The Shocking Cost of the Penguins Poor Powerplay is Revealed

No surprise here; the Penguins have a really bad powerplay. In fact, it is shocking bad for the talent they have. They enter Tuesday 30th in the league.

Penguins Powerplay Shows Weaknesses in Allowing Too Many Short-handed Goals

They have also allowed six shorthanded goals, that have come at critical times in the games. It is fair to say that these stats are wait are keeping them 9 points out of the playoffs, and in jeopardy of missing the playoffs for two years in a row.

These stats get even worse if you break them down by game. This includes the loss to the Kings Sunday night 2-1 at PPG Paints Arena.


Yes, they did score a PP goal with a ripper from Crosby, dished by Karlsson. But that is it. The unit not only failed to produce again, but they also gave up a short-handed goal with less then 5 minutes left in the game which ended up winning the game for the Kings.

It's Penguins' legends night at PPG Paints Arena! 🐧 pic.twitter.com/JFov8kFTAT— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) February 18, 2024

This is not the only time something like this cost a game.

Back on October 30th, the Pens were tied with the Anaheim Ducks 3-3. The Penguins were working a 5 on 3 powerplay with two minutes late in the game. This should be a near lock to at least go to OT and gain a point at minimum. But with 13 seconds left in regulation time, the PP unit gave up a short-handed goal to Mason McTavish. They lost 4-3 in regulation.

That is twice this season, they gave up those crucial goals. No other team in the league has had that happen more than once.

The Penguins have also had the lead while on the powerplay twice this year in the third period, and given up a short-handed goal allow the opponent to tie the game. The first time, against the Flyers 12/2/23, where they gave not just one point when the Flyers tied it in regulation, but two points by losing in a shootout to a division rival. The second time, against Boston just a couple of weeks later giving up a short-hander to Marchand three minutes into the third. Luckily the PP redeemed themselves here, winning the game in regulation.

In these four specific games alone, the PP has cost them anywhere between 3-6 points in the standings. Imagine what it would look like with those extra points now.

Powerplay Lack of Urgency Costs Penguins Games Where One Goal Could Make the Difference

There were also four games this year where the powerplay was just bad. In these four games the unit had six opportunities with the extra man and scored just once. They only won 1 of those 4 games, and lost in OT twice. Totaling 4 points with 24 PP opportunities, and 4 goals. All losses, were by one goal only.

The powerplay unit has left so many points on the table, it could be said that the Penguins would be at least a wild card team right now, contending for a spot in the Metro top 3.

Obviously the powerplay is not the only issue the Penguins face, with lack of offense period, and bottom six issues, but it is certainly an area where they should take advantage of those opportunities for wins and points.

The fact that the powerplay is this awful when it is needed most, is concerning for any playoff hopes this season.

As Read On: Pensburgh - The Penguins' most damaging power play games of the season