Quote:
Originally Posted by JayP
It may actually be personnel based. Our forward group is lacking right handed shots with any semblance of skill. There's a reason why when Versteeg got hurt that the powerplay fell apart. It wasn't because Versteeg's amazing ability was the lynch pin, it was because he was the only right handed option available.
Right now, our top unit consists of all left handed shots. They may all individually have the talent to be on an effective powerplay unit, but as a group it's hard to overcome the lack of options you have when you don't have a mix of lefties and righties. Especially when it's Backlund filling the slot Versteeg played and he isn't much of a one timer threat. The opposing PK tends to tighten things up on Gaudreau's side and give Backlund space to shoot, which isn't his forte.
I'm not sure there is a fix on the Flames roster right now. They should try Hamilton on the top powerplay unit in Backlund's slot. But that just leaves 5 lefties on the second unit and you aren't that much better off.
This is where the Lazar trade is really hurting the Flames. Clearly they thought he was going to be the answer as a right-handed offensive threat that the team desperately needs and he's been a total dud. With Brouwer being a complete bust of a free agent signing too, the Flames have no options for right handed forwards.
|
Couldn't agree more. They are also lacking a trigger man on the PP. Someone you scheme around for one timer, where teams need to cheat to cover, and open things up elsewhere.