Last month we examined the state of the Golden Knights power play heading into the 2024-25 season. While there are holes to fill and a system to synchronize, Vegas has plenty of high-end talent to fulfill a threatening ten-man unit. Having a full training camp with expected top liner Tomas Hertl will undoubtedly be an advantage for Bruce Cassidy and his coaching staff.

VGK 2024-25 Power Play Options

• PP 1A: Eichel, Hanifin, Hertl, Olofson, Stone
• PP 2A: Barbashev, Holtz, Karlsson, Pietrangelo, Roy
• PP 1B: Brisson, Eichel, Hertl, Stone, Theodore
• PP 2B: Hanifin, Karlsson, Olofson, Pietrangelo, Roy

We’re coming into the last full month NHL players have left in their offseason so coaches and general managers are dreaming about drafting up the perfect power play. With time to spare, let’s run through next season’s Pacific division projected top power play units. After all, one or two PP goals could alter the final standings.

In no certain order, we’ll start in Seattle with the NHL’s 32nd organization. Vegas fans are very familiar with the Kraken’s newest offseason additions beginning with old friend Chandler Stephenson. Seattle also signed 2024 Stanley Cup champion Brandon Montour to boost their offense from the blue line.

Seattle’s power play unit was 17th in the NHL in scoring efficiency and 4th in the Pacific Division. The Kraken missed the 2024 playoff by ten points, fired their coach, and retooled on July 1st. Fixing their man-advantage was a high priority for the fourth-year franchise. But were the additions enough for Seattle to pull out divisional game victories with the help of their special teams?

2023-24 Pacific Division PP Goals Scored

• EDM – 64 PP Goals
• VAN – 58 PP Goals
• LAK – 56 PP Goals
• VGK – 51 PP Goals
• SEA – 50 PP Goals
• CGY – 45 PP Goals
• ANA – 42 PP Goals
• SJS – 42 PP Goals

Last season the Kraken scored a total of 50 power play goals. Head to head, the Golden Knights were only +1 in PP goal differential. If Seattle had had a few more, they could have stretched their 2024 playoff chase for a few weeks longer. They believe that could be the case with their offseason offensive upgrades.

This season Seattle will have to improve by double-digit points to qualify for the postseason. If they successfully fix their PP, it’s possible they could knock out one of their Pacific division rivals. Hopefully, it’s not a Stephenson power play tap in that shifts the final Pacific division standings.