The Pittsburgh Penguins‘ power play was a large factor in the organization’s failing to make the playoffs last season. Despite a roster full of star talent including the acquisition of defenceman Erik Karlsson, the Penguins fell just short. One of the primary reasons the team failed to make the postseason was their being their dismal power play. They ranked 30th out of 32 teams. Special teams can often be the difference between winning and losing in the NHL. The Penguins’ ineffectiveness while having a man advantage played a large role in their narrow playoff miss.
However, the 2024-25 season has shown promise in this critical part of the game for the Penguins. The teams powerplay has risen to 11th in the league, making it a bright spot in the young season. Pittsburgh has also scored four powerplay goals in their previous three games. This is in stark contrast to the stagnant unit that especially struggled in the first half of last season. The arrival of coach David Quinn, as well as the diversifying of powerplay units, has had a direct effect on the success of this aspect of the game.
A New Approach to the Pittsburgh Penguins Power Play
This turnaround on the powerplay can be attributed to a revamped powerplay strategy. For many years under head coach Mike Sullivan, the top unit has remained largely the same. The general makeup would have Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin paired with a net-front presence, a sniper, and a defenceman. This strategy slowly became increasingly stale until last season, where the team’s performance was negatively impacted by the powerplay. Too many fancy passes, an unwillingness to shoot, and bad puck luck all contributed to the lack of success for the top unit. This issue became exacerbated when Erik Karlsson replaced Kris Letang on the top unit and failed to replicate much of the powerplay success he’s found in the past.
Following the arrival of powerplay coach David Quinn, the powerplay saw a massive change. The top unit is now comprised of Crosby, Malkin, Bryan Rust, and both of Letang and Karlsson. Rust and Michael Bunting have alternated depending on whether the team wants a shooter or a net-front presence for any given powerplay opportunity. Additionally, the unorthodox move to play both offensive defencemen on the top powerplay has been successful for the team. As both Letang and Karlsson have good footspeed, either one of them can make pinches and feel comfortable knowing the other can quickly cover up and prevent short-handed opportunities. Meanwhile, players like Crosby and Malkin have focused on shooting the puck more, getting action to the front of the net.
An Effective Second Unit
An intriguing development for the Penguins this season is the emergence of their second powerplay unit. In past seasons, the second unit is generally seen as an afterthought. Consistently receiving just 30-45 seconds of time after the top unit has tired itself out, the second unit has never truly been effective enough to put on the ice with enough time to set-up and produce.
However, the second unit this season features a myriad of players whose style of play meshes well together. Forwards Bunting, Rickard Rakell, Jesse Puljujärvi, and Kevin Hayes, alongside defenceman Matt Grzelcyk have primarily featured in this group. Bunting is a gritty net-front presence who loves to battle for rebounds and bother goalies down low. Rakell is known for his incredible shot and represents a scoring opportunity for the Penguins to dish the puck to. Both Hayes and Puljujärvi are big bodies that play a two-way game that prevents short-handed opportunities. However, both players have also shown their offensive instincts and scoring capability as well. Finally, defenceman Matt Grzelcyk is comfortable distributing the puck from the blueline while ensuring the unit doesn’t give up too many chances the other way.
Early Power Play Success Bodes Well for the Pittsburgh Penguins
The Penguins’ improved powerplay is a bright spot in an otherwise difficult season thus far. The teams renewed focus on special teams has begun paying dividends, helping the team compete for the playoffs. With powerplay goals in five of their first eight games, the team is capitalizing on crucial opportunities they did not last season. This additional output is important in a tight Metropolitan Division. There are many teams fighting for limited post season spots.
Although it is early in the season, the powerplay’s improvements is an encouraging early sign for the season. Crosby, Letang, Karlsson and Malkin are four elite offensive talents finally clicking on with the man advantage. Adding a formidable second unit to this mix could prove to be a game-changer for the organization. Developing their special teams further, Pittsburgh can continue to enhance their ability to score and alleviate pressure on the defence and goaltending. The team will need to maintain this level of production throughout the season to give themselves the best shot to make the playoffs. The powerplay broke the Penguin’s season last year, but it could be their salvation for this one.
Main Photo: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images
