Montreal Canadiens: Alex Burrows Needs To Fix Power Play To Keep Job

It’s no secret that the Montreal Canadiens’ power play has been hot garbage for some time, and while many things have improved under Marty St Louis, the power play is not one of them.

Certainly, part of the issue can be attributed to the injuries, but it would be an understatement to say Burrows’ hasn’t been able to push the two units in the right direction. While not every team that has won the Stanley Cup had a great power play, it certainly helps provide momentum.

Many teams that struggle on special teams slot right in where the Canadiens have in the standings. And improving that area can certainly be a big help in climbing up the standings. The expectations to make the playoffs are relatively low, but a poor power play doesn’t instill much confidence in the players.

If Burrows can’t manage to get his units clicking, I can’t see him sticking around much longer; as he hasn’t proven much to this point. I won’t necessarily predict that he is canned right away, due to the team’s position, but at some point, frustration will set in. If by the All-Star break, the production doesn’t improve, I wouldn’t be shocked to see Burrows’ departure from the organization at that time, or surely at season’s end if he hasn’t come up with any solutions for the man advantage.

Canadiens Youth Could Save Burrows

The saving grace for Burrows is the amount of youth that are chomping at the bit to crack the Canadiens roster. There are also the regulars, like – Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, Kirby Dach, Michael Matheson and co., along with the Habs’ newest addition, Alex Newhook. There are some interesting pieces and some young defensemen that have still not hit their stride.

There will be an adjustment period no doubt, as is such when there are many moving pieces. Even predicting how the two power-play units look is hard without knowing who makes the team. One thing is certain, however, there are an array of different pieces for Burrows to work with.

The state of the organization could certainly delay the inevitable should Burrows struggle to get the units rolling. Expectations are not that high, so the team won’t panic if there is a slow start. But, at the end of the day, with countless combination possibilities, Burrows has plenty to work with, it’s nothing personal against Burrows, but a lacklustre power play is something that the Canadiens would be best to leave in the rearview.

The mix of veterans, young guys, prospects and even a new addition should offer a nice blend of personnel to bring the best out of the power play. If not, it could spell the end of Burrows time in Montreal.

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