The Edmonton Oilers are currently leading the NHL with a 30.0 percent success rate on the power play. However, since Leon Draisaitl's injury on March 15, their performance has taken a nosedive.
With just 2-for-19 on the man advantage, their efficiency has plummeted to 10.5 percent, ranking them 30th in the league during this stretch. It’s clear that adjustments are necessary.
In Draisaitl's absence, the Oilers have tried to fill the void with Vasily Podkolzin and Matt Savoie, but neither has been able to replicate his impact. Podkolzin was initially slotted into Draisaitl’s one-time shooting position, but he doesn’t possess the same lethal shot.
Savoie, while a hard worker and adept at puck retrieval, isn’t a natural shooter either. With Zach Hyman already playing a similar role, the unit lacks a shoot-first mentality apart from Evan Bouchard.
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Connor McDavid are primarily facilitators, and Hyman provides the net-front presence.
Draisaitl’s elite skills are irreplaceable, but the Oilers need someone with similar attributes to step in. Without him, the power play seems disoriented. So, what can they do to reignite their man advantage?
Enter Jack Roslovic
Jack Roslovic could be the spark the Oilers need. With 20 goals this season, he ranks fourth on the team in scoring.
His quick release and ability to pick corners make him a natural goal scorer. Although his shot isn’t the hardest, his knack for creating time and space with his offensive instincts is invaluable.
Roslovic’s agility and movement could inject much-needed dynamism into the Oilers’ power play, which can sometimes become too static. By adding more pace and motion, he could force penalty killers out of position, opening up quality scoring opportunities. While Podkolzin and Savoie are strong defensively, they haven’t consistently shown the offensive prowess needed for the power play, making Roslovic a compelling short-term option.
Consider Two Defensemen
Another intriguing option for the Oilers is to deploy two defensemen on the power play. Jake Walman could be a perfect fit for this strategy.
Known for his powerful shot, Walman could fill the one-time shooting role left vacant by Draisaitl. His ability to hammer pucks past goaltenders is exactly what the Oilers need.
Walman has the potential to be a game-changer. If given the chance to play with the top unit, his confidence could soar, especially heading into the postseason. Pairing Walman with Bouchard would create dual shooting threats, keeping penalty killers on their toes and making the power play more unpredictable.
Hyman recently commented on the power play struggles, noting, “Leon is often the finisher, so when you’re missing that element, you have to find new looks and find new ways to score.” With their current setup not delivering results, a tweak could be just what the doctor ordered. Adding Roslovic or Walman might provide the finishing touch they’re missing.
Both Roslovic and Walman offer unique skills that could revitalize the Oilers’ power play. How they choose to address their struggles will be crucial as they look to maintain their top spot in the league. Keep an eye on the developments as the Oilers seek to find their groove again.