Did some research in the name of fixing our godawful PP, and the Lightning(#1 team right now, #1 PP unit overall too) also just happen to run a shooting, rebound based 1-3-1.
Only they're actually successful at it. Here's one play that is a textbook description of how that kind of 1-3-1 generates scoring chances.
Hedman as the lone Dman is more than happy to shoot. In fact, this whole scoring sequence started off with Hedman cranking it from the point (despite what GG may foolishly think of point shots on the PP), something Brodie seems completely terrified to do.
The 1-3-1 formation is set up to corral any rebounds most efficiently.
In the above play, everyone except Killorn got to touch the puck, and any one of them are a threat to finish.
So why do the Coyotes collapse like that?
Because the essence of TB’s 1-3-1 isn’t just having strong shooters at all positions - it’s rapid, deceptive puck movement. This is to discombobulate whatever PK they’re up against, as well as throw the goalie’s positioning off and make him work much harder. This GIF below is what happens when you just let them throw the puck freely around to each other.
The Flames do not have this kind of rapid puck movement. They are slow & predictable, and those PP’s are easy-peasy to defend. I don't care how good Brodie's skating or puck handling might be, we need someone in that spot who isn't afraid to drop point bombs. It's not some complicated formula. Shot from the point, traffic in front, goal/rebound. That isn't to say that it's the play to look for every time, but when PKers take away the low options like the Coyotes did above, then it's the easiest option. It's how we scored our last PP goal.
Flames need to actually utilize both half boards guys as
shooting threats and not just someone to bounce the puck elsewhere through. The Lightning do this by having Kucherov and Stamkos be on their opposite wing, going right to the circle, when the puck moves either direction.
This way they are on their one-timer side and the shot comes off the blade closer to the net, while forcing rapid lateral movement from the goalie. Either one can set up plays off the half wall. Shot fakes are pretty damn effective when you have 3 one-timer options up high.
The Flames elect to use those two roles more as setup guys, having them retreat closer to the blueline, but this is too easy to defend and is a simple read what play they’re looking for. It just doesn't play to the strengths of a 1-3-1 formation. They need to skate it in to actually get a good shot off, and it’s often off to the side because of the L/R stick-handedness.