successful 5 on 5 strategies into Power Play success has been proven futile.

To get this power play performing this team has two options - continue to dump and chase but play the players best suited to that style Thornton - Paille - Campbell (high pressure, great puck pursuit, and great board work) or put out the high skill guys with the mandate to carry the puck into the zone.

To CJ: Please, please, please take Recchi off the power play until the guys can consistently get set up in the offensive zone.

Many FanPosts are written by readers and do not necessarily reflect the views of Stanley Cup of Chowder, SB Nation, their sponsors, or business partners. Unless it's really good, then we're totally on board.

In This FanPost

Teams