All the talk has been about William Karlsson's shooting % -- and deservedly so, as Karlsson's 22.5 is still among the league's leaders.
But it's another Golden Knight who leads the NHL in power play shooting %. Erik Haula currently boasts a 45.8 PP shooting %, best among skaters who have played over 100+ minutes. That's 11 power play goals -- tops on the team -- on just 24 shots.
A lot of the Finn's success is his positioning, as on the Vegas power play, he mans the front of the net. James Neal usually takes the slot, while David Perron, Colin Miller, and Brad Hunt rotate up top.
Haula observed, "A lot of [my goals] are rebounds and stuff in front of the net. Usually, when you get a shot in those areas, it's good luck."
It's not just luck, of course.
For one, using Haula as the net-front presence is striking because of his stature. At 5'11," the centerman isn't the traditional big body parked in front. But it's a modern NHL where defenders aren't allowed to punish opposing forwards in the crease as harshly -- nor are they encouraged to tie up their sticks or engage physically, lest they create a double-screen.
Instead, quick hands and feet are the law of the land now, and Haula has ruled. Here are a few of his power play goals this year:
View post on imgur.com
View post on imgur.com
View post on imgur.com
Gallant credited Ryan Craig, who runs the power play, for trying Haula in front. The University of Minnesota product noted that even in college, he played the half wall on the man advantage, while with the Wild, he hardly saw any PP opportunities.
With that in mind, Haula is glad to just have regular power play time -- anywhere on the ice.
"I've played every single position on the power play," remarked the Finn. "My goal is to just be on the power play."
It looks like he's scored there too. At his shooting rate, nobody -- be it Gerard Gallant or Zdeno Chara -- is moving him from the front of the net.
***
Gallant added, about Haula's prowess on the man advantage, "Shoots the puck well. He's got a lot of speed. His entries are really good on the power play. He enters the zone a lot with possession."
***
Speaking of the power play, you'll be surprised to hear who Gallant wants to shoot more on it.
"One guy I get frustrated with, who I tell to shoot more pucks, is No. 6," revealed Gallant. "I want Miller shooting that puck because he's got a hell of a shot. If people are going to block that shot, they're going to pay a price."
Miller is second in the NHL with a 36.69 Power Play Individual Corsi For/60 (behind Shayne Gostisbehere, among 67 defensemen, 100+ PP mins). In short, he's attempting a lot of shots. The one drawback is he's not always getting it through, as his 15.97 PP Shots For/60 is seventh in the league.
***
Speaking of Minnesota, Vegas looks to avenge their first two losses of the season to the Wild tonight.
James Neal, who mentioned that he expected a bounceback game from his team after Wednesday's 8-3 loss to the Devils, hopes to help the Knights rebound in his first game since February 26th.
Marc-Andre Fleury starts, but for the first time since February 8th, Malcolm Subban will be available to back up.
***
Stats as of 3/15/18, courtesy of Corsica, Hockey Reference, Natural Stat Trick, NHL.com, and Sporting Charts.
++++I AM CURRENTLY LOOKING FOR ADVERTISERS! If you, or anyone you know would be interested in placing an ad here at HockeyBuzz, then send me a PM!++++
Vegas Golden Knights Blogger •Vegas Golden Knights Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»