Rating NHL power-play units: Which teams are the best, worst and unluckiest?

New Jersey Devils Power Play Dominance: Breaking Down the Numbers

With 20 power-play goals and an impressive efficiency rate of 38.5 percent this season, the New Jersey Devils’ power play is leading the pack in the NHL. This marks a significant improvement for a team that converted on less than 21 percent of their opportunities last year. In fact, no team has ever been able to maintain such a high rate since the NHL started recording power-play stats in 1977-78.

Comparing their performance to the record-setting 2022-23 Edmonton Oilers, who operated at 32.4 percent, raises the question: is New Jersey on par with Edmonton’s high-powered advantage, or is their play hiding something beneath the surface?

Taking a closer look at the Devils’ power play reveals that their high pace at the beginning of the season was likely not sustainable. While they were outperforming expectations and making up a significant portion of their goal scoring, their recent performance has shown a decline.

A key factor in their power play success was the presence of Jack Hughes, who played a crucial role in generating high-caliber scoring chances for the team. However, since sustaining an injury, the Devils’ scoring chance creation has seen a major downturn.

Despite this setback, the return of Hughes and eventual recovery of Nico Hischier could give New Jersey the boost needed to keep pace with teams like the 2022-23 Oilers.

Other teams with notable power play performances include the New York Rangers, whose second-ranked scoring rate and strong expected goals indicate a high level of sustainability, and the Tampa Bay Lightning, who continue to maintain one of the best power plays in the league.

On the other end of the spectrum, the Florida Panthers have struggled to convert their shot volume and quality into power-play goals, while the Pittsburgh Penguins, despite leading in shot and scoring chance generation, have not been able to translate that into high goal-scoring success.

In conclusion, while the Devils’ power play dominance has shown signs of wavering, the potential return of key players could reignite their performance and solidify their position at the top of the league.

Reference

Sarah Anderson

Sarah Anderson dives into the fast-paced world of NHL hockey. Her coverage includes game analysis, player spotlights, and the latest news from the ice. Sarah’s dedication to the sport ensures that hockey enthusiasts stay informed about the NHL’s thrilling action.