Fantasy hockey managers know the value of power-play production. It can turn average rosters into contenders, especially in deeper leagues. This season, with over 8,432 different power-play units forming across the NHL, pinpointing stable, high-performing groups is crucial. Sean Allen’s breakdown emphasizes rate stats over raw ice time, focusing on units with at least eight minutes together where leaderboards stabilize.
Shot attempts per two minutes—or SAP2—highlight efficiency. Top units average around 3.7 SAP2, but outliers generate far more while converting chances. Players on these emerging setups offer waiver-wire gold, particularly as the second half looms.
Analyzing power-play units
Power-play analysis gets tricky with fleeting combinations. Over half of units this season have shared five seconds or less of ice time. Nearly 90 percent log under a minute, often from on-the-fly changes. These tiny samples might produce a goal but lack reliability.
To cut through the noise, apply an eight-minute ice-time cutoff. This leaves 166 units worth tracking. Leaderboards for SAP2 churn wildly below that threshold—like musical chairs—but stabilize afterward. Rates become meaningful, signaling repeatable shot generation and scoring.
Ice-time leaders show variance in success. Heavy-minute units average 3.7 SAP2, providing volume. Yet pushing higher doesn’t always yield goals. Efficiency metrics reveal true fantasy potential, blending opportunity with output.
For more on NHL fantasy trends, check ESPN’s power-play outlook.
Leaders in shot attempts per two minutes
The SAP2 table, minimum eight minutes, uncovers high-rate units despite modest total time. Vancouver’s new group exemplifies this. Brock Boeser, Jake DeBrusk, Elias Pettersson, Kiefer Sherwood and Tom Willander have fired at 5.21 SAP2 over 15:45. They’ve notched three goals post-Quinn Hughes trade and Zeev Buium’s demotion.
Buffalo boasts two top-SAP2 units anchored by Jason Zucker. Despite missing 19 games, 10 of his 20 points are on the power play. His play-driving role persists.
New Jersey’s units rank top-10 in SAP2. Luke Hughes eyes a breakout if Dougie Hamilton moves. San Jose favors Dmitry Orlov’s units, which score unlike John Klingberg’s.
High rates with growing stability predict fantasy upside. Monitor for coaching commitment.
Top sleepers to target now
Jason Zucker, left wing for the Buffalo Sabres, tops the list at 83.1 percent available. He drives both high-SAP2 units. Fantasy points per game hold strong when healthy—ideal for 12-team leagues or deeper.
Dmitry Orlov, defenseman with the San Jose Sharks, shines at 81.7 percent available. His quarterbacked units convert goals; recent shifts confirm his role over Klingberg.
James van Riemsdyk, left wing Detroit Red Wings, is 98.1 percent available. As top-unit specialist, he has three goals and five assists in seven games, power-play fueled.
Luke Hughes, New Jersey Devils defenseman, sits at 38.6 percent available. A Hamilton trade clears PP1 path across top-10 SAP2 units.
Vladislav Gavrikov, New York Rangers defenseman, 88.5 percent available. With Adam Fox sidelined, he mans a elite SAP2 and scoring unit.
Artturi Lehkonen, Colorado Avalanche left wing, 28.0 percent available. Rotates with Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar and Martin Necas on three high-SAP2 groups.
Tom Willander, Vancouver Canucks defenseman, 99.7 percent available. Deep-league flier on the scorching new unit.
Goalie snapshots and team context
Goalie stability influences power-play chances. In Detroit, John Gibson’s crease dominance (57.6 percent season share, 100 percent last week) pairs with van Riemsdyk’s surge.
Toronto’s Joseph Woll has shut out Vancouver, Florida and Colorado lately, bolstering special teams where Matias Maccelli runs PP1.
Montreal’s Jacob Fowler gains traction at 91.5 percent available, potentially steadying a crease for forward upside.
Rangers backups falter sans Igor Shesterkin, underscoring Gavrikov’s opportunity amid chaos.
More power-play waiver notes
Uvis Balinskis, Florida Panthers defenseman, 99.8 percent available. Quarterbacks over Aaron Ekblad with Seth Jones out.
Corey Perry, Los Angeles Kings right wing, 94.0 percent available. Back on PP sans Anze Kopitar, two points last week.
Matty Beniers, Seattle Kraken center, 77.5 percent available. Three PP points in five-game streak.
Matias Maccelli, Toronto Maple Leafs left wing, 92.6 percent available. PP1 over John Tavares as Toronto heats up.
These trends align with broader fantasy advice, like NHL.com’s waiver wire pickups.
Target these sleepers before they stabilize further. Eight minutes of unit time marks reliability—many are approaching it. In head-to-head or roto formats, power-play edges win championships as playoffs near. Check availability and monitor health for maximum impact.
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Par Mike Jonderson
Mike Jonderson is a passionate hockey analyst and expert in advanced NHL statistics. A former college player and mathematics graduate, he combines his understanding of the game with technical expertise to develop innovative predictive models and contribute to the evolution of modern hockey analytics.