The Pittsburgh Penguins’ power play will be crucial to their playoff push next season, this article will preview what to expect in 2024-2025. Last season, the Pittsburgh Penguins’ power play was a significant weakness, ranking 30th in the league with a mere 15.2% success rate. The team endured a frustratingly long goalless streak on the power play, failing to score in 37 straight opportunities during a crucial stretch of the season. This prolonged drought was a large contributor to their inconsistent performance this past season. As a result, this led to significant changes, including the dismissal of power play coach Todd Reirden. General Manager Kyle Dubas has been tinkering with the roster in order to improve this weakness on the team. For instance, Micheal Bunting was brought in during last season’s trade deadline and proved to be a valuable powerplay presence. Additionally, a big body like Kevin Hayes could prove useful with the man-advantage as well. With new additions to the roster and a fresh approach, the Penguins will look to transform their special teams back into a strength this upcoming season.
Splitting Up the 2 Headed-Monster
To maximize the effectiveness of their power play, the Penguins should consider splitting up their star players across two units. This was something done by Head Coach Mike Sullivan a few times last season. However, the head coach would often pull the plug on this idea quickly. By doing this, they can maintain a high level of skill and threat on both units, preventing opponents from easily shutting down their power play. Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Kris Letang, and newly acquired Erik Karlsson can anchor different units, ensuring a balanced and formidable power play structure.
The Crosby Unit
The first unit, led by Sidney Crosby, would also have Erik Karlsson, Bryan Rust, Michael Bunting, and Drew O’Connor. This combination brings a mix of playmaking, shooting, and net-front presence.
Sidney Crosby
Crosby’s vision and playmaking skills make him an ideal centrepiece for the power play. His ability to create opportunities and his leadership will be crucial for this unit. Crosby can play behind the net, along the half-wall, or at the point. Last season, Crosby contributed 12 power play points (PPP), demonstrating his continued effectiveness in special teams situations.
Erik Karlsson
Karlsson’s powerful shot from the blue line and his ability to quarterback the power play add a dynamic element. He recorded 27 PPP last during his Norris Trophy-winning season, highlighting his capability to drive offence from the back end.
Bryan Rust
Rust provides speed and finishing ability, making him a threat on the rush and in set plays. His versatility allows him to play multiple roles on the power play, and he tallied nine PPP last season.
Michael Bunting
Bunting brings a gritty, net-front presence. His willingness to battle in front of the net and screen the goaltender can create more scoring chances. Last season, he managed five PPP in just 21 games after the Guentzel trade. More importantly, his net-front presence provided a boost to the rest of the power play allowing for some momentum to be built to close out the season.
Drew O’Connor
O’Connor’s all-around game and net-front presence can complement the skilled players on this unit. His physicality and willingness to battle in the corners is valuable on the top unit. O’Connor showcased a special kind of chemistry with Sidney Crosby that only players with very specific playstyles can achieve. Allowing these two and Rust to battle in the dirty areas could cause troubles for opposing penalty kill units.
The Malkin Unit
The second unit, centered around Evgeni Malkin, would include Kris Letang, Rickard Rakell, Lars Eller, and Kevin Hayes. This unit balances experience and offensive talent.
Evgeni Malkin
Malkin’s powerful shot and ability to control the puck make him a key figure. His experience and scoring touch are invaluable for this unit. He led the team with 20 PPP last season, showcasing his continued offensive prowess. Malkin is capable of playing the half-wall or the point.
Kris Letang
Letang’s offensive skills and ability to move the puck quickly are essential. His partnership with Malkin can create numerous scoring opportunities. The pair historically work well together with the man-advantage. Letang, like Malkin, is able to play either the half-wall or the point. This provides valuable utility to the second unit as Malkin and Letang can switch up the formation on the ice as needed.
Rickard Rakell
Rakell brings creativity and finishing ability. His knack for finding open spaces and scoring from difficult angles adds a significant threat. Rakell showed some success playing in the middle of the ice last season, as his creativity allows him to make crisp plays on the fly.
Lars Eller
Eller’s all-around game and net-front presence can complement Malkin and Letang. His ability to screen the goalie and score in tight spaces will be valuable. Although not known for his power play contributions, his physical presence can create opportunities for his linemates. Importantly, the Pittsburgh Penguins power play has had issues with allowing shorthanded chances the last few seasons. Adding a two-way forward like Eller can help minimize the chances of giving up more chances while on the powerplay.
Kevin Hayes
Hayes’s size and playmaking ability make him a valuable asset. His ability to win faceoffs and play in various roles adds depth to this unit. He had 5 of his 29 points on the powerplay last season.
Looking Outwards for Help
To further enhance their power play, the Penguins could consider targeting players rumored to be available for trade. There are a few forwards who have a history of power play success that the Penguins may benefit from acquiring.
Patrik Laine (Columbus Blue Jackets)
Laine is a prolific scorer with a powerful shot, making him an ideal addition to any power play unit. During the 2022-2023 season, he recorded 16 power play points in 56 games. HIs ability to score from the left circle would add a significant threat to the Penguins’ power play. Laine’s combination of size and skill could provide the Penguins with a much-needed boost in their offensive capabilities. His current situation in Columbus has sparked trade rumours, making him a potential target for the Penguins. Laine carries a cap hit of $8.7 million dollars for the next two seasons. Acquiring Laine would require the Penguins to move out salary. Players like Tristan Jarry could be used to facilitate this.
Nikolaj Ehlers (Winnipeg Jets)
Nikolaj Ehlers is known for his speed and playmaking ability, which can greatly enhance the Pittsburgh Penguins’ power play dynamics. The right-winger is an excellent offensive weapon, putting up 61 points in 82 games last season. Ehlers also remains a consistently positive possession force and would be an attractive option for the Penguins. Trade rumors have linked him to several teams, making him a viable candidate for the Penguins. He carries a cap hit of $6 million dollars for just one season. This reduction in cap hit for Ehlers would make more a more viable target without having to remove as much salary from the roster.
Targeting these players could provide the Pittsburgh Penguins’ power play with the additional firepower needed to increase their scoring efficiency.
A Look Ahead
The Penguins have taken steps to address their power play issues from last season by making key roster changes and letting go of coach Todd Reirden. By splitting up their star players across two units, the Penguins can maintain a constant threat during power play opportunities. The Crosby and Malkin units, with their mix of experience, skill, and new additions, have the potential to significantly improve the team’s power play performance. If these units can gel and execute effectively, the Pittsburgh Penguins’ power play could become one of the most formiable in the league this season.
Main Photo: Dennis Schneidler-USA TODAY Sports
