Connor Timmins brings an element to his game the Leafs haven't had since Dion Phaneuf
One thing that is missing from the Leafs' already lethal power play is a truly dangerous shot from the point. Even when Morgan Rielly is healthy, the best the Leafs can hope for is a wrist shot that gets redirected or a goalie having his eyes taken away by a screen. Not since Dion Phaneuf's Leafs tenure have they had someone at the point who could score from distance, but let's be honest, Phaneuf missed the net more often than he hit it. The game has definitely changed since the Leafs' PP strategy consisted of Thomas Kaberle feeding Bryan McCabe for one timers. Slap shots have become something of a lost art, with more and more defensemen opting for quick wrist shots instead.
The Leafs may be looking to bring the big one timer back by adding newly acquired defender Connor Timmins to their second power play unit. According to Justin Holl, Timmins has an absolute cannon from the point.
Having a big shot at the point may be old school, but can still be extremely effective. Even if it doesn't get through, it's going to have someone on the limp until the end of the shift if they choose to block it. More importantly, if Timmins can be a threat from the point, it will draw attention away from Nick Robertson. With the Leafs' big guns all packed onto PP1, Robertson is and should be the primary shooter on the second unit. With a little more time and space, Robertson's already lethal shot will be easier to get off more often. Timmins has a chance to not only secure a top 6 role in the Leafs D core, but to make their second power play unit a force to be reckoned with if he can use that big shot effectively.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 6 | 231 ANSWERS Connor Timmins brings an element to his game the Leafs haven't had since Dion Phaneuf Were you a fan of Dion Phaneuf during his tenure in Toronto? | ||
| Yes | 123 | 53.2 % |
| No | 108 | 46.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
