Penguins Start To Build Top Power Play Unit
For the fist time, Erik Karlsson and Kris Letang shared the Pittsburgh Penguins top power play unit.
The expectations are high, but the Pittsburgh Penguins are gearing up to have one of the most dangerous power plays in the NHL.
With training camp closing in on its second week, and rosters beginning to take shape, the Penguins are started working on their power play units.
Head coach Mike Sullivan noted before that they could start with Erik Karlsson and Kris Letang in the first group, and things are beginning to come together.
For the first time, Karlsson and Letang shared a blue line on the first power play unit.
Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Rickard Rakell played as the forwards to fill out the rest of the first group.
Just the names alone will bring high expectations, but do namesakes bring advantages?
“We’re about to find out,” Karlsson said. “I’ve played most positions throughout my career on the power play.”
This was the first time Karlsson and Letang worked together on the power play, and it was obvious that there are still some kinks to be worked out.
Everyone recognizes this group is a work in progress, but there is a confidence brewing.
“It’s going to take a little time before we find our identity and what we’re trying to accomplish out there,” Karlsson said. “That’s something I don’t think I’m too worried about with the clientele that we have here and the hockey IQ.”
Sullivan is also aware of that this is a fresh setup and the best is yet to come with the group.
“You can see them talk it through,” Sullivan said. “Today was their first whack at it. That’s going to be a work in progress.”
As things get put together for the Penguins power play, there is expected to be plenty of movement within the players on the ice.
“As these guys get comfortable with one another I would image you’ll see a lot of movement,” Sullivan said. “Erik up top is really good, with his instincts, and what he sees. He likes to move himself.”
The Penguins didn’t have an outstanding power play during the 2022-23 season, and Karlsson should surely bring a huge bit of improvement.
Once the chemistry is worked out for all involved and even when Jake Guentzel returns to the ice, the Penguins should have one of the most feared power plays in the league.
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