When did the Vegas Golden Knights have the best power play unit?

Historically, the Vegas Golden Knights haven't had a terrific power play. They've struggled to get bodies to the front of the net and have fumbled the puck numerous times. That has led to the group becoming a punchline for the fanbase, joking about surrendering the man advantage. Why? Because it won't work!

Even with big names like Tomas Hertl and Mark Stone, the power play hasn't had an efficient season in Las Vegas. That is, until now. Currently, the unit is tied for third in the NHL with a percentage of 33.3%. They're miles ahead of teams such as the Edmonton Oilers (13.8%, 26th in the NHL) and Tampa Bay Lightning (16.1%, 23rd in the NHL).

Those two franchises have been dominant in the special teams area in recent years. That's because of big names such as Steven Stamkos, Connor McDavid, and Leon Draisaitl. However, the tides seem to be turning in Vegas's favor, where the Golden Knights are finally becoming a threat on the man advantage.

While this season appears different for the unit, let's see when the best season was in Las Vegas. Who stood out in the group? Why was that season's unit the most "efficient?" Let's see when the best season was before names like Hertl and Stone played together.

The Vegas Golden Knights had their best power play unit in 2019-20

2019-20 was a turning point for the Vegas Golden Knights. Gerard Gallant was fired midway through the season, boasting a record of 24-19-6 that year. In comes Pete DeBoer, who brings Steve Spott with him. The team finishes with a power play percentage of 22%, the best in franchise history.

However, the special teams group fell off for two straight seasons, boasting percentages of 17.8% and 18.4%. It would mark the end of DeBoer and Spott's regime, where disappointment reigned supreme.

But back to 2019-20 for a second. Max Pacioretty led the charge with eight goals (most on the team that season) and 11 assists on the unit, followed by Mark Stone with six goals and 11 assists. Shea Theodore netted 15 assists that year, tied for a career-high.

That was a 71-game season, though. So which was the best 82-game performance for the Golden Knights? That would be the inaugural season, where they scored 21.3% of their opportunities. Erik Haula had the most power play goals that season with 12, while David Perron led the team in power play assists with 17.

This season could shatter the record for the most efficient group since the team's inception. Adding new faces such as Tomas Hertl makes the Golden Knights a bigger threat to score. In turn, it should give fans reason to believe their team's a Stanley Cup contender. That's especially true regarding T-Mobile Arena, where it feels like there's an extra skater on the ice.