Who should our shootout shooters be?

Desi · Senior Member

Who should our shootout shooters be?

Nil d · Guru

Desi wrote:

If it were up to me, I guess my CH shootout shooter lineup would look like this: 1. Ribeiro -- great hands and creativity in close 2. Kovalev -- the most talented scorer on the team 3. Koivu -- el capitan seems to be able to will the puck into the net at times After that, I'd give consideration to Zednik, Ryder and also to Bulis when he's healthy. Les Canadiens Sont La...

I don't agree with Bulis - he has hands of stone most nights. I like Kovalev and Ryder (top goal-getter on the Habs), but could have gone with Koivu as the third, or possibly Ribeiro.

plouf · Guru

Perez should have been a good choice because he's looked good on breakaway-type plays in games. He definitely likes to shoot. Didn't turn out though.

My picks would be Kovalev for sure, probably Zednik (but boy does he seem to lack concentration lately) . And Ryder - the guy is clutch.

After that I don't know. Ribeiro maybe? Koivu's only good, not excellent as a goal scorer. But he does have the moves. Plekanec's got some skills...Begin!

NorthwindNS · Veteran Member

1. Kovalev

2. Zednik

3. Riberio

barry33 · Guru

I would like to say that there is a scientific method to choosing shooters but usually there is not. Even before the shootout became law, guys used to practice breakaways all the time, just fooling around in practice or the morning skate. So the coaches tend to just go with who they see doing well in practice. Perez has a ton of speed and that can be a huge benefit in a shootout. I would venture to guess that Robs would have been CJ's next shooter had Theo stopped Syd.

ray · Senior Member

1. Koivu

2. Kovalev

3. Ribiero

but I must say I liked the Idea of Perezogin, give the Kid a chance and maybe some confidence that the team believes in him. Ryder? hes a shooter not a penalty shot guy, kinda like Brett Hull I wouldn't pick him unless you had a weak team.

plouf · Guru

You're right about Ryder. He's not really a breakaway guy. Guess my reasons for thinking of him is that he seems to bury chances when the pressure's on.

Maybe give Perez another shot?

superhab · Guru

Saku - Solid with the puck and can bury it

Zednick - Great with the puck and a breakaway guy

Kovalev - very skilled when he wants to be

Notables would be Ribs- very skilled with the puck, Higgins - took many shootouts in the AHL and was pretty good at them. Ryder - great shot which can be unexpected for a goalie on a shootout to take a shot from the slot. Perez - full of speed and good with the puck.

AWOL · Veteran Member

Kovalev - no brainer... This guy could be the best shooter in the league.

Perezhogin - I think this was a smart move, the kid has great hands and can probably bury the puck in a 1 on 1 situation most of the time.

Ribeiro - Don't like him much, but if there's one situation where he has talent, this is it. My complaint with him is his lack of strength but in a shootout... who cares?

As for Zednik... he can probaby do the job but he is more of a closer in my mind. Needs a Koivu to set him for the eye-popping finish.

As for Koivu (my favorite Hab, I might add), he is the playmaker and the all-seeing eye but I can't say whether his penalty-shot skills are up to par with the soft hands of the guys I listed above.