Alexander Radulov
Montreal Canadiens Should Change Their 1st Power Play Unit
Alexander Radulov

Montreal Canadiens Should Change Their 1st Power Play Unit

Updated Mar. 5, 2020 12:03 a.m. ET

The Montreal Canadiens have tried many different Power Play combinations this season. One option that the Habs should try, is putting Nathan Beaulieu with Shea Weber.

The Montreal Canadiens have gone back to the drawing board, and are trying to fix a power play that struggled against the Boston Bruins. On Monday night the Canadiens went 0-5 on the man advantage and also had there biggest weapon taken away. The Bruins strategically chose to shadow Defensemen Shea Weber, and as a result the Habs couldn’t generate many opportunities.

The Canadiens will try a different combination on their first power play unit tonight against the San Jose Sharks. However, this combination is one that we’ve seen before. Jeff Petry will slide up to the Habs top Power Play unit and will be paired with Weber.

Petry and Weber have enjoyed some success but the two paired together creates some issues. First, Petry and Weber both are right handed shots, making passing difficult between Weber and Petry. A right, left shot combination makes it easier for one time shots, and this is why Markov was primarily used with Weber.

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Second, this top pairing creates issues for the next Power Play unit. The Canadiens may have to put Markov with Beaulieu, and this creates the same issue as the top pairing. Montreal may even have to insert a forward to man one of the points on the second unit.

    The Solution

    One of the reasons that the Habs may want take Markov off of the top unit is because he doesn’t shoot enough. Markov has an accurate slap shot, but he has always been a pass first type of player. Because of his over tendency to pass the Bruins basically dared Markov to shoot and took away Weber.

    Head Coach Michel Therrien may want Petry with Weber because of his willingness to shoot. However, as previously mentioned, it’s more difficult for two right hand shots to both be a threat for one time shots.

    Nathan Beaulieu may be the perfect answer to the Habs problem. Beaulieu is left shot, and he is also a talented passer who thinks offensively. Also, Beaulieu has consistently shown that he isn’t afraid to shoot the puck.

    Final Thoughts

    The Habs have gone back and fourth with Markov and Petry all season long. Sometimes they even use Forward Alexander Radulov to play the point on the Power Play. The Canadiens should give Beaulieu a chance to prove himself, as he could be the perfect complement to Shea Weber.

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