The Calgary Flames have some blatant issues with their power play unit; it plain and simple isn’t producing the goods.
Somehow, the Calgary Flames, courtesy of a Pacific Division that is sitting incredibly even at this point of the season, are still a shot at the play-offs. That is unlikely to last unless they start to fix the issues with utilising their power play; though for now they continue to defy statistics:
With players like Johnny Gaudreau, T.J. Brodie, Dougie Hamilton and Sean Monahan all contributing with decent points totals; the power play issues shouldn’t be occurring.
The key problem seems to be in the choice of players on the ice when there is extra man situations; pairing Mason Raymond or Joe Colborne with Gaudreau when there are options like Monahan, Frolik or Sam Bennett seems a little questionable to say the least.
It’s almost as if the Calgary Flames coaching team is trying to kill penalties on the power play, such are their line choices.
Now, I may be missing the point here with Colborne or Raymond given very specific roles, but even if this is the case – surely more time for a more offensively minded defenseman (Hamilton, maybe?) is the better option for the Calgary Flames?
Likewise, I get that Joe Colborne is likely tasked with creating some sort of physical presence and blocking the goaltenders’ vision, but surely Jiri Hudler can do this too? Likewise, Micheal Ferland; heck, give Sam Bennett a shot?
The issue is as much the Calgary Flames choice of players as it is their approach to the power play. They don’t appear to have the patience to set it up and stick with the plan. Too often we’re seeing the Calgary Flames rush the puck forward, get caught out fore-checking on the boards and sent straight back to their end.
They need some support from the blue line; some cooler heads that’ll be able to handle the puck out of their defensive zone and bring it forward without rushing things.
The easiest answer for the Calgary Flames would arguably be to bring some new faces in, if possible – right now, they’re not exactly set up for a strong power play – there’s a few bodies that are ideal for it, but the supporting cast doesn’t match up.
Moving forward, there’s every chance that the Calgary Flames drop out of the playoff picture if they don’t fix this with some degree of urgency.
Next: Flames Interested In Jonathan Bernier?
What do you think? Is the power play the least of the Calgary Flames issues? Or is it a much bigger issue than we touch on? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.