How this Vegas Golden Knights power play is changing an old narrative

If you had told any Vegas Golden Knights fan that the power play unit would be tied for fifth in power play percentage (31.3%) five games into the regular season, you would've been laughed out of the building. Historically, the unit's been awful, bearing a lifetime percentage of 19.6% before the 2024-25 campaign started. However, it seems the team is changing the narrative this season.

Jack Eichel and Shea Theodore (three power play assists each) have led the charge, giving the Golden Knights much-needed scoring opportunities. It's also been forwards such as Mark Stone and Tomas Hertl (one goal and two assists on the man advantage each). The pair has provided bigger bodies up front, giving opponents a tough mismatch.

It's no wonder the Golden Knights have started the season 3-0-0. Sure, some tough losses following the start paired with losing Victor Olofsson (lower-body injury) have hurt the team. However, they've finally given Bruce Cassidy's long-proposed plan life. In turn, it's made them an unstoppable offensive force, with Vegas scoring goals at will.

The improved play has raised questions about the various changes in the lineup. How has Vegas done this? Will the success be sustained throughout the course of the season? Fans don't know what to do with the new unit. Should they cheer (the answer is yes)? When should they clap (the answer is immediately)? Let's explore how the Vegas Golden Knights are getting the job done on the man advantage.

How the Vegas Golden Knights are making the power play work

Adding more size to the lineup has helped the Golden Knights on the man advantage. They're tied for second with the Buffalo Sabres in average team height (74.3 inches) and are the second-heaviest NHL team (206.5 lbs). That size has come into play, giving the team plenty of redirections and deflections. It has also opened up the shooting game for players like Olofsson, giving the group more desirable shots.

This power-play goal by Victor Olofsson in the first game is a shining example of the unit's excellence. He fires a wrister close to the point for a goal, blazing it past Alexandar Georgiev. That goal doesn't happen if Tomas Hertl crosses by, creating a tough look for the Avalanche netminder.

Of course, the Swedish forward is known for his hard shots, making life miserable for opposing goaltenders. That's part of why he scored two goals on the unit before leaving Tuesday's game with an injury. Still, that's helped players such as Hertl and Jack Eichel, giving them better looks for a shot. The same can be said for Shea Theodore, who's finding better scoring opportunities and passing the puck more efficiently.

Yes, there are still some problems with the unit, such as occasional turnovers. However, the Golden Knights are seeing the power play turn a new leaf while the penalty kill lag. It's something the fanbase wouldn't have fathomed throughout the franchise's eight-year tenure.

Can the unit continue its early success?

There will some Golden Knights fans who are skeptical about the unit's success. They fear the unit might regress to meaningless passes that are the equivalent of a Simpsons soccer gig.

Nobody wants to see that, especially for a fanbase starved of a solid man advantage unit. However, reinforcements are waiting in the wings. First, William Karlsson has been sidelined with an undisclosed injury. Once he returns, he'll add more scoring depth (second unit, anyone?) and give Vegas another playmaker. As for Olofsson, he'll give the group a solid shooter with a hard shot if he eventually returns. Golden Knights fans will have some aspects to look forward to throughout the season,

As for now, Vegas has a strength they never thought they'd ever have. In fact, fans never expected the power play unit to be the better part of the special teams group. However, it's become a bit of reality that the fanbase is starting to digest. If the power play continues impressing everyone, they'll lead the Vegas Golden Knights to another potential Stanley Cup Final appearance. Who knows? The unsung hero could start another big party at Toshiba Plaza come June.