What's makes Tampa's Powerplay the best in the NHL?

[leafsfan5]

Nikita Kucherov is one of the best powerplay players we've seen

So having him helps

 

[eojsmada]

Kucherov right point, Stamkos left point, Point, High Slot, Hedman Top of the zone. Too many options and any guy could score on you so you have be perfect on every pass or else it creates tons of open space. Two-man threats like Edmonton and Toronto are "easier" to limit than a 4-man death squad.

 

[ClydeLee]

What exactly do you mean by this. What affect do the fans have on the players in terms of accoutability?

Must be when they yell Shoot! They really mean it!

 

[SeanMoneyHands]

The answer is Kucherov. He's so good at manipulating the penalty kill into going where he wants them to go. He'll shoot twice to set up a pass the third time the puck comes to him. He'll drift down to pull defenders before he pops back toward the top of the circle to open up passing lanes.

He's also pretty much impossible to pressure. He takes pucks so well on his backhand around the boards, and while he can handle the puck for days on most of the goal scoring plays the puck is on his stick for a blink before it's going to Point/Stamkos/Paul. So as much as you want to pressure him he doesn't give you time if you try to close with him, and if you try to just take away all of his options he is dangerous on his own.

Finally - he's super underrated in puck retrieval along the boards. He's far from the biggest guy on the ice but he's so good with his stick he still walks away from board battles more often than not with the puck on his stick.

Dude is really good at hockey.

I don't understand Paul on the first PP unit, should be Hagel.

 

[The Macho King]

I don't understand Paul on the first PP unit, should be Hagel.

Paul is a LHS so that gives us a LH faceoff and a RH faceoff option. Additionally, Nick Paul is a big boy, so he's good for screening and puck retrieval below the line.

Frankly, the fifth member of that PP doesn't do much more than collect pucks from below the goal line and get in front for some screens. Killorn was the guy before Paul, and they both have a similar profile.

Basically, it's about chemistry and fit more than talent. Hagel is absolutely a better *player*, but he just doesn't have the heft to win the board battles that Paul does.

 

[Minnesota Knudsens]

Amazing while watching this PP that Stammer is always so open. But if you give Kuch a path to the net he’ll burn you, and if you don’t cover Point in the slot, Kuch will find him and you’re just as burned. This often leaves Stammer wide open for Kuch to set him up at the left circle for his killer one timer. This trio was arguably one of the best first lines in hockey, but this year, they moved Stammer to line 2 to try and spread out the scoring/create more depth.

 

[GrumpyKoala]

Oilers top unit scores at a much better rate.

Woa hold on Mr hot takes.
Can't you see its a Tampa thread here!! Don't ruin it for everyone.

 

[bossram]

Kucherov right point, Stamkos left point, Point, High Slot, Hedman Top of the zone. Too many options and any guy could score on you so you have be perfect on every pass or else it creates tons of open space. Two-man threats like Edmonton and Toronto are "easier" to limit than a 4-man death squad.

It's Kuch. He is the key.

He is the most deceptive player in the league. He can mask his shooting and passing motions to be identical, so it's nearly impossible for the PKers to tell if he's going to one-time it, or go across to Point or Stamkos.

 

[snag]

The answer to the title: 4 Teams

18.3% of the years worth of PPGs in those 4 games LOL

 

[Mike C]

Kucherov mostly but yeah, Stamkos and Point can score from anywhere, Herman is dangerous shooting, passing and skating as well.

simple but it says it

 

[Meuracas]

Kucherov mostly but yeah, Stamkos and Point can score from anywhere, Herman is dangerous shooting, passing and skating as well.

 

[BraveCanadian]

It’s pretty stacked and they don’t overplay the puck. They get someone open and shoot.

 

[sxvnert]

Passing speed and numerous set plays.

 

[PanniniClaus]

threats at all 5 positions.. high level reads and execution.

 

[StoveTopStauffer]

Not even historic...

 

[PizzaAndPucks]

The fact that those guys have been playing together with one another for quite a while (Stamkos , Hedman , Kucherov & to an extent Point) and that they have had plenty of success over the years certainly helps.

 

[HolyHagelin]

Cheating, of course.

 

[bambamcam4ever]

It's Kuch. He is the key.

He is the most deceptive player in the league. He can mask his shooting and passing motions to be identical, so it's nearly impossible for the PKers to tell if he's going to one-time it, or go across to Point or Stamkos.

He's part of it and holds the puck the most but he wouldn't be nearly as effective without the multiple great shooting options around him. Without Stamkos or Point, or if either were left handed, other teams could rush Kucherov more often, but as is, they're afraid that breaking their PK setup could allow a one-timer.

 

[Kuz]

No surprise seeing Tampa as the best this year. They have been in the top with Edmonton and Toronto the last years.

Tampa 23/24
Edmonton 22/23
Toronto 21/22
Edmonton 20/21
Edmonton 19/20
Tampa 18/19

The last 3 years have
1. Edmonton 28,4 %
2. Tampa 25,9 %
3. Toronto 25,7 %
4. NYR 25,3 %
5. Colorado 24,3 %

No surprise really. Of the top 10 scorers in points this year 8 of them play on those 5 teams. So the thing you need is several of the best players in the game and the PP will be good. All have a high level defenceman offensively aswell with Makar 2th, Bouchard 4th, Hedman 5th, Fox 6th and Rielly 11th in points by defencemen.

