The Detroit Red Wings power play is red hot at nearly 50% efficiency!
Fans of the Detroit Red Wings who had been critical of Assistant Coach Alex Tanguay‘s management of the team's power play units have had a change of heart. In the first six games of the 2023-24 season, the Red Wings now have the NHL's second most effective power play, operating at an impressive 39.1% efficiency. This success was highlighted by their recent victory over the Ottawa Senators on Saturday, during which they scored three power play goals.
Detroit has been boosted by several new players
The power play units have received significant support thanks to the addition of players such as Alex DeBrincat, Daniel Sprong, Shayne Gostisbehere, and J.T. Compher. In Saturday's 5-2 victory, Gostisbehere notched a power play goal, contributing to the Red Wings' improved record of 4-1 in the early stages of the season. They would follow that up with a 6-2 win at home over the Calgary Flames, though they did not score on the power play.
Coach Derek Lalonde praises the power play units
Following Saturday's, Head Coach Derek Lalonde showered praise on the players who have been instrumental in ensuring that Detroit's power play operates smoothly, much like a well-oiled machine.
“We have five guys who can make plays on it,” Lalonde said about Detroit’s power play. “Most of the goals tonight all came off retrievals, then a quick attack after that. If we’re able to retrieve pucks and win some 50-50s along (the boards), then we turn in some offense and make plays. Big part of the win.”
Last season, Detroit's power play performance landed them in the middle of the pack in the NHL, ranking 17th out of the 32 teams. The season prior to that was even less impressive, with an efficiency of just 16.3%, placing them at the 26th spot overall in the NHL.
TL;DR (too long didn't read)
- The Detroit Red Wings currently are ranked 2nd in the NHL with an exceptional power play efficiency of nearly 40% in the first six games of the season.
- This success can be attributed to the balanced scoring throughout their lineup, and the power play has notably benefited from the addition of new players.
- Head coach Derek Lalonde praised the players on the ice who take part in the power play, saying any one of them is capable of scoring.
Bottom Line: These games are fun to watch!
It has been a considerable amount of time since the Red Wings could consistently score when the opponent is shorthanded. Their remarkable early-season success is generating excitement among the energized fan base.
Derek Lalonde and the Red Wings will be returning to Little Caesars Arena to face the Seattle Kraken at 8:15 PM EST tonight.
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