Why is Sutter on PP1

[Lancaster]

The Sedins are too afraid to try something different.  

 

During 09-12, what worked for the Canucks?  

Samuelsson being a huge guy, RH and not afraid to shoot.  

Kesler, not as big but RH, willing to stand in front of the net for tip-ins, and not afraid to unleash his wrist shot.

Ehrhoff was more than willing to shoot and to roam all over the ice to make things difficult for defenders.

Edler was the "other guy" on the point, willing to shoot as the defenders are drawn to Ehrhoff and the Sedins

Salo, we all know about his RH shot, especially when it's a cross-ice one-timer.  

Daniel, he was more willing to shoot and to stand in front to provide secondary screening.

Henrik, he did more than just pass.  He was more than willing to carry the puck to the front of the goal to jam pucks in along with Daniel and Kesler.  Plus he was more than willing to shoot.

 

The key constant here.... everyone was willing to shoot.  When that is the case, it's harder for defenders to defend.  Close box formation means the PP unit can come closer and/or shooting from the point.  Challenge aggressively and more cross ice passes and more room in the middle.  This is what kept the opposition guessing, thus very difficult to defend against. 

 

Now, it's the same old bag of tricks.  Henrik passing to Daniel and vice versa along the corners.... then attempt a low percentage cross-ice pass for a shot with Sutter to screen.  Or you have minimal pressure and minimal movement, thus any shot from the point immediately blocked.  Sutter has just deferred all playmaking to others, so he's just a pylon in front of the goalie.  Henrik will only pass.  Daniel will only pass.  Hutton is with the sophomore slump.  Stecher is the only threat... but he only shoots from the point and he doesn't get those cross-ice passes like how Salo used to.