Pittsburgh Penguins: Improving the Power Play for 2015-16

Feb 7, 2015; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks goaltender Ryan Miller (30) and defenseman Alexander Edler (23) defend against Pittsburgh Penguins forward Patric Hornqvist (72) during the third period at Rogers Arena. The Vancouver Canucks won 5-0. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports

Power Play Scheme

Having the right power play formation is probably almost as critical as having the right personnel on the ice. To me, the Penguins should be using an umbrella formation for their power play.

For those unfamiliar with the setup, this video does a great job of explaining it:

In this formation, Pouliot would be at the point (circle labeled RL in the video) where he would quarterback the power play. From that position, he could shoot, pass to the half wall or look for a tip from Hornqvist in front of the net.

Malkin and Letang would be at the half walls taking advantage of their left and right handed shots, respectively. Those are key positions on the power play and would take advantage of their ability to pass the puck as well. When you have players that are capable of shooting or dishing as well as 71 and 58 it keeps the penalty kill honest and reduces pinching in order to create shorthanded chances.

There are a lot of opinions for Malkin, Letang and Pouliot to choose from which could make for a dangerous combination given the creativity these guys have with the puck.

Around the net, Sidney Crosby and Hornqvist need to be extremely active battling for pucks and making life hard for the goaltender. We all know what Hornqvist can do around the net, but what about Crosby?