Unless they're changing their PP set up and formation it's not shortsighted. A RH shot just won't be able to be effective at that spot.
- MJL

If you look the 1st PP seems to be more stationary then the 2nd one. The 2nd one has more movement and they seem to try and find the cross ice pass more while the first one is more set for the high shot with Gostisbehere or the one timer in the slot.

Schenn and Hartnell were'nt creative players, but both had much more effective one time shots than Couturier which can greatly benefit a powerplay. Again, I'm a huge fan of Couturier, I just don't think that his skill set is best utilized on the powerplay. It certainly doesn't mean that he's not a valuable player. In fact, right now, I would consider him to arguably be the most valuable forward on the team. I just would prefer to see others on the pp over him right now.
- BiggE

I do think that if there is one place Couturier will be effective on the PP it needs to be on the slot or net front. I'd give him one more look in the Schenn Vacancy.

Unless they're changing their PP set up and formation it's not shortsighted. A RH shot just won't be able to be effective at that spot.
- MJL

Then change the formation, isn't that at least part of the reason you bring in a new pp coach? IMO, you build the formation to best fit the talent you have rather than trying to force talent into roles that they aren't best suited for. If your most effective powerplay guys are mainly righthanded, then you take that into consideration when developing your pp units. There have been plenty times in the Flyers history where they only had one RH shot on their top pp units and yet they somehow made it work. The reverse should also be doable. To stubbornly insist on a formation that requires a LH shot where there is no good choice to fill that spot, is, IMO, both foolish and shortsighted.

Schenn and Hartnell were'nt creative players, but both had much more effective one time shots than Couturier which can greatly benefit a powerplay. Again, I'm a huge fan of Couturier, I just don't think that his skill set is best utilized on the powerplay. It certainly doesn't mean that he's not a valuable player. In fact, right now, I would consider him to arguably be the most valuable forward on the team. I just would prefer to see others on the pp over him right now.
- BiggE

If you watched during the lockout when Couturier and Schenn were with the Phantoms, Couturier was actually pretty effective at the point.

But on a 2nd unit, I actually like him there. I think he can produce more and a lot of times the PP ends while the 2nd unit is out there. And if they continue the 4 forward 1 defender trend then I think it makes sense.

I do think that if there is one place Couturier will be effective on the PP it needs to be on the slot or net front. I'd give him one more look in the Schenn Vacancy.
- Baxter27

Maybe, but I really don't think that's the answer. Both Hartnell and Schenn had the ability to one time the puck effectively in that spot and I have yet to see that ability in Couturier.

If you watched during the lockout when Couturier and Schenn were with the Phantoms, Couturier was actually pretty effective at the point.

But on a 2nd unit, I actually like him there. I think he can produce more and a lot of times the PP ends while the 2nd unit is out there. And if they continue the 4 forward 1 defender trend then I think it makes sense.
- J35Bacher

You may be right, it depends on how much time the 2nd unit is going to get. If, like last year, they are usually coming out with only 30-40 seconds left then yeah, it makes sense. If they are coming out with closer to a minute left, than I'd just try to get another Dman on for one of the point men near the end of the pp.

Maybe, but I really don't think that's the answer. Both Hartnell and Schenn had the ability to one time the puck effectively in that spot and I have yet to see that ability in Couturier.
- BiggE

He hasn't shown the shot, that's for sure. But he's solid around the net, deflecting pucks, anticipating plays and retrieving.

Then change the formation, isn't that at least part of the reason you bring in a new pp coach? IMO, you build the formation to best fit the talent you have rather than trying to force talent into roles that they aren't best suited for. If your most effective powerplay guys are mainly righthanded, then you take that into consideration when developing your pp units. There have been plenty times in the Flyers history where they only had one RH shot on their top pp units and yet they somehow made it work. The reverse should also be doable. To stubbornly insist on a formation that requires a LH shot where there is no good choice to fill that spot, is, IMO, both foolish and shortsighted.
- BiggE

But isn't that why they set up the way they do? If you want things run through Giroux, and he is most comfortable on the half wall, then they are trying to fit their talent.

My problem with the top unit is they seem to stationary. I think you could use a RH or LH in the slot if you had more movement. The 2nd unit seems to do that and they try to create a seam pass

You may be right, it depends on how much time the 2nd unit is going to get. If, like last year, they are usually coming out with only 30-40 seconds left then yeah, it makes sense. If they are coming out with closer to a minute left, than I'd just try to get another Dman on for one of the point men near the end of the pp.
- BiggE

I think, with a different mindset, you'll see steps forward with Couturier.

Unless they're changing their PP set up and formation it's not shortsighted. A RH shot just won't be able to be effective at that spot.
- MJL

With the second unit as is right now, they should put Patrick in G's spot. Cooter to the middle, Weal down low, and leave TK on the other side of Provy. Anytime Weal gets the puck, TK crash back door to cause some confusion and give Weal options.

Incredible...
Sanheim has a flat out amazing game, has pretty much wrapped up a spot for himself (if Ron sticks to his words and keeps the players that deserve to be in the lineup on the team)... and yet here we are arguing about Couts...

But isn't that why they set up the way they do? If you want things run through Giroux, and he is most comfortable on the half wall, then they are trying to fit their talent.

My problem with the top unit is they seem to stationary. I think you could use a RH or LH in the slot if you had more movement. The 2nd unit seems to do that and they try to create a seam pass
- J35Bacher

Movement is the key and why I think Patrick could work. You leave G where he is and Ghost can play at the top of the zone like usual. Also Simmonds would, of course, stay and do what he does at the net front. But Jake and Patrick can and should be the wildcards. Jake can drift anywhere from down low on the right side to up above the circle and across to the between the circles and crash down upon the net when the puck is in that area. Patrick can start in the middle but also swing down low behind the net, join Simmonds in front at times and/or drift over to the right circle or even the top of the right circle.

