The Canuck Way
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Analyzing the Canucks’ power play and how it can improve

By Lucas Celle

SAINT PAUL, MN - JANUARY 12: Tyler Myers #57, Elias Pettersson #40, Quinn Hughes #43, Antoine Roussel #26 and J.T. Miller #9 of the Vancouver Canucks celebrate a goal against the Minnesota Wild during the game at the Xcel Energy Center on January 12, 2020 in Saint Paul, Minnesota. (Photo by Bruce Kluckhohn/NHLI via Getty Images)
SAINT PAUL, MN - JANUARY 12: Tyler Myers #57, Elias Pettersson #40, Quinn Hughes #43, Antoine Roussel #26 and J.T. Miller #9 of the Vancouver Canucks celebrate a goal against the Minnesota Wild during the game at the Xcel Energy Center on January 12, 2020 in Saint Paul, Minnesota. (Photo by Bruce Kluckhohn/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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Adding Gaudette to PP1, shifting Boeser to the bumper slot

Okay, now this isn’t a suggestion that holds too much weight, but it’s a fun scenario to talk about nonetheless.

I saw some folks on Twitter suggesting this option after head coach Travis Green made some changes at a practice last week following the 9-2 loss against Tampa Bay, switching Boeser out for Adam Gaudette on the top power play unit. What if instead of taking off Boeser, the coaching staff took of Bo Horvat and moved Boeser into the bumper role, leaving Miller as the net-front presence and Gaudette on the left half-wall. Just imagine it. Sounds exciting, right?

Boeser has thrived in the bumper spot in the past, when he played for the University of North Dakota, and Miller could be an extremely effective puck retriever who’s also shown he can provide a solid screen in front of the goalie.

Ultimately, Boeser could use his quick release to get shots off from the high slot or work quick give-and-go’s with the outside forwards. Boeser’s game has evolved from perimeter shooting to a grimier style of play – battling for pucks in tight and burying  slot chances. According to icydata.net, Boeser has yet to record a goal from past the top of the faceoff circles this season. 63% of his goals have come from the slot, and 13% from the near the crease. It’s evidence that he could potentially thrive as the bumper if given the opportunity.

Adding Gaudette as a half-wall threat would give the 23-year-old time and space to handle the puck and create plays like he did during his time at Northeastern University. He’d also be a dangerous threat to score with his wicked release that we’ve already witnessed this season.

Conclusion

At times, the Vancouver power play has been dominant. We’ve seen it take over games and single-handedly secure two points for the team. It’s been having it’s fair share of rough patches, however, and it’ll need to be excellent for the rest of the season if the Canucks want to see some playoff hockey.

Next. Canucks: Benning's aggressive moves have paid off. dark

What do you think? What other adjustments could the team make to their special teams? Let us know in the comments below!

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