The Pittsburgh Penguins have only scored on the power play in one game this season.

Heading into the 2023-24 season, the expectations for the Pittsburgh Penguins power play was through the roof.

The addition of Erik Karlsson to an already loaded group of forwards gave the Penguins one of the most lethal looking groups on paper.

Through six games of the season, however, the power play has been stale and almost completely unable to generate.

Despite 10 shots on goal with a man advantage against the Dallas Stars, the Penguins failed to record a power play goal.

In fact, the Penguins have only recorded a power play goal in just one game and that came against the Washington Capitals when Sidney Crosby potted a pair.

During a practice following that 4-1 loss to the Stars, Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan was visibly and verbally upset with the power play group.

The top unit wasn’t taking enough shots on goal for Sullivan’s liking and he told them that they can’t’ pass the puck into the net.

A lot rides on the success of the power play and if that group can’t get going, it’s going to be a long season for the Penguins.

The players on those units believe their success is coming, however, they are just still stuck in a feeling out process.

“It’s one of those things that you just assume that everything is going to work out the way that you want to,” Karlsson said. “We’re going to have to work at a lot of things.”

Karlsson noted that it’s possible there has been a lack of urgency so far from the group.

“We need to take charge a little bit more,” Karlsson said. “The rest will follow eventually.”

A successful power play could very easily be a factor in creating success for the Penguins.

Considering the names that are thrown over the boards with every opportunity, the group’s potential is through the roof.

Sullivan believes that any shot on goal can be a catalyst for offense.

"One way to create offense," Sullivan said. "Is by putting pucks on the net. It might not be the first shot that dangerous... but it creates a next play opportunity."

The Penguins know the quality of personnel that is on for every power play opportunity, and the expectations are high.

They also know that they have the ability to shift so many things into their favor, all they have to do is find the right rhythm.

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