Tsyplakov Chat NHL Network's David Reid broke down the Tampa Bay Lightning's deadly power play from their game against the Vancouver Canucks. Reid slows down the video and shows how guys like Nikita Kucherov and Brayden Point can find seams in tight coverage, eventually leading to goals: The New York Islanders [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders/] may not have as much talent on their power plays, but there's no reason their man advantage should have the league's second-worst power play, at 13.8 percent. We have seen some examples of what the Islanders look for when finding seams on a power play. Maxim Tsyplakov has showcased his ability to make plays behind the net. Often, on the power play, he likes to possess the puck from below the goal line and look up ice for options. Usually, Bo Horvat or Brock Nelson are around in the bumper spot for a one-timer option (Nelson goal vs. Blues), and Horvat has shown his ability to score goals from the same area. Another option for the power play is for Palmieri to be on the wall looking for a Lee tip in front of the net. We have seen it a few times thus far against Buffalo, as well as a chance yesterday against Ottawa that didn't directly lead to a goal but allowed a chance that was worked back to Palmieri to Dobson for a Lee rebound goal: Like Kucherov, Palmieri is able to show opposing teams a shot and pass option. Sunday's game, for example, in the first period, Palmeri looked for the Lee tip. In the third period, Palmeri walked down towards the net, and two defensemen collapsed towards Lee, which gave Palmeri a lane to shoot and ultimately led to a goal off a well-placed shot: It's the NHL. Every power play should be able to move the puck with tremendous speed and have opposing penalty-killers off balance. Contrary to popular belief, the Islanders have weapons in their power play. If they can move the puck down low rather than pass it back and forth up top, they should be able to have a league-average power play, if not better.
