The Hockey Season has begun and although, still very early, it is time to crunch the numbers and take a peek at some Power Play Statistics. All the information on these rankings and why they’re significant and useful has been covered, but is always a good refresher, so take a look.
It is early so I’m not going to project Detroit to continue to sit in the basement of offensive rankings. However, there are already some trends that should be noted to confirm some preseason projections and build off last season’s data. Ultimately though, you have to start somewhere and initial data will also assist in highlighting future trends.
You can download the 2013-14 Power Play Point Potential Rankings below:
2013-14 PPPP Defensive Rankings
2013-14 PPPP Offensive Rankings
2013 PPPP Rankings and Power Play Statistics
Getting Defensive
- Â The Chicago Blackhawks will stabilize, do not associate them with the other top ranked teams. Last season, they were one of the toughest matchups in the NHL in PPPP terms.
- Nashville, on the other hand, is a team I would begin to target as a weak penalty killing team, who were the second easiest matchup according to last season’s PPPP Rankings.
- The Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs will be tough matchups for their opposition again in 2013-14. Both teams finished low in the 2013 rankings.
- Ottawa will be an interesting team to watch going forward, they were the league’s best last season, but it might be unsustainable this year.
- The Winnipeg Jets should begin to climb the rankings and return to being among the most favorable matchups especially  if they cannot cut down their time short-handed.
- The Calgary Flames were slightly better than average last year, but I’d expect them in the top third of the league this season. The 2013-14 Flames are a much weaker team.
- The Minnesota Wild will fall to the middle of the pack, they shouldn’t be considered a favorable matchup going forward.
 On the Offense
- The Blues’ were slightly better than average a year ago, but we shouldn’t be surprised if they maintain in the race to top the PPPP Offensive Rankings all season.
- The Capitals don’t need Mike Ribeiro to be dominant with the Man Advantage, they’ll be one of the best again in 2013-14.
- Furthermore, there are few surprises with the Penguins and Kings among the top leaders of the PPPP Offensive Rankings. Along with the other previously mentioned these are your top Power Plays.
- With Marian Gaborik, the Blue Jackets should be able to climb into the middle of the pack. They’re improved and shouldn’t be ignored.
- The Bruins are another team that will be better in 2013-14. Torey Krug alone will have a major impact on the Bruins climb in the PPPP Offensive Rankings.
- The Ducks are low on the current rankings, but they’ll make their way into the top half in the near future.
- The Buffalo Sabres and New Jersey Devils could easily contend for the basement in the Offensive PPPP Rankings. They will finish well below the league average at least.
Player Notes
Mathieu Perrault, Anaheim Ducks: He is posting the points, playing prime minutes in a top 6 role and is a highly skilled player. He has a history of big production at the lower levels.
Gregory Campbell, Boston Bruins: He is getting some time on the power play and in formats where grinder stats come into play, he could be valuable.
Ryan Murphy, Carolina Hurricanes: This is the defenseman to own in Raleigh. He appears to be getting the top power play minutes instead of Justin Faulk.
Cam Atkinson, Columbus Blue Jackets: Flanking Marian Gaborik and Brandon Dubinsky is a good start, but the top power play minutes is gravy. He can contribute.
Alex Chiasson, Dallas Stars: Top power play unit is even better than playing on the 2nd line with the Wizard. Chiasson cannot keep up his goal pace, but he can help your fantasy team.
Todd Bertuzzi, Detroit Red Wings: Keep an eye on the veteran going forward and where he lines up. He can still produce enough to help in fantasy leagues.
Frans Nielsen, New York Islanders: He is getting top power play minutes and is an underrated offensive contributor. There is fantasy potential here is all formats.
David Rundblad, Phoenix Coyotes: Getting top power play time is reason enough to take a long look at Rundblad. The whole first round pick and offensive upside is just a plus.
Morgan Rielly, Toronto Maple Leafs: He is earning more ice-time and appeared on the top power play unit when Cody Franson left last night. He can fly.
Next Week at a Glance
Monday, October 14th – Edmonton Oilers at Washington Capitals: Look for the Oilers to drop a few spots in the rankings after this contest.
Tuesday, October 15th – Edmonton Oilers at Pittsburgh Penguins: It doesn’t get any easier for the kids from Edmonton.
Tuesday, October 15th – Buffalo Sabres at New York Islanders: This looks like a perfect matchup to slide in a few Islanders in Daily Games.
Wednesday, October 16th – Calgary Flames at Anaheim Ducks: Cam Fowler and the rest of the Ducks should produce.
Thursday, October 17th – Pittsburgh Penguins at Philadelphia Flyers: There will be penalties and power play goals on both sides and they could even come in bunches.
Thursday, October 17th – Boston Bruins at Florida Panthers: Should be a prime opportunity for the Beantown bunch with the man advantage.
Friday, October 18th – St. Louis Blues at Winnipeg Jets: The top ranked Blues against the Jets is a favorable matchup to keep in mind.
Saturday, October 19th – Detroit Red Wings at Phoenix Coyotes: Can the Red Wings get it going against the Coyotes who are struggling short-handed thus far?
Sunday, October 20th – Vancouver Canucks at Columbus Blue Jackets: Look for a Blue Jackets win and superior special teams play leading the way.
