Montreal Canadiens: Breaking Down the Power Play
By Omar L
The Montreal Canadiens power play will look pretty different considering the roster moves the team has made this offseason.
The power play is something that can turn a game in your favour. Especially when the game is between two teams who don’t give up anything at even strength. The Montreal Canadiens reaped the benefits of a very improved power play this season that contributed a lot to their success.
Montreal has generally had a power play around 16% dating back to the 2013-2014 season. Their man advantage did better this year at 19.7%.
The Canadiens main two power play units during the season (via leftwinglock.com) were:
- Max Pacioretty–Andrew Shaw–Alexander Radulov–Shea Weber–Andrei Markov
- Artturi Lehkonen–Tomas Plekanec–Brendan Gallagher-Weber-Markov
At times, Alex Galchenyuk would be the second guy on the top unit, and other times Jeff Petry would be on instead of Markov. Weber led the team in power play points with 12 goals and 10 points. Makes sense considering how much he was used on the man advantage.
Another solid addition to the Habs’ power play was Radulov. Not only could he score himself, but he was a great puck distributor.
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2017-2018 Power Play Units
One thing that may be in Claude Julien‘s favour to use more often is the 1-3-1 model. There’s risk in using a system like this but it’s beneficial for team’s that have one-timer options.
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It didn’t happen much, but when the team really needed a goal, Pacioretty would go on as the fourth skater in place of Markov.
Even though Radulov and Markov aren’t on the team anymore, the Canadiens can still have just as good or an even better power play. In terms of which additions will get special team time, it’ll be Jonathan Drouin and probably Ales Hemsky. Here’s a look at what the power play units could look like:
- Pacioretty-Galchenyuk-Shaw-Drouin-Weber
- Lehkonen-Plekanec-Gallagher-Hemsky-Petry
Now this is assuming Julien runs the 1-3-1 on both units. Drouin provides even more elite skill to the Habs’ powerplay. He has the speed and the vision to get a play going and find teammates. Additionally, you have your one timer options in Galcenyuk and Weber.
On paper, the second unit doesn’t look as threatening. Hemsky doesn’t shoot the puck much, but he has been a solid playmaker over his NHL career. Petry is mobile enough to man the point on his own and also has a good enough shot to get to the net.
It wouldn’t be surprising to see Charles Hudon see some time on the power play if Hemsky struggles. It will be interesting to see what Julien does with his units next season. The Habs being able to convert on their opportunities is what matters the most.
Next: Montreal Canadiens TPT: The Biggest Rival
How successful do you think the Habs’ power play will be? Can they improve on last year’s record? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!