Pittsburgh Penguins: Improving the Power Play for 2015-16

Mar 29, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin (71) skates with the puck around San Jose Sharks right wing Ben Smith (21) during the first period at the CONSOL Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Get Malkin off the point

The Pittsburgh Penguins gave up 11 short handed goals this past season, which was the second most in the NHL. It is not a coincidence that the Penguins used 4 forwards in their power play formation, usually with Malkin on the point. Having Pouliot on the point would give them 2 defensemen without sacrificing any offensive capability.

Also, if you want the Penguins to use 4 forwards on their power play, who would you pick? Chris Kunitz? Nah. David Perron? Maybe, but it would still cause the Penguins to be susceptible to short handed goals like they were last season. There really is no other forward that is currently on the Penguins roster that could possibly make the power play better than it was last season. With Pouliot, it at least has a chance to improve.

In addition to protecting against short handed goals, it would allow Malkin to play the half wall and be the booming left-handed shot from the right circle that the Pens so desperately need. He has too much talent and too good of a shot to be on the point as a power play quarterback.