Penguins Power Play Criticized by Star Forward
The Pittsburgh Penguins power play was brutal all season and the players understand that.
PITTSBURGH – The Pittsburgh Penguins struggled in several areas during the 2023-24 season, but none were as noticeable as their power play. On a roster loaded with offensive talent and multiple future Hall of Famers, the Penguins entered the year with extremely high expectations for their special teams.
After missing the playoffs for the second straight season, the Penguins had one of the league’s worst power plays. With just 40 power play goals, the Penguins finished 30th in the NHL with a 15.27% success rate.
“Our power play was trash all year,” Bryan Rust said on a Twitch stream with renowned gamer Ninja.
Rust joined fellow Michigan native Tyler Blevins (a.k.a. Ninja) on a live stream and was asked what makes a successful power play.
“I think your mindset changes going on a power play, and it shouldn’t,” Rust said. “Teams that are good keep that 5-on-5 mindset.”
Rust noted that teams with good power play units look to outwork their opponents and don’t change their mindset just because they have a man advantage.
“Teams that might struggle… they’re just going to their spots,” Rust said. “They’re expecting things to happen instead of making them happen.”
Rust didn’t explicitly say that was the Penguins issue, but given he worked on the power play, he has a pretty good idea of what isn’t going to work. All year long, the Penguins looked too passive on the power play and, for sure, weren’t looking to outwork their opponents.
While discussing power plays, another streamer mentioned how frustrating it is when teams try to get cute by just passing the puck in circles and aren’t looking for a shot. Rust quickly raised his hand and pointed to himself, a quiet nod to that being a massive issue for the Penguins in 2023-24.
A lot of change is expected heading into next season, especially from the power play. The Penguins fired Todd Reirden, the voice behind the power play since 2020. A new face running the man-advantage units should provide some sort of boost, especially considering the firepower that will still be there.
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