As soon as news of Mueller's concussion hit, most Avs fans first thought about replacing him was "Who will run the right point on the powerplay?" There are trade options should the Avs choose that route, but I think most Av fans believe they will fill the hole Mueller has left from within the organization.
So, who do you think will take over Mueller's powerplay slot?
Since I made this thread, I guess I'll throw out my idea first.
Not sure if he has any experience at it or how he'd do (or if this has been tried and failed before), but I came up with trying out Stewart on the right point. Got a decent shot and isn't a defensive liability in case the Avs get pushed back on their heels on the PP. My only concern is if he'd be able to act as more of the QB rather than just a big shot, but if paired with Liles I think that it wouldn't really matter how well he could QB the PP.
I think the Avs have enough scoring depth at forward that they could move Stewie back to the point and still have enough firepower up front to have an effective PP
I'd imagine this might increase Colby Cohen's chances of making the team, if they are actually concerned about the point shot, at least. Otherwise, we might see Ryan Wilson get a shot.
The problem with putting Stewart and (especially) Hejduk on the point is that they always jump up into the play and leave their partner on an island. Heck, Hejduk took himself out of the playoffs by jumping up and running into Stastny's shoulder.
Likely, the Avs will just do what they did early on last year by pairing Liles and Quincey. However, giving Shattenkirk or Cohen time—given they make the team—makes sense as well. As for the forwards, Duchene saw time on the point in Brampton, while Yip saw alot playing for BU, and Sacco put him there the rare time last season.
I think it's Shattenkirk. He's a righty, it works with Liles. Cohen's D needs so much more work, despite the fact his shot is better. He should start in the A.
The problem with putting Stewart and (especially) Hejduk on the point is that they always jump up into the play and leave their partner on an island. Heck, Hejduk took himself out of the playoffs by jumping up and running into Stastny's shoulder.
Likely, the Avs will just do what they did early on last year by pairing Liles and Quincey. However, giving Shattenkirk or Cohen time—given they make the team—makes sense as well. As for the forwards, Duchene saw time on the point in Brampton, while Yip saw alot playing for BU, and Sacco put him there the rare time last season.
Duchene was pretty bad at the point. So were Stewart and Hejduk. I doubt Yip is any better.
I don't think any of our forwards really work on the point. Stewart had trouble getting shots off and I don't think he has particularly good instincts as the last guy. Hejduk, while skilled with the puck, is a non-threat as far as shots go. The forward that might work is Yip, but I am doubtful. He is a right shot and have pretty decent accuracy (based on the few games we saw last year).
I think we have to look at the defensemen as the solution. Liles is ok when he isn't just in a puck transport mood. I know he doesn't have a massive shot but the other team at least has to think a shot can come from back there. Besides Avs have lots of forwards that are pretty good around the goal. But even with Liles back there we need more shots. Hopefully Shattenkirk and Cohen step up now and grab that spot. If not I guess we have to settle for some Quincey/Wilson combo.
We didn't have a shot from the point for like 2-3 years before Mueller showed up...I really doubt this management will make a move to acquire someone or move someone just for the sole reason of getting a PP shot...
If they were going to ever do a move strictly to fill a PP shot role, they should have done that when they have millions invested in Smyth.
Cohen and Shattenkirk seem to be perfect candidates, as they're both right handed offensive defensemen. I am 100% opposed to any forward taking the point; besides Mueller when was the last time that worked at all?
I remember Yip blasting rockets at BU from the point. He might be a good candidate.
If Shattenkirk or Cohen make the team, they should be given a try.
At lastly, they could try Dutchy, but I prefer that be the last resort.
Yip had a great shot (upwards of 99MPH in the skill contests), but he is a terrible puck distributor from the point and can't keep the puck in the zone very well. He was taken off the point after a few games during his freshman season.
Shattenkirk is a great PP guy, but he's more like Liles. He's more of a setup guy than a bomb from the point.
Yip had a great shot (upwards of 99MPH in the skill contests), but he is a terrible puck distributor from the point and can't keep the puck in the zone very well. He was taken off the point after a few games during his freshman season.
Shattenkirk is a great PP guy, but he's more like Liles. He's more of a setup guy than a bomb from the point.
You know how Stamkos would constantly score from the left faceoff circle on one timers last season? Exactly like that except that Cohen scores from further out because his shot is even harder
