NHL accused of sabotaging offense after shocking 90% drop in power play chances
The
NHL
is facing scrutiny over a significant 90% decline in power-play chances, reaching a historic low in the 2024-25 season. This reduction impacts overall power-play goals and raises questions about officiating and evolving game strategies, as teams prioritize even-strength scoring and aggressive penalty kills.
Jason
Gregor
blasts NHL officials for ignoring blatant penalties amid record-low power play stats
A notable hockey commentator recently highlighted a sharp drop in NHL power-play opportunities. This significant decline naturally impacts how many goals teams can score with a man advantage, limiting offensive output even for skilled units.
This reduction has not gone unheeded by seasoned observers. One particular analyst, Jason Gregor, articulated his strong disapproval on social media, highlighting the magnitude of the shift by remarking, 'A massive drop.
Call the damn rulebook."
The raw figures highlight this point: in 2023, the league saw 8,058 power-play instances, which dipped to 7,917 in 2024, and then plummeted further to just 7,101 in 2025. This latter figure represents an unprecedented low in the sport's history, averaging merely 5.41 power-play opportunities per contest.
This trend coincides with a period where the league's offensive flair has increasingly focused on scoring during even-strength play, potentially minimising the dependence on power plays.
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Teams are also adapting with more assertive penalty-killing units and superior goaltending, which might either dissuade officials from issuing penalties or simply diminish the effectiveness of power plays when they do occur.
Shifting focus, the same analyst, Jason Gregor, also shared his perspective on the considerable expectations facing the Edmonton Oilers. His insights came after the team's consecutive defeats in the Stanley Cup Finals to the Florida Panthers.
League sees steepest decline in power play opportunities as fans and analysts demand accountability
Discussing the situation on 'The Sheet,' Gregor conveyed, "I'm actually going to go off the board here. I think the Oilers' organization right now is a very serious group. You can't win the cup in October, you can't win it in December. You can lose it by having a terrible run. They're such a serious group, and I think there's so much internal pressure to win now, because they've lost twice."
Avoiding Arbitration ft. Jason Gregor & David Pagnotta | The Sheet with Jeff Marek
He further elaborated on their primary hurdle, phrasing, "I would say the biggest issue for them is being able to exhale a little bit, and enjoy the process, rather than always, every decision you make, thinking that it's all about June."
The Oilers are set to commence their 2025-26 campaign with a highly slated 'Battle of Alberta' clash against the Calgary Flames, scheduled for October 8 at Rogers Place.
These shifts underscore a transformative period for the NHL, as evolving strategies and officiating standards redefine the game, while teams like the Oilers navigate intense pressure in their quest for a championship.
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FAQs
Q1: Why are power play goals decreasing in the NHL?
Fewer penalty calls have led to a historic drop in power play opportunities, limiting scoring chances.
Q2: What did Jason Gregor say about the NHL's officiating?
He criticized the league, saying 'Call the damn rulebook' in response to the sharp decline in power plays.
Q3: Which team led the NHL in power play goals last season?
The New Jersey Devils led with 30 power play goals, topping the league in 2024–25.
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