Back in 2002-2003, the New Jersey Devils had the worst ranked Power Play in the National Hockey League and the best Penalty Killing Unit and managed to win the Stanley Cup. However, this time around, power play success means everything in this league. In 02-03, the center red ice line was still in effect, which allowed for a neutral zone trap and prevented breakout passes or setup on the power play. But ever since that year, the Devils power play has had little success and it all points to one thing, no mobility on defense for a successful power play.
Lou Lamoriello's unwillingness to get the Devils some mobility on defense has cost the team dearly. After the losses of Scott Niedermayer, Brian Rafalski and Paul Martin on defense, the Devils power play has been anemic to say the least. It does have good setups and rushes, but it does not have any good finishers. Brian Rolston, Ilya Kovalchuk are all forwards and usually struggle on defense if they have odd man rushes against Short-Handed. The Devils power play cost them dearly in 2009 against Carolina, particularly in Game 7, when they had a 4 minute one to extend a 3-2 lead to a 4-2 lead and we all know what happened.
Adam Larsson will be a great Power Play leader some day, but I feel Lou Lamoriello needs to get 1 or 2 more mobile defensemen to help. Mobile and Puck moving D-Men are critical to a successful Power Play.
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