Special teams in the 2026 NHL playoffs: Power play winners and losers after three games

Special teams have already proven decisive in the early stages of the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs. With just three games played in most first-round series, power play efficiency is separating contenders from pretenders. Teams converting on the man advantage are racking up wins, while those struggling risk quick exits.[1]

The Dallas Stars top the league in power-play goals with six in 17 chances, good for 35.3 percent.[2] Anaheim Ducks lead in percentage at 50 percent, scoring four goals on eight opportunities. These units have fueled series leads and highlighted why special teams often swing playoff outcomes.

Teams thriving on the power play

Dallas has turned the man advantage into a weapon, exemplified by Wyatt Johnston’s double-overtime power-play winner in Game 3 against the Minnesota Wild. That victory gave the Stars a 2-1 series lead, showcasing their net-front presence and execution under pressure.[3]

The Ducks’ 50 percent success rate has them clicking early versus the Edmonton Oilers. Converting half their chances keeps momentum high in a tight Pacific matchup. Vegas Golden Knights rank sixth overall and have notched key goals to secure victories.

Both Montreal Canadiens and Tampa Bay Lightning are proficient, contributing to their series tied 1-1. Even in a split, strong power plays prevent deficits from growing. For more detailed playoff stats, check the NHL’s official rankings.[4]

These teams demonstrate structure and shot quality matter most. Dallas and Anaheim enter zones cleanly and generate high-danger chances. Vegas benefits from depth scoring on the advantage.

Thriving units share coaching emphasis on details. Expect these groups to sustain pressure as series extend.

Power play struggles that could derail series

Buffalo Sabres desperately need improvement on the power play, lagging far behind the pack. Facing the Boston Bruins, their inefficiency amplifies defensive lapses. Zero goals on the man advantage so far spells trouble.

Edmonton Oilers and Ottawa Senators join Buffalo with no power-play markers yet. The Oilers-Ducks and Senators-Hurricanes series hinge on breakthroughs. Ottawa’s coach called out stars like Brady Tkachuk and Tim Stutzle for average play, underscoring execution woes. Read more on the Senators’ challenges.

Despite wins for some strugglers, like Boston’s penalty kill offsetting issues, the pattern risks reversal. Oilers rely on Connor McDavid’s even-strength magic, but playoffs demand special teams balance.

Small samples warn caution, yet zero-for-dozen chances erode confidence. Adjustments via line tweaks or shot drills are urgent.

Penalty kill units shining brightest

A stout penalty kill neutralizes opponent power plays, buying time for comebacks. Boston Bruins lead, killing all 14 opponent chances faced. Their structure frustrates entries and clears the zone relentlessly.

Carolina Hurricanes rank second, perfect on 12 kills versus Ottawa. Los Angeles Kings are third, stopping all nine. These top trios prove discipline wins rounds.

Ottawa sits fourth at 90 percent, nine of 10 versus Carolina. Strong PK has kept them alive despite power-play droughts. Boston’s flawless start versus Buffalo exemplifies poise under fire.

Elite kills stem from communication and blocks. Bruins’ depth rotates effectively, wearing down attackers.

Coaching’s role in special teams success

Coaches earn their paychecks scheming special teams. Those providing structure see results; others face scrutiny. Dallas and Anaheim benches have scripted zone time masterfully.

Strugglers like Buffalo may pivot schemes mid-series. Historical examples, like past playoff turnarounds, show tweaks work. Quotes from coaches emphasize “every power play matters.”

Veteran staffs adapt faster, using video for opponent tendencies. Expect firings if units falter deep into playoffs.

Monitoring these trends reveals series pivots. As samples grow, special teams will define champions.

In this high-stakes environment, one conversion or kill alters trajectories. Teams like Dallas and Boston hold edges, but laggards must rally. Watch how special teams evolve—what it means for the Cup chase could not be clearer. For ongoing analysis, see The Hockey News’ power-play insights.