All the usual frustrations aside, this was another game that was lost because of the PP>
Regarding Brouwer on the PP... sure, he screens the goalie, but he does little to nothing else with respect to gaining the zone and maintaining possession. He simply shouldn't be on it. Also, the team doesn't shoot from the point, so the screen is a pretty low priority most of the time.
Speaking of shots from the point. I have no doubt that Gulutzan has run the numbers, and the numbers probably do show that not many PP goals come from the point. However, the conclusion to not bother teeing up a gun there is the completely wrong conclusion. The way to build a better PP is to have as many weapons, and as many looks as possible. Their problem is that, with no threat of a high shot, the D can collapse low and take away the one play that they are looking for.
With respect to zone entries, one big problem IMO, is that Brodie NEVER threatens to enter the zone. Ever. So the D doesn't have to worry about it. It is going to be Johnny every time. So defend against his zone entry by double-teaming him. This is another problem with having a guy like Brouwer on the PP - he is simply not a threat at the blueline.
Too easy to defend.
But keep trying the same thing, over and over and over because... luck will change?
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