Put Kassian on the Power Play
Entry posted by stetty2
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Zack Kassian is on the bench for the power play. Still.
Does anyone remember Dustin Byfuglien? There was a purpose for the big guy. Go to the net and cause trouble.
Kassian should be in front of the net. Hiding shots from the point by Garrison or Edler, making sure the goalie can't see them. The goaltender might save the initial shot but there is more chance for a loose puck.
Kassian should also be able to have at least one, if not two defencemen on him in front of the net. Essentially blocking the goalie's way so the twins can dance around, finishing off the play with a softly bedded goal.
It worked for Markus Naslund and Brendan Morrison. They teamed with 'Big Burt' stone hands Todd Burtuzzi. The purpose of Todd was to create opportunities and "free up space" for the star players.
That's the beauty of the big man. Go to the net, cause some traffic and put in the junk goals.
Kassian should be pushing and shoving in front of the net, getting the goalie moving and getting in his line of sight.
The Canucks power play is currently in 29th place out of 30, so there is no risk to try it.
They are also 19th in the league in the goals per game department at 2.56.
The Defence is however within the top 16 playoff spots when it comes to giving them up at 2.48 goals per game. Good enough for 14th best in the league.
What they desperately need is a power play goal per game. The league average for power play percentage is just over 20%. That's 1 goal every 5 power plays or 1 goal per game. Toronto is clicking along at a rate of 32.4% or 1 goal every 3 power plays. Vancouver sits at 11.5%.
Imagine 1 more goal in each of the last 7 games for the Canucks?
Nov 23 '13 CHICAGO 2 VANCOUVER 1
Nov 22 '13 COLUMBUS 2 VANCOUVER 6
Nov 19 '13 FLORIDA 3 VANCOUVER 2 SO
Nov 17 '13 DALLAS 2 VANCOUVER 1
Nov 14 '13 SAN JOSE 2 VANCOUVER 1 OT
Nov 10 '13 VANCOUVER 1 ANAHEIM 3
Nov 09 '13 VANCOUVER 1 LOS ANGELES 5
Instead of being 1-4-2, they would have been somewhat improved to 3-2-2. An extra 4 points in the standings.
The Canucks have 28 points right now. Adding 4 would give them 32. Good enough for 8th in the league, even after this latest loss. It would also tie Boston who currently sit with 32 points at the top of the East.
I know you don't look at stats and standings Torts, but try something different please. The power play is what is hurting this team and it's time for a change.
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