Grzelcyk Finding Success On Penguins Power Play

Penguins defenseman has been among the league's best power play quarterbacks this season and has contributed to the team's success on the man-advantage

The Pittsburgh Penguins power play endured two straight seasons of being near rock-bottom. Going into the 2024-25 season, the team hoped to turn what has been a huge weakness into a strength that can help them win hockey games.

So far, they have done that. And there's one player who has been a huge factor.

Defenseman Matt Grzelcyk has, seemingly, found a home on Pittsburgh's first power play unit with Kris Letang, Sidney Crosby, Rickard Rakell, and Michael Bunting. In four games since head coach Mike Sullivan and power play coach David Quinn decided to split the power play into two formidable units - and place Grzelcyk and Letang with Crosby's unit - the Penguins have gone four-for-12 for a 33.3 percent conversion rate.

The upward-trending power play itself has been talked about at length. But Grzelcyk's role on it has not.

Seven of Grzelcyk's 15 points (all assists, as a goal initially credited to him was later credited to Rakell) on the season - which is tied for second with Letang on the team in points among defensemen - have come on the man-advantage. 

According to MoneyPuck, He leads all Penguins' skaters in PP assists per 60 minutes with 6.78 and ranks third in points per 60 on the PP with the same number. He is also third in PP expected goals share behind only Philip Tomasino and Michael Bunting at 92.6 percent.

One could definitely argue that Grzelcyk has struggled at five-on-five this season, but it's hard to deny his impact on the power play. His puck-moving ability is evident on the unit, as he is quick, decisive, and deliberate with his puck distribution - whether that's in his passing or in his ability to get pucks to the net. This is especially true once the Penguins establish possession in the offensive zone, where he thrives as the first unit's quarterback.

And Grzelcyk's chemistry with Letang - who has also been on fire lately with nine points in his last seven games, including five power play points - is something that has been contributing to the unit's success.

"It helped playing through most of training camp together and kind of having that chemistry," Grzelcyk said. "I think we've been having success when we're moving the puck quick and letting the puck do the work, and not allowing the PK to set up. We were slinging it pretty good there in Montreal, the unit as a whole, just one-touching pucks.. and that creates a lot of chaos for the other team."

And if the Penguins are going to have even more success on the power play moving forward - they currently sit 12th in the NHL at 23.1 percent - they will need Grzelcyk to continue being a huge part of that.