Scotty's Solutions Pt. 1

“I take full responsibility for where this team is right now. That’s incumbent with the position. My job is to correct this, get us wining, get us feeing better about ourselves. I look to be a solution. It’s as simple as that.” -- Tom Renney, 2/15/09

It is getting quite tiresome seeing the many failings of this team so how about we try to step into Renney's role and find some ways to win? For part 1, let's address the biggest issue, the power play.

The man advantage has only proven to give an advantage to opposing teams this season so it is time to shake it up. There is no way to impart a new philosophy than adding new people so here are the two units I recommend:

Unit 1

Prucha-Drury-Korpikoski

Zherdev-Staal

Unit 2

Sjostrom-Dubinsky-Orr

Naslund-Mara

The biggest change from the current philosophy is that both units use a talent forward at the point. Let's face it, they are no more defensive liabilities than Rozy or Redden currently are and they actually add a scoring threat. Not to mention that it is much easier to quarterback a power play from up high then it is on the halfboards (unless you are a monster like Jagr was).

Unit 1 Details: Earlier in the season Zherdev proved that he knows how to backcheck when he wants to and let's face it, he is the slickest stickhandler on the team. Having him up high would draw the penalty killers up high, leaving more room for the forwards to swarm around the paint and cause chaos. Drury has shown a willingness to pay the price in front and Prucha has never shied away from crashing the crease. We have yet to see what the Korpedo can do, but I would love to find out. Aside from being the unit's defensive conscience, Staal would be the safety valve if Z can't get the puck down low, especially with that heavy shot he has - he just would need to use it more often.

Unit 2 Details: I've been pushing for Orr on a power play unit since Christmastime. Let the big man loose and see what he can do - he is definitely an improvement on Voros. Dubi is Dubi; he is still learning what his size is capable of and he has pretty good hands. Sjostrom is relentless, fast and can help defensive coverage if Naslund was to slide in from the point. Naslund has lost a step but he still is a saavy player and has shown that he is money in the high slot. It might be easier for him to get there cycling from the point then from down low. And Mara has been the steadiest presence on the blueline in all three zones so if his stupid fight with Asham hasn't cost him his season, he should keep a spot on the power play.

Key Omissions: Gomez, Callahan, Rozy and Redden. Gomez carries the puck across the neutral zone like no other but his little curl and dump garbage is a joke. He doesn't have the size, strength or shot of Jagr so his attempts to QB the power play from down low have been a complete failure. Cally is spectacular off of the rush ... once settled into the zone, notsomuch. Besides, keeping him on the bench would keep him energized to keep the opposition unsettled once they reach even strength. There is a good defenseman trapped inside Rozy. The Czech has shown flashes of it every now and again and he just needs to get the confidence back to be a top D all of the time. As for Redden, well, he doesn't belong in the NHL anymore, much less sitting on the point turning the puck over on a power play unit.

So what do you guys think?

 Scotty's Solutions Pt. 1 - A Mastermind's Insights into Hockey Strategy

Scotty Bowman, often hailed as the greatest coach in the history of the National Hockey League (NHL), is known for his unparalleled success and innovative strategies. Over the course of his illustrious career, Bowman accumulated nine Stanley Cup championships as a head coach and remains an iconic figure in the hockey world. In this article, we delve into some of Scotty Bowman's coaching wisdom, exploring his innovative strategies, impactful decisions, and addressing some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about his legendary career.

The Mind of Scotty Bowman

Adaptation: One of Bowman's defining qualities as a coach was his ability to adapt to different teams and situations. He recognized that no single strategy fits all scenarios. Whether he was coaching the Montreal Canadiens, Pittsburgh Penguins, or Detroit Red Wings, Bowman tailored his approach to the strengths and weaknesses of his roster.

Line Combinations: Scotty Bowman had a keen eye for forming line combinations that maximized player strengths. He understood that chemistry among linemates was crucial. His meticulous line management often produced devastatingly effective combinations.

Defensive Excellence: Bowman emphasized strong defensive play as the foundation of success. He instilled a team-first mentality that prioritized backchecking, shot-blocking, and responsible defensive coverage. This approach often led to both offensive and defensive success.

Innovative Strategies

Positional Play: Bowman was a pioneer of positional play in hockey. He advocated for players to maintain specific positions on the ice, ensuring that the team maintained its defensive structure while transitioning to offense. This approach reduced the risk of turnovers and made the team more difficult to break down defensively.

Special Teams Mastery: Bowman's teams were consistently among the best on special teams, both power play and penalty kill. His meticulous preparation and ability to exploit opponents' weaknesses made his teams dangerous regardless of the situation.

Goaltending Strategy: Bowman recognized the importance of elite goaltending and knew how to get the best out of his netminders. His goalies often thrived under his coaching, with legendary names like Ken Dryden, Tom Barrasso, and Dominik Hasek achieving their best performances under his guidance.

Notable Coaching Decisions

Switching Goaltenders: Bowman wasn't afraid to make bold decisions, including changing starting goaltenders during playoff series. His famous switch from Glenn Hall to Jacques Plante in the 1968 playoffs paid off as the Canadiens went on to win the Stanley Cup.

Utilizing Young Talent: Bowman was known for giving young players a chance to shine. He wasn't swayed by age or experience; if a young player had the talent, he'd put them on the ice. This approach contributed to the development of future NHL stars.

FAQs About Scotty Bowman

1. What's Scotty Bowman's coaching philosophy in a nutshell?

Scotty Bowman's coaching philosophy is built on adaptation, attention to detail, defensive excellence, and maximizing player strengths through strategic positioning and line combinations.

2. How did Bowman handle superstar egos on his teams?

Bowman treated all players equally and demanded accountability from everyone. His emphasis on team success often mitigated egos, as players bought into his system.

3. What's Bowman's lasting legacy in the NHL?

Scotty Bowman's legacy is one of unparalleled success and innovation. His influence on coaching strategies and player development continues to impact the NHL to this day.

Scotty Bowman's contributions to the world of hockey coaching are immeasurable. His ability to adapt, innovate, and make impactful decisions turned him into a coaching legend. As we've explored in this article, Bowman's strategies, insights, and philosophies continue to inspire and influence the sport of hockey. His legacy will forever be intertwined with the history of the NHL, and his coaching brilliance serves as a guiding light for coaches and fans alike who seek to understand the complexities and beauty of the game. Stay tuned for more insights from Scotty Bowman in future articles as we continue to unravel the genius behind the man they call "Scotty."