Penguins Power Play Stuck in Neutral Again
After a solid stretch, the Pittsburgh Penguins power play seems to be back stuck in the mud.
In reality, the Pittsburgh Penguins are lucky to have walked out of Ottawa and into the holiday break with even a single point in the standings.
Through two periods, the Senators were doubling up the Penguins on shots (22-11) and goals (4-2).
There is no doubt the Penguins played a completely different game in the third period, scoring twice on 23 shots, but there was one area that may have cost them the extra point.
The power play looked as broken as it was during their month-long scoreless drought.
A failed opportunity on an early two-man advantage pretty much set the tone for the next two periods.
Despite entering the game with the worst penalty kill in the NHL, the Senators took seven penalties; the Penguins capitalized on an early one with a goal from Lars Eller, but he’s on the second unit.
The first unit once again struggled to build offense or momentum with the man advantage and just about each power play ended with the Senators immediately getting a scoring chance.
Even in their shootout win over the Carolina Hurricanes, the Penguins power play looked sloppy going 0-4.
There was a stretch of six power play goals in four games, and the group was a real difference maker, but they haven’t had that same luck in their last two games.
A single tally against the hurricanes could have given the Penguins a regulation win rather than surrendering a point to a division rival.
They may have scored once against the Senators, but again, they entered the game with the NHL’s worst PK and had six other chances to make sure the game didn’t need overtime.
The Penguins proved they can have power play success, now it’s a matter of kicking things out of neutral again and finding that rhythm.
Everyone is aware how much of a difference special teams can make, and through 32 games this season, it’s been one of the main reasons the Penguins are out of a playoff spot.
On the year, the Penguins power play is 14/102 for 13.73%, good for 27th in the NHL.
Make sure you bookmark Inside the Penguins for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns and so much more.
- Subscribe to Inside the Penguins on YouTube
- Follow Inside the Penguins on Twitter: @InsidePenguins