The formation doesn't have to be radically altered, but a few tweaks here and there to make the best use of the talent you have should be a no brainer.

Incredible...
Sanheim has a flat out amazing game, has pretty much wrapped up a spot for himself (if Ron sticks to his words and keeps the players that deserve to be in the lineup on the team)... and yet here we are arguing about Couts...
- jak521

what? you're new here?

Incredible...
Sanheim has a flat out amazing game, has pretty much wrapped up a spot for himself (if Ron sticks to his words and keeps the players that deserve to be in the lineup on the team)... and yet here we are arguing about Couts...
- jak521

I don't think we are arguing about Coots, at least I'm not. I'm just giving my thoughts on how best to set up their powerplay. We talked to Sanheim on the last thread and I think just about everyone here thinks that he should be in the opening night lineup.

Movement is the key and why I think Patrick could work. You leave G where he is and Ghost can play at the top of the zone like usual. Also Simmonds would, of course, stay and do what he does at the net front. But Jake and Patrick can and should be the wildcards. Jake can drift anywhere from down low on the right side to up above the circle and across to the between the circles and crash down upon the net when the puck is in that area. Patrick can start in the middle but also swing down low behind the net, join Simmonds in front at times and/or drift over to the right circle or even the top of the right circle.

The formation doesn't have to be radically altered, but a few tweaks here and there to make the best use of the talent you have should be a no brainer.
- BiggE

Honestly I think a big problem last year was Giroux. He was too predictable and he never left the half wall.

And I also wouldn't mind seeing Patrick down low on the top unit where Simmonds is. Reason being is he seems to be able to make things happen from behind the net. So it could give a different look to the PP.

I don't think we are arguing about Coots, at least I'm not. I'm just giving my thoughts on how best to set up their powerplay. We talked to Sanheim on the last thread and I think just about everyone here thinks that he should be in the opening night lineup.
- BiggE

I didn't think we were arguing. Thought it was a good conversation.

And we all know Sanheim has been excellent. But until he actually is on the roster there isn't much to discuss.

Honestly I think a big problem last year was Giroux. He was too predictable and he never left the half wall.

And I also wouldn't mind seeing Patrick down low on the top unit where Simmonds is. Reason being is he seems to be able to make things happen from behind the net. So it could give a different look to the PP.
- J35Bacher

Simmonds needs to stay in his place.He and Schenn made the PP last year work
Giroux was also very predictable in 5 / 5 play

I don't think we are arguing about Coots, at least I'm not. I'm just giving my thoughts on how best to set up their powerplay. We talked to Sanheim on the last thread and I think just about everyone here thinks that he should be in the opening night lineup.
- BiggE

Which means Sanheim won't be....

first full preseason game I've had the chance to watch. I haven't been a big Laughton fan, but I thought he looked solid last night and think he stays. The extra season in the AHL last year seems to have paid off hopefully. Sanheim looked like it would be hard to not keep him. Hagg looks like he's been playing here for a few season. But can they & will they have a blueline with 3 rookies, 1 second season and 1 starting his second full season, but we'll give him a 3rd year. That is a lot of youth and you know there will be growing pains.

Read and Raffl should be watching from high up and shouldn't be skating.

I know they lost, but watching them play showed signs of a brighter future, growing pains ahead but a brighter future.

When MacDonald was waived in 15-16, he only played three preseason games.

The maximum number of preseason games he can play this season is four.

Simmonds needs to stay in his place.He and Schenn made the PP last year work
Giroux was also very predictable in 5 / 5 play
- goenzoy

He does well there.

But having a skill guy down there could also open things up. Defensman hate looking behind the net and not knowing what;s behind them. Guys can cut in so it's tough.

Also, I know this is taboo to say, but Simmonds could start to decline. I know he hasn't shown signs but I feel like we've been lucky with him as he hasn't really had injuries for a guy who is always in front of the net.

I don't think he has no offensive upside, at 5 on 5, with offense minded wingers, I believe he can generate some offense. However, I do agree that he lacks creativity and an overwhelming shot and I would take him off the powerplay. I'd rather see him playing more minutes shorthanded where he excels and at ES rather than on the pp.

Why do people try to complicate things. Keep it simple, play him to his strength and let others take care of the scoring. They're trying to put a square peg through a round hole with him on PP2, now they're making it worse. He's a terrific 3rd line center.

Own it. Let him excel.

Why do people try to complicate things. Keep it simple, play him to his strength and let others take care of the scoring. They're trying to put a square peg through a round hole with him on PP2, now they're making it worse. He's a terrific 3rd line center.

Own it. Let him excel.
- WhirlingDervish

He hasn't been the 3rd line center since Craig Berube was fired.

He does well there.

But having a skill guy down there could also open things up. Defensman hate looking behind the net and not knowing what;s behind them. Guys can cut in so it's tough.

Also, I know this is taboo to say, but Simmonds could start to decline. I know he hasn't shown signs but I feel like we've been lucky with him as he hasn't really had injuries for a guy who is always in front of the net.
- J35Bacher

So we're back to trading Simmonds ASAP because he may possibly decline, maybe, someday?

So we're back to trading Simmonds ASAP because maybe he'll decline?
- jmatchett383

Where did i say trade?

I just said about a different look to maybe open things up differently on the PP.