Is the power play finally turning the corner?
When Tomas Hertl joined the Vegas Golden Knights, the power play unit became more efficient. The group scored 46.7% of their man advantage opportunities since he returned. The reason? Hertl was a big body that could deflect pucks and cause redirections. He scored a power play goal and power play assist in six games, aiding the cause for the Golden Knights.
While Hertl is expected to get plenty of ice time with Mark Stone, it raises the question of how effective the power play will be in 2024-25. Has Vegas finally solved their lack of a physical presence in front of the net? Will scoring on the man advantage become easier with Noah Hanifin and Hertl playing a full season with the Golden Knights?
Mind you, a part of the power play's success in that span also stemmed from Marchessault scoring a goal and assist on the unit. Chandler Stephenson also contributed well since April 8 despite playing three games by adding two assists. Both players are gone, meaning the Golden Knights must figure out how to handle the workload, whether it's Stone or Shea Theodore.