Oilers Coach’s Tips on Power Play Changes: What’s Next? – Hockey Writers – Edmonton Oilers
The Edmonton Oilers find themselves in a challenging position at the start of the 2024-25 NHL season, struggling with their power play despite a roster full of talent. After a 4-1 loss to the Dallas Stars, the Oilers are now 1-for-15 in scoring in the first six games. Head coach Kris Knoblauch acknowledged the need for adjustments, saying, “We’re at a point where we have to consider making some changes.”
He added that all teams go through periods of no goals, but this is a big deal for the Oilers and stressed, “We will look at it.
While Knoblauch is right to consider changes, the Oilers need to avoid overreacting. Struggling on the power play can happen even to the best teams, and the Oilers have boasted the most effective power play in the league over the past three seasons.
What Changes Can They Make to Their Power Play?
This success stems from a wealth of offensive talent, including superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, who can dominate any game. Zach Hyman, too, is a mainstay, getting plenty of chances, although he has yet to score a goal this season. That leaves Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Evan Bouchard.
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Nugent-Hopkins is the easiest change to make, but he’s also the most underrated part of Edmonton’s man advantage. He serves several roles on the power play, from swingman to bumper and playmaker. Meanwhile, Bouchard is a bomb from the point, but struggles. His passes don’t come out well, he has trouble holding the line, and some say that even a bad defender can score points with the other four players on that team.
Does that mean giving Darnell Nurse a look? Not only could it serve as a wake-up call for Bouchard, but it allows the Nurse to score some points that she wouldn’t otherwise get. He’s taking a lot of heat on the Edmonton market for the lack of production related to his salary, but the lack of power play opportunities is a big part of that. Mattias Ekholm can also look. He’s got a limited shot and has no qualms about shooting the puck.
And, if you can’t do it, there are power play specialists who haven’t found a job in the NHL yet. That includes Kevin Shattenkirk and Justin Schultz. Any of these players could be signed cheaply and possibly in a two-man contract.
Maybe the Oilers Should Be Patient?
Big changes may not be wise. Hyman noted, “We keep finding those opportunities around the net; eventually they will fall.” Hyman’s record suggests his goals will come, and he’s not the only one who can turn things around. The Oilers’ top five options—including Hyman, McDavid, Draisaitl, Nugent-Hopkins, and Bouchard—have yet to reach their prime, as each player has underperformed relative to expectations.
Given this context, it may be premature to adjust the entire power play strategy. The individual play of these players will definitely improve, and the Oilers should rely on their elite talent pool. Small tweaks and keeping the style simple can work really well.
For example, moving McDavid or Draisaitl to different spots on the ice can create mismatches and open up closed shooting lanes in late games. Shooting the puck as often as possible and hunting for deflections and rebounds may be a strategy worth exploring.
Ultimately, the Oilers must balance the need to improve with the understanding that declines happen in the NHL. Instead of hitting the panic button, give it time and let the best players in the world figure it out. This decline cannot last forever. These players are simply too talented.
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