Antoine Roussel talks about the gift Alex Burrows would like to have

There’s nothing electrifying about the Montreal Canadiens’ numerical advantage, which brings a big negative wave to the face of Alex Burrows, who wipes and starts too often. If he could turn to a William Nylander, for example, it would undoubtedly change things.

That’s what Antoine Roussel had to say in his recent 98.5 Sports column, while pointing out that the power play wasn’t fast enough.

Alexandre Burrows criticized:
I think Alexandre would like to have Nylander,
Matthews and Tavares on the power play
-@Rous_ant

aude @LangloisMario 98,5 FM

– 98,5 Sports (@985Sports) December 16, 2023

To animate a massive attack, you need a conductor, which the Canadiens don’t have right now. Cole Caufield is one, but so far he’s fallen far short of his standards, not helping Alex Burrows in his determination to transform this facet.

With a success rate of just 17% (23rd in the NHL), all Montreal Canadiens fanatics criticize the scheme of Burrows, the man responsible for the five-man attack since he was hired. He receives a lot of harsh criticism, while Martin St-Louis is also part of the power-play solution.

St-Louis was a dominant player in all facets of the game, including the power play, which allows him to peek over Burrows’ shoulder. On the other hand, he’s certainly aware, as is Burrows, that it takes a talent like Nylander or Matthews to liven up a PP.

The first wave counts on the best of the group, but with the absences of Kirby Dach and Alex Newhook, we find the “leftovers” on the 2nd quintet. Regardless of the current players, no one can argue the contrary: it takes a jewel in the crown of this star-studded group.

If Kent Hughes wants to speed up his “remodelling” just a tad, he’ll have to use the free agent market to plug this very large hole. Because, frankly, no current player or prospect has superstar potential (on offense, at least).