I’m a huge Claude Julien fan. For the life of me, when i hear about a net-front presence as a requirement for the PP, I cringe.

If you are a big fan of the Corey Perry is a huge plus for the PP, here is something to think about.

Since 2013/14, Mtl’s PP ranks 28th in the NHL for GF at 5 vs 4. They used a net front scheme with Gallagher as a main weapon.

Anaheim has also used a net-front scheme, featuring Perry; their PP ranks 30th

Over that time, Gallagher has scored 32 PPG. Perry, 36. On a PPG/60, Perry ranks 64th of all RW at 1.65. Gallagher is at 1.57, ranked 77th.

They play A LOT of minutes for very little return.

The PP is all about creating situations where a player can find holes in the coverage and making the goaltender move before the shot. As soon as you place a player as net-front, you lose the ability to create mismatches in the coverage and thus lose one-timer options.

Again, since 2013/14, the top 4 teams for 5 vs 4 GF are: Tampa, Washington, Pittsburgh and Boston. None of those teams use a net-front man; they all use a goal-line player to make the coverage run into coverage mistakes to set-up one-timer options.

The problem is not Gallagher or Perry or Anderson, the problem is using a tactical scheme that nullifies the man-advantage to create mismatches.

You would think NHL coaches would see that, especially after getting killed on their PK in Vancouver and Toronto these past few games.

If Muller can’t see this and create a modern PP, he should be replaced ASAP; he has enough weapons this year.

This is a chart made by Chris Boyle after the “sub-par”Carey Price season in 2012.

You can note that the best expected SV% (if you want to score) is transition plays. It’s better than deflections or rebounds.

You should want to design your PP to take advantage of that.