Mark Giordano has witnessed the evolution of the power play in the National Hockey League (NHL) up close.
The oldest player in the NHL at 40, the Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman was the quarterback of the Calgary Flames’ first offensive unit when he won the Norris Trophy, awarded to the best defenseman in the league, in 2018-19.
Since then, several numerical advantages have adapted their strategy, moving from a system of two defenders to one, favoring a quarterback at the blue line and four attackers. This format opens up the options for playing towards the net, by adding another center player, or even a winger.
You can’t keep your good players off your power play, Giordano said of the modern system with the one-man advantage. However, there is more risk taking.
Mark Giordano, Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman
The classic “umbrella” formation, with one player on each side, one at the blue line and two near the net or in the slot, created space for more scoring chances.
Some teams sent five forwards at the same time during a power play.
“It’s sports. In five years, something new will appear, said New York Rangers defenseman Adam Fox. It’s about creativity and avoiding stagnation. »
Florida Panthers forward Sam Reinhart has benefited greatly from his team’s system this season, scoring 27 of his 52 goals when an opponent was in the penalty box.
PHOTO GEORGE WALKER IV, ASSOCIATED PRESS ARCHIVES
Filip Forsberg
“It’s almost like fashion,” Nashville Predators winger Filip Forsberg said of the different systems deployed by five-on-four teams. A new method surfaces and people copy it. »
The opposite also applies, as the game gets faster and more impressive.
Players playing on numerically inferior units had to adjust. The “box” system changed to a “diamond” formation, wanting to apply more pressure towards the defender at the point.
From now on, the players sent to take a penalty are sometimes offensive players with a defensive sense of the game. The latter are only third or fourth line players, and this allows the punished team to hope to take advantage of chances on the counterattack.
Mitch Marner is a player that the Maple Leafs often use on the penalty kill. Head coach Sheldon Keefe has no qualms about sending the NHL’s top scorer this season, Auston Matthews, onto the ice.
The Edmonton Oilers sometimes sent Connor McDavid shorthanded.
This trick can sometimes play into the heads of players on the other team.
“If I know McDavid is on the ice, maybe I’m not going to try that risky pass,” Giordano said.
Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Seth Jones got his start in the NHL with the Predators, when two defensemen on the power play were more of the norm.
Things have changed, and sometimes with unexpected consequences.
“You see a lot more shorthanded goals,” Jones said.
The threat of a McDavid, Matthews, Marner or even another star on the ice during your power play brings a different dimension.
“You’re always on the lookout,” Giordano added. If they get the puck, it’s over. »