The Powerplay is all about creating open seams. Phaneuf’s 24 SOG are a testament to Kaberle’s ability to make that perfect pass that gives Phaneuf that perfect shot. But what the stats won’t tell you is that Phaneuf has ripped FAR MORE than 24 shots from the point on the PP. Many times this season, Kaberle has feathered over that perfect pass over to Phaneuf but Phaneuf’s shot has either been blocked or been off target or ping ponged into the boards. Why? Because Phaneuf’s shot does not have an open seam to find its way to the net. There is a reason Phaneuf still has no goals on the season yet.

Here is a fun fact: Phaneuf and Kessel have the same amount of Shots on Goal on the season (24). Yet Kessel has 2 Powerplay Goals. Phaneuf has 0. Aside from the fact that Forwards obviously have more opportunities to score goals is the fact that Kessel is a benefactor of Phaneufs blatant disregard for the Perfect-Time-to-Shoot syndrome that plagues Kaberle. Both of Kessel’s Powerplay goals have resulted on plays where a Kaberle pass to Phaneuf opens up the shooting lane or creates a rebound for Kessel. Penalty killing units going up against the Leafs have made a habit out of cheating by leaning towards the sideboards on one side and towards the opposing point man when up against Kaberle because even when Kaberle has the lane, he is reluctant to shoot. He almost always opts for the extra move or the extra pass.

Now imagine this: Kaberle just lets it rip every time he touches the puck. What would happen? The Leafs would have more Shots on Goal every time they had a Powerplay. Kessel and Phaneuf’s shooting lanes would start to open up, which Kaberle could exploit with his perfect touch passing. And space would open up down low as PK units scramble to cover two shooting point men along with one sniper on the boards.

People talk about Kessel’s ability to snipe or Dion’s blistering shot but the games the Leafs’ Powerplay is MOST effective are the days when Tomas Kaberle is the deadliest player on that unit.

If only he understood what kind of power is within his grasp.