Penguins Power Play Needs Less Fancy, Better Habits

The headline actually comes from Mike Sullivan, who answered a question from Pittsburgh Hockey Now way, way back in December. The Pittsburgh Penguins power play has been more inconsistent than good, often more invisible than effective this season.

After another win in November in which the Penguins scored a couple of power-play goals, PHN asked Sullivan if the more simple approach used that night would become the dominant strategy.

“I hope it becomes a habit,” Sullivan said before diving into the specifics of what he liked.

After the Penguins practice in Tampa Bay on Wednesday, Sullivan discussed the Penguins power play work after the 0-for-6 face-plant against Washington on Sunday.

“We’re spending time with them. We had a fairly lengthy film session in the morning with our guys,” Sullivan said.”I like how engaged our group is (by) trying to problem solve and make sure we’re all on the same page.”

The Penguins power play against the traditionally weak Philadelphia PK and prior to the long break was 8-for-22. However, Washington attacked the Penguins at the blue line. Washington contested the zone entries, as they’ve done for several years, and the Penguins power play melted.

It wasn’t just 0-for-6, it would have been 0-for-30.

“When they’re on, and when they execute, they’re a dynamic power play,” Sullivan said. “The game before, they scored a couple of goals for us. So, sometimes, I think that’s just the nature of power plays.”