A timely power-play goal can swing momentum and mean the difference between a win and a loss. One would imagne the most productive power plays of all-time would belong to some of the league's most dominant teams, but that's not really the case. Here are the five clubs that have scored the most man-advantage goals in a single season.
1. 1988-89 Pittsburgh Penguins – 119 Power-Play Goals
The combination of Mario Lemieux and Paul Coffey terrorized opposing teams on the man-advantage. The two superstars liked to play catch on the left side of the ice, passing the puck back and forth to get the goalie moving, often culminating with Lemieux unleashing a one-timer into the twine. Lemieux finished with 31 power-play goals, and one-year wonder Rob Brown chipped in 24 more, feasting off Lemieux and Coffey’s leftovers.
2. 1992-93 Detroit Red Wings – 113 Power-Play Goals
The Wings benefited from an 84-game schedule to post 113 man-advantage tallies. While the roster had Paul Coffey for 30 games and a young Nicklas Lidstrom, the top point man was actually Steve Chiasson, who collected six power-play goals. Up front, Steve Yzerman and Sergei Fedorov each had 13 power-play goals, while Dino Ciccarelli led the way with 21.
3. 1987-88 New York Rangers – 111 Power-Play Goals
A 36-year-old Marcel Dionne still had enough juice left to pace the Blueshirts with an impressive 22 power-play goals. The supporting cast of Walt Poddubny (13), Tomas Sandstrom (11), Ulf Dahlen (11), and Brian Mullen (10) all went for double-digits, while James Patrick anchored the points, collecting nine of his 17 goals on the man-advantage.
4. 1987-88 Pittsburgh Penguins – 110 Power-Play Goals
Pittsburgh’s power play took off once Paul Coffey was acquired from Edmonton. Coffey scored 15 goals and 67 points in 46 games with the Penguins, with six of those goals coming on the man-advantage. Coffey’s presence at the left point opened things up for Mario Lemieux, who pounded home 22 power-play goals to lead the team. Dan Quinn was second, getting 21 of his 40 goals on the power play. Randy Cunneyworth (14), Rob Brown, (13) and Doug Bodger (13) also reached double-digits.
1987-88 Winnipeg Jets – 110 Power-Play Goals
1987-88 was certainly a banner year for NHL power plays, ranking three teams among the five most productive seasons in NHL history. The Jets boasted three guys with 20 power-play goals up front. Paul MacLean led the way with 22, while Dale Hawerchuk and Andrew McBain bagged 20 each. Randy Carlyle and Dave Ellett manned the points, notching eight and five goals, respectively.
Ironically, these mighty power plays didn’t amount to much. None of these teams enjoyed postseason success. The 1987-88 Rangers and Penguins both missed the playoffs, and the Jets crashed in round one. The 1992-93 Wings were also bounced in the first round. The 1988-89 Penguins made it the farthest, reaching round two before falling to the Philadelphia Flyers in seven games.
Michael Dell - Michael Dell has been the Head Writer and Editor-in-Chief of LCS Hockey (www.lcshockey.com) since 1994. In his spare time he enjoys ...