Edmonton: McDavid, Drai, Bouchard, RNH and Hyman
Tampa: Kucherov, Point, Stamkos, Hedman and Paul
Toronto: Matthews, Marner, Nylander, Tavares and Rielly
NYR: Panarin, Fox, Zibanejad, Kreider and Trocheck
Colorado: MacKinnon, Rantanen, Makar, Lehkonen and Nichuskin

 

[ijuka]

For a strong PP, you generally want a multifaceted PP1. A strong point shot, shooting options both left and right, etc.

Tampa has the most well-rounded PP1. Oilers have stronger strengths, but they aren't as well-rounded, with Hyman and RNH not on Point's level.

Rangers also have a rather multi-faceted PP group. Not as well-rounded, but the best net-front option of the top PPs.


I think that the Caps-style power play setups centered around setting up one timers to one shooter are outdated in today's NHL. You need multiple credible threats.

 

[Raym11]

For a strong PP, you generally want a multifaceted PP1. A strong point shot, shooting options both left and right, etc.

Tampa has the most well-rounded PP1. Oilers have stronger strengths, but they aren't as well-rounded, with Hyman and RNH not on Point's level.

Rangers also have a rather multi-faceted PP group. Not as well-rounded, but the best net-front option of the top PPs.


I think that the Caps-style power play setups centered around setting up one timers to one shooter are outdated in today's NHL. You need multiple credible threats.

Hyman is definitely at that level for what he does. He's the net presence guy. Best in the league. Mcdavid ain't bouncing pucks in off anyone else the way he can with Hyman. Look at the 2nd goal he scored in game 1 vs LA. That's what good goal scorers do finding open ice. Everyone else crowding around and Hyman drifts into the perfect spot to give Mcdavid more options.

Zach Hyman is elite at what he does. Point has a better shot, but both are 50 goal scorers. He's scored the same damn tap in goal how many times now? He gets his spot on the ice and its just a matter of time before a puck hits his stick and into the net.

 

[cupface52]

For a strong PP, you generally want a multifaceted PP1. A strong point shot, shooting options both left and right, etc.

Tampa has the most well-rounded PP1. Oilers have stronger strengths, but they aren't as well-rounded, with Hyman and RNH not on Point's level.

Rangers also have a rather multi-faceted PP group. Not as well-rounded, but the best net-front option of the top PPs.


I think that the Caps-style power play setups centered around setting up one timers to one shooter are outdated in today's NHL. You need multiple credible threats.

Strictly speaking on the PP, and trying to compare their roles.

McDavid and Kucherov are roughly equal.
Draisaitl has an edge over Stamkos.
Point has an edge over RNH. - He's more of a goal scoring threat, otherwise I'd likely put RNH ahead.
Hyman is far better than Paul.
Bouchard has an edge over Hedman.



Oilers are 1st in PP% over the last 3 years with Tampa being second. However, there's a smaller gap between 7th place Florida and Tampa than the gap between Tampa and Edmonton.

This year it mostly boils down to coaching.

 

[ijuka]

Strictly speaking on the PP, and trying to compare their roles.

McDavid and Kucherov are roughly equal.
Draisaitl has an edge over Stamkos.
Point has an edge over RNH. - He's more of a goal scoring threat, otherwise I'd likely put RNH ahead.
Hyman is far better than Paul.
Bouchard has an edge over Hedman.



Oilers are 1st in PP% over the last 3 years with Tampa being second. However, there's a smaller gap between 7th place Florida and Tampa than the gap between Tampa and Edmonton.

This year it mostly boils down to coaching.

Keep in mind that this is about PP, not about overall ability. And Stamkos is also a rightie on the left. It was about shooting threats middle, left, and right. The Oilers have Bouchard, who has an edge, true. But McDavid for example only scored 7 power play goals all season.

Draisaitl effectively plays Kucherov's shooting role. But for Point in the middle and Stamkos on the left, there's nothing that quite compares. Bouchard better than Hedman offensively, true. And he also has a better shot. But still.

As for Hyman being better than Paul, as a netfront? Maybe, but if so, then Oilers don't have anyone over Stamkos on the left side. RNH has how many PP goals? Nowhere near Point's 15.


It's not about having better names on the paper.

 

[cupface52]

Keep in mind that this is about PP, not about overall ability. And Stamkos is also a rightie on the left. It was about shooting threats middle, left, and right. The Oilers have Bouchard, who has an edge, true. But McDavid for example only scored 7 power play goals all season.

Draisaitl effectively plays Kucherov's shooting role. But for Point in the middle and Stamkos on the left, there's nothing that quite compares. Bouchard better than Hedman offensively, true. And he also has a better shot. But still.

As for Hyman being better than Paul, as a netfront? Maybe, but if so, then Oilers don't have anyone over Stamkos on the left side. RNH has how many PP goals? Nowhere near Point's 15.


It's not about having better names on the paper.

Not looking at names. I'm taking into account their abilities on the PP, and not just PPG totals this year. Not sure why you're comparing Kucherov and Draisaitl's shooting roles. As over the last 3 years, Draisaitl's name appears 3 times amongst top 6 PPG leaders. While Kucherov has scored at least 10 PPG once in the last 3 years. This was McDavid's first time not scoring 10+ in the last 3 years.

Stamkos and Draisaitl are the teams primary triggermen. Kucherov and McDavid are the facilitators. While Edmonton doesn't doesn't have a Point, Tampa doesn't doesn't have a Hyman. When it comes to different ways of scoring, both teams are equal with Edmonton having the better personnel. That's why I said it boils down to coaching this year.

 

[EmptyNetAssassin]

Doesn't hurt to have 3-4 hall of famers on it

We are slacking at one point we have 4-5 potential hof players on it.