Quote:
Originally Posted by Erick Estrada
Yeah as I said a few days ago I don't get why he's been demoted as his one-timer at the circle is still one of the best in the league and teams either leave that open or they cover that and leave Malkin open. Maybe Blysma is in job preservation mode or he's seen something he doesn't like about having Jarome on the 1st unit that we aren't seeing.
|
It's a delicate balance.
You don't want to cut your nose off to spite your face, but as the coach it is difficult to give a guy like Iginla icetime on the powerplay over guys like Kunitz or Dupuis when those guys show a heck of a lot more 5-5.
On the one hand, Iginla is a pretty potent offensive weapon in the offensive zone on the powerplay, but on the other hand, you don't want him to bring his 5-5 game into that scheme. You may be less 'productive' with Kunitz out there, but maybe you have increased zone time to wear out the opposition penalty killers and have less pucks skipping out passed the blueline or going the other way for a shorthanded chance. One thing about Iginla on the powerplay is that it is predictable. Everyone and their mother is looking to find him for the one-timer. Breaking down the PK box becomes less of a goal in favour of finding a guy with his stick in the air for a sweet one-timer.
Having said that, I know it was the Kunitz/Malkin/Letang trio that was on the ice for both Ottawa shorties and I don't think Iginla has been on for any. I think Bylsma sees two things: forcing the play from his stars on the powerplay and not seeing enough effort from Iginla to earn choice offensive minutes.