NHL Playoffs: Special Teams Edition
We’re about halfway through the first round of the NHL playoffs, and special teams have been the story for most. Are teams exhibiting strong penalty kills or lousy power plays? Well, it’s a little bit of both. We have come to learn that in the playoffs, special teams are a key factor for a deep run. So far, in the first three to four games in each of the eight series, we have seen inconsistent special teams units—with most teams’ strong suits being the penalty kill. Let’s break it down by series:
New York Islanders vs. Washington Capitals
The series has gone four games and is currently even at two apiece. Washington has been perfect on the penalty kill, which means the New York Islanders have yet to score on the man advantage. So far, the Islanders have received 10 power play opportunities in four games. That is not particularly a lot, but you would think the team would be able to get at least one in. Nope, the Islanders had four PPs in Game 4 alone, and came up empty. Now, the series is tied.
On the other hand, the Islanders have done a pretty good job at shutting down the league’s best power play unit. The Islanders have been shorthanded seven times in the series and have only allowed the Capitals to break through once. That says a lot of about the Islanders defense. But it also shows that Washington is having a tough time getting the PP going.
Apr 21, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Anton Stralman (6) looks to get around Detroit Red Wings left wing Henrik Zetterberg (40) in the third period of game three of the first round of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Joe Louis Arena. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Tampa Bay Lighting vs. Detroit Red Wings
Tampa Bay, Tampa Bay, Tampa Bay! What is going on with this team? They have sharpshooter and all-star Steven Stamkos, and had ample power play opportunities in three games, but have failed miserably on the man advantage. The Lighting are 2-for-17 on the power play! That is just inexcusable when you have the talent they do on offense. In Game 1 and 3, which Tampa Bay lost, the team had 13 chances and came up with a big goose egg. Imagine if they converted! The team wouldn’t be down in the series 2-1.
The Red wings have also converted twice on the power play, but have only had 11 opportunities. In both games where they scored PPGs they came away with the win. What does that say about special teams? They matter, a lot!
In this series, special teams have been the difference maker. Special teams are the reason the Red Wings are up in the series, and if things don’t change for Tampa, the reason Detroit will move on to Round 2.
New York Rangers vs. Pittsburgh Penguins
The Rangers are an anomaly when it comes to the importance of special teams. They are outstanding on the PK, but have a horrible power play. Yet, this hasn’t held them back—not yet at least. The Rangers lead Pittsburgh in the series 2-1, with Game 4 being played tonight, despite only scoring two power play goals on 14 chances. The real stinger for the Rangers was in Game 2 when Pittsburgh took seven penalties, but the Rangers were only able to convert on one power play. Pittsburgh went on to win that game after notching two power play goals of its own. The Rangers have been much more disciplined throughout the series, only being shorthanded eight times. It was in their sloppier game, when they took four penalties, that Pittsburgh came away with the win. If the Rangers could get their power play clicking, they could run over Pittsburgh no problem.
Ottawa Senators vs. Montreal Canadiens
The Senators are on the brink of elimination as Montreal goes for the sweep tonight, which is strange since the Senators have a better power play percentage than any other team in the East. The Senators have converted three times on 10 chances. Ottawa has also excelled on the penalty kill, only letting the Canadiens convert once in 13 opportunities.
So why are they down 3-0 in the series? Well, a lot of reasons, particularly their lack of discipline. It hasn’t necessarily hurt them on the scoreboard, but it has affected their overall game. Just like the Penguins, Ottawa has found itself shorthanded way too many times. Even if you kill off a penalty, your team just lost two minutes of time it could have spent in the offensive zone. The more time Ottawa and Pittsburgh spend in the defensive zone, the less likely they will win the game.
Apr 20, 2015; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Anaheim Ducks right wing Jakob Silfverberg (33) celebrates his goal with teammates during the third period against the Winnipeg Jets in game three of the first round of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at MTS Centre. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports
Anaheim Ducks vs. Winnipeg Jets
The Winnipeg Jets hosted a playoff game for the first time since 1996. While it was great for the city, it wasn’t for the team. Anaheim leads the series 3-0 and can go for the sweep tonight. In this series, the difference between winning and losing has been the special teams. Both teams have been shorthanded 10 times in the first three games. But the Ducks have converted three times on the man advantage, while the Jets have only done so once. Having better percentages in both special teams categories, have enabled the Ducks to come away victorious and may catapult them into the next round.
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Nashville Predators vs. Chicago Blackhawks
In special teams, this series has been pretty much evenly matched. The Predators have converted on three of 15 opportunities, while the Blackhawks have scored two PPGs on 15 opportunities. The Blackhawks do lead the series 3-1 and that’s mostly because Chicago has seasoned players who have made deep playoff-runs and have won a Stanley Cup or two in their career. The Blackhawks know how to navigate and control the play in a high-intensity atmosphere while not losing their composure. It is what helped them prevail even if their special teams have been slightly outperformed by Nashville.
Calgary Flames vs. Vancouver Canucks
The Calgary Flames lead the playoff teams in PPGs with four, and lead the Round 1 series against the Canucks 3-1. Coincidence? Not really. Calgary’s special teams have been on point. They have found ways to score on the man advantage, while also preventing the Canucks from getting too many PP opportunities. Vancouver had been on the man advantage 12 times throughout the series, but has only scored twice. How does that happen when you have the Sedin twins?
St. Louis Blues vs. Minnesota Wild
Apr 20, 2015; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Minnesota Wild goalie Devan Dubnyk (40) makes a save in front of St. Louis Blues forward Jaden Schwartz (17) during the third period in game three of the first round of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Xcel Energy Center. The Wild defeated the Blues 3-0. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
The Minnesota Wild has done a great job at containing the offensive power of the St. Louis Blues. The Wild lead the series 2-1, posting a shutout in their last performance. Why? The Wild have been extremely disciplined. They have only been shorthanded five times and have only given up one goal. While at the same time, they have forced the Blues into taking eight penalties throughout three games. This has led to two power-play goals and decreased ice time for the Blues’ top forwards. All of these factors have enabled the Wild to come away victorious.
Overall, it isn’t just about the conversion numbers, but it’s also about what a successful power play or penalty kill can do for teams. It can swing the momentum of the game in their favor and allow them to control the tone of the game. The more control a team has, the better the outcome.
In the first round, we are seeing how teams are playing tighter defensively. In the playoffs scoring opportunities dwindle and players step up their defensive game, which makes those power play chances that much more important. Many teams will need to reboot their power play and master the art of discipline because, for them, it will be the difference between going home and moving on.