The Edmonton Oilers have a near historic power play and the Pittsburgh Penguins need to be aware of that.
PITTSBURGH - The Pittsburgh Penguins are set to take on arguably one of the best offensive teams the NHL has seen in ages in the 2022-23 Edmonton Oilers.
Thanks to the links of Connor McDavis, Leon Draisaitl, and a few others, the Oilers pose a huge threat to the Penguins and their lagging defense.
The threat from the high-flyers from Edmonton steps beyond five-on-five play, however, as the Oilers power play is rolling at a near historic pace.
Heading into the contest against the Penguins, the Oilers have converted on 31.68% of their power plays this season.
Not only is that tops in the league for 2022-23, but it’s second highest mark since they started recording percentages in 1963-64.
The only team with a higher recorded power play conversion rate was the 1977-78 Montreal Canadiens with 31.9%.
The Oilers aren’t far back of history and the Penguins will need to fend that off the best they can.
It doesn’t help the Penguins penalty kill has been in free fall in recent weeks, but Tristan Jarry back in the fold should be a boost.
“Every power play has a certain unique identity,” Mike Sullivan said. “I don’t think their scheme is unique. What makes it unique is the talent they have.”
Those are some encouraging words from the Penguins head coach and that he has belief his penalty kill can shut down the likes of McDavid and Draisaitl.
“Our penalty kill is at it’s best when we put our opponents power play under pressure,” Sullivan said. “It has to be done the right way. I think we’ve got to look to put them under pressure.”
The Penguins penalty kill has slipped to 14th in the NHL with a kill rating of 80.56%.
What’s an easy way to avoid letting in power play goals? Don’t take penalties.
Easier said than done, but that’s part of the game plan for the Penguins heading into the contest.
“You got to be disciplined,” Sidney Crosby said. “You don’t want to put yourself in a position to give them a lot of looks.”
Penalties are almost inevitable, though, and the Penguins have been prone to some bad ones this season.
The idea of discipline needs to be top of mind against the Oilers.
“That’s always something you talk about,” Crosby said. “You’re always trying to stay out of the box. But, it’s something we have to be aware of.”
The Penguins have a challenge ahead of them, and it’s one that can strike at any time; whether it be at five-on-five or on the power play, the Oilers are always ready to attack.
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