Power Play in the NHL: How It Shapes Game Outcomes

What is the Power Play in the NHL?

There’s a lot of games in the NHL that happen to be impactful enough to decide the game as a whole, but one can say that the power play comes of bigger value considering how it has become one of the best-practiced plays by a lot of teams in the league.

A power play occurs when one team has more players on the ice than the other due to a penalty being assessed against an opposing player. When a player is sent to the penalty box, their team is shorthanded, typically with one fewer skater on the ice. The team with the extra skater gets a power play, and they have a chance to take advantage of the numerical advantage to score a goal.

During a power play, the team with the advantage will usually focus on puck movement, creating open shooting lanes, and getting quality chances on net while the shorthanded team tries to kill the penalty by blocking shots, clearing the puck, and staying disciplined in their defensive zone.

How Does a Power Play Work?

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The more penalties a team takes, the more chances they give the other team to score. A highly disciplined team that avoids unnecessary penalties forces their opponents to play at even strength, which reduces the risk of giving up goals on power plays. On the other hand, a team that takes a lot of penalties will give the other team many opportunities to score on the power play, potentially swinging the game in their opponent's favor.

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Has the Power Play Helped Win Championships?

Despite being acclaimed as a promising stat that factors in winning games, no team in the last 10 years has gone to lead the league in power play percentage and win the Stanley Cup Final, let alone reach the big stage or the conference finals. This says a lot about how leading the charts in the power play doesn’t automatically guarantee a deep playoff run, or even a championship at the very least.

Power Play Leaders by Season + Results

Power Play Leaders by Season + Results image

However, we are seeing a different trend in the power play as it has increased in number over the years, with the last five years even logging percentages above 25%. On top of that, the Edmonton Oilers have really capitalized on the power play and have led the league at least three times on that matter.

But it is worth noting that the Winnipeg Jets – currently the best team in the NHL, also has the best power play percentage this season. What makes it highly impressive is the fact that they are the team with the best record right now, and yet they are posting a staggering 31.7% on the power play – which is the second highest mark in the last 10 years behind the 2022-23 Edmonton Oilers, who had 32.4%

What Impact Does Power Play Bring to the Game?

The power play brings a lot of dynamic for teams who are able to capitalize on it by making the most of the advantage when it matters most. So far, it has been proven that the power play has been impactful in games, and can turn the tide of any given showdown when played right. So what impact does it bring to NHL games?

Huge Scoring Opportunities

When a team has a power play, they typically have a 5-on-4 advantage, meaning they’re much more likely to generate scoring chances. If they can execute their power-play strategy well (like quick puck movement, creating traffic in front of the goalie, and taking high-quality shots), it increases their chances of scoring a goal.

Given that a power play generally lasts for 2 minutes, it’s a critical opportunity to capitalize on. Teams with strong power plays can turn the game around, especially in tight matches. A well-timed power-play goal can not only give the team a lead but also shift momentum in their favor.

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Shifting the Momentum

Power plays aren't just about the immediate goal-scoring opportunity. If a team fails to capitalize on a power play, it can have the opposite effect—leaving them frustrated, which may make them more vulnerable on subsequent shifts.

On the flip side, a successful power play can ignite the entire team, boosting morale and setting the tone for the next few shifts. Killing a penalty can also give a team a massive boost, especially if they do it successfully and with good defensive effort.

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Clicking the Playoffs

The importance of power plays is even greater in the postseason. Games are often tighter, and scoring chances can be at a premium. A team with a lethal power play can make the difference in series, especially if the games are low-scoring or go into overtime. Teams with strong special teams tend to perform well under pressure.

In short, a team's ability to both convert on the power play and kill penalties effectively can be a major factor in determining whether they win or lose. Do you follow a team that has a standout power play? Some teams, like the league-leading Winnipeg Jets, have been known for their deadly power-play units.

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Is the Power Play Crucial in NHL Games?

The power play is a crucial element of modern NHL hockey, offering teams a valuable opportunity to capitalize on a numerical advantage and score critical goals. Its impact on the game extends beyond just the potential for scoring; it can shift momentum, influence team morale, and often determines the outcome of close contests.

Successful special teams—both power play and penalty kill—are often the difference-makers between winning and losing, especially in high-stakes situations like the playoffs. Teams that excel in these areas increase their chances of success, making power plays not just a tactical advantage, but a key factor in securing victories and championships.

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