If there's one thing the Vegas Golden Knights haven't done well in the team's history, it's score on the power play. They've struggled to get bodies in front of the net and have turned over the puck numerous times, leaving teams like the New Jersey Devils salivating for a short-handed goal. That's why they've had a 19.6% scoring rate, which is uninspiring. However, there have been some bright spots for the team.
For example, Jack Eichel has done great on the man advantage, scoring 16 goals with the Golden Knights. He also set up the attack nicely, adding 28 power play assists. There was a good reason why Kelly McCrimmon acquired him from Buffalo in 2021. He was the game-changing center the franchise needed, resulting in the team's first Stanley Cup.
Other big names have run the power play well, including Jonathan Marchessault (42 goals) and Erik Haula. The Golden Knights have had their fair share of bright spots on the man advantage. It's been a matter of putting the pieces together, which has been a struggle. The team hopes Tomas Hertl and Noah Hanifin will remedy the problems.
But who has the most power play goals in a single season for the Golden Knights? Who dominated on the man advantage and set the team up for success, punishing the opponent for sinning? This player might be forgotten by Vegas hockey fans. However, he was integral in the team's first Stanley Cup Final run. Here's who ruled the roost on the man advantage for the Golden Knights.
Erik Haula scored the most single-season power play goals for the Vegas Golden Knights
Some fans won't remember who Erik Haula is as a Vegas Golden Knights player. He spent two seasons with the team, starting his Golden Knights career in the inaugural season. The forward pales in comparison to noteworthy stars such as Jack Eichel and Jonathan Marchessault. However, he does hold one notable record for Vegas: Most power play goals in a single season.
The New Jersey Devils player set the mark in 2017-18 for the Golden Knights, scoring 12. Jack Eichel came close to tying the mark last season, scoring 11. Jonathan Marchessault placed third for the Golden Knights, scoring nine in 2022-23. It led to his Conn Smythe Trophy, which came with the team's first Stanley Cup. Tied for fourth were William Karlsson (2017-18), Jonathan Marchessault (2023-24), and Max Pacioretty (2019-20) with eight.
The Golden Knights hope to change the team's fortunes and add more bite to the special teams unit. They hope the new additions will help the cause, whether it's acquiring Alexander Holtz from the Devils or signing Victor Olofsson. If they can generate success with the unit this season, they'll put themselves on the map for another Stanley Cup run.