Montreal Canadiens: What will the Habs’ power play look like next season?

Power Play 1:

Formation: 1-3-1 Umbrella

Personnel:

Caufield-Gallagher- Hoffman

Suzuki-Petry

Typically, Shea Weber was always the dangerous shooting threat on Montreal’s number one power play unit, but with #6 out of the picture it gives Burrows and co. the opportunity to create a man advantage similar to that of Tampa Bay’s with two one-timer options.

In terms of who the net front presence will be on the first unit, it is no question that Brendan Gallagher will assume that role. #11 has made a career from going to the dirty areas of the ice and is well suited for that position on the man advantage.

Jeff Petry has emerged as an elite offensive defenceman in the NHL and is a great fit to man the point on the power play. As power play quarterback, Petry would be able to feed both one-timer positions while also having the option to unleash a blistering shot of his own. His mobility at the blueline will get penalty killers moving and open up seams.

Nick Suzuki is developing into a premier playmaker in the NHL and has grown into a consistent point producer on the man advantage. Having Suzuki in the slot will allow him to move the puck to either one-timer positions on the half walls while also having the option to shoot. His vision and creativity will will keep the penalty killers guessing.

Rookie sensation Cole Caufield and new arrival Mike Hoffman should be penciled in as the trigger men on the first unit. Caufield and Hoffman should be positioned on opposite half walls presenting one-timer options to both Suzuki and Petry. With the two snipers possessing lethal shots, this formation should translate to a dominant power play for the Canadiens.