The entry of Patrik Laine into the power play changes things quite a bit for Cole Caufield.
• Also read: Laine’s criticisms are well-founded
• Also read: In search of solutions, Kirby Dach remains confident
Before the Finn returned to the game, it was the number 13 who moved into the left faceoff circle to unleash a powerful shot. He has also scored five of his seven power play goals this way.
Against the Sabres, it was more as a passer that he contributed to Laine’s third goal.
“Having a threat like him creates space for others,” puts Caufield into perspective. You saw his shot and when you isolate it in that spot, it’s unreal. The more chances we create like that, the more other teams will cheat, which will open up space for others.”
Movement
In the eyes of Martin St-Louis, having two snipers like Laine and Caufield in the first mass attack unit is a luxury.
But it’s also a situation that involves some management of their positioning on the ice in order to get the most out of it.
“We have more weapons with Patty [et Cole]they’re two righties, two guys who shouldn’t necessarily be on the right on the power play because they have good one-timers.
“We have to find a way to have predictability for us, but unpredictability for the opponents. Without hiding them, we can have them change places from time to time.”
Learning
At first glance, Laine’s arrival is only beneficial for the numerical advantage which has gone from an efficiency rate of 20.8% to 26.1%, and the best may be yet to come.
“We learn how to play together on this numerical advantage and how we can maximize everyone’s strengths,” recalled Martin St-Louis. We want Cole to also have his touches and his chances to score.
Something interesting that Laine brings is that the team doesn’t have to look for the perfect play to attempt a throw.
“He doesn’t need to have a perfect pass, his window for releasing is still quite large,” emphasizes St-Louis.
In advance
If his space is no longer the same within the first wave of the numerical advantage, Cole Caufield is not left out since he is ahead of his production from last season.
With 17 goals in 31 games, he produced at a pace that would see him finish the season with around 45 goals. And with 29 points, he would have nearly 77 if he plays all 82 games in the regular schedule.
Last season, Caufield perhaps took a step aside to work on his defensive game and his five-on-five game, what we call the 200-foot game in trade jargon, and it shows this season.
“I established my threshold game after game and that means I can work on other aspects of my game. There is more confidence from one night to the next and the attack comes with it, that is part of my growth.”
