The Nashville Predators have high expectations for their power play in the 2024-25 season. With the addition of Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault—two players renowned for their power play prowess—alongside returning scorers like Filip Forsberg, Ryan O’Reilly, and Roman Josi, the pieces seem to be in place for a formidable offensive unit.
High Hopes on Paper
On paper, the Predators’ power play appears lethal. The talent assembled offers a strong foundation for success, but as Stamkos emphasizes, translating that potential into results is a more complex task than it might seem.
Focus on Special Teams
In preparation for the upcoming season, the Predators dedicated a practice session to improving their special teams. The drills emphasized key areas such as in-zone passing, zone entries, and shot timing. Although the power play showed flashes of synergy, it was the penalty kill that dominated the practice. Nashville’s defenders consistently created turnovers, and goaltender Juuse Saros made numerous saves to thwart power play efforts. While no official statistics are tracked during practices, it was evident that the top unit was feeling the pressure of limited success.
The Challenge of New Units
“It’s not easy when you throw a new unit together,” Stamkos remarked after the practice. His extensive experience leading the Tampa Bay Lightning’s power play for 16 seasons—including 214 power play goals—gives him insight into the complexities of forming a cohesive unit. Stamkos understands that developing chemistry takes time, repetition, and commitment from all players involved.
The Importance of Timing and Positioning
Stamkos stressed that success in power play situations hinges on understanding each player’s positioning. “The most important thing is knowing where everyone’s going to be at any given moment,” he explained. This awareness is crucial for retrieving pucks and maintaining possession against aggressive penalty kills. Players must also anticipate where to go when facing pressure. “That takes time,” he added.
The Current Power Play Unit
During Friday’s practice, the Predators’ top power play unit included Stamkos, Forsberg, Josi, O’Reilly, and Marchessault. Occasionally, they experimented with a 6-on-4 setup, incorporating either Brady Skjei or Luke Evangelista into the mix. This versatility allows the team to adapt their strategy, but it also highlights the importance of developing chemistry among different players.
Skill vs. Cohesion
“It’s not going to happen overnight,” Stamkos cautioned. He noted that success on the power play is not solely about skill. “It’s skill plus knowing where the puck is going to be, where you want it, and when you want it.” This dual focus on individual talent and collective understanding is essential for turning potential into performance.
Looking Forward
As the Predators work through these growing pains, patience will be crucial. The talent is undeniably present, but realizing that potential requires time, practice, and a commitment to learning how to operate as a cohesive unit.
While the Nashville Predators boast an impressive roster capable of producing a dynamic power play, Steven Stamkos emphasizes the importance of patience and teamwork in achieving success. As they continue to refine their strategies and build chemistry, fans can remain optimistic about the exciting possibilities ahead for the Predators in the 2024-25 season.
