Mark Giordano has closely observed the development of the power play in the NHL.
At forty years old, the Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman is the oldest player in the league this season. He won the Norris Trophy in 2018–19 and quarterbacked the Calgary Flames’ top unit.
By then, many power plays had already changed from the traditional configuration of three forwards surrounding the net and two defensemen at the point to a 1-3-1 formation, typically with an additional centre or winger, which dispersed the opponents and opened up more routes to the net.
When it comes to the current man advantage, Giordano stated, “You can’t keep the skill you have off the power play.” “But taking risks is much more prevalent.”
More opportunities were created by the umbrella power-play arrangement, which placed a player on each flank, one at the point, and two closer to the net or in the slot. Penalty killers were stretched into awkward places to create seams.
Thanks to the skill of Henrik and Daniel Sedin, the Vancouver Canucks had one of the top power plays in the league at one point, which included the infamous “high tip.” Nazem Kadri, when used in the middle of the Colorado Avalanche formation, scored a lot of goals. There have even been occasions when teams have used five forwards.
“Well, that’s sports. Adam Fox, a defenseman with the New York Rangers, said something new will emerge in five years. “Creativity and avoiding stagnation are key.”
