Do the Dallas Stars need to switch the power play units around?

I think everyone was completely shocked yesterday when Matt Duchene scored on the power play with one second left against the Winnipeg Jets. One of the Achilles heel for the Dallas Stars so far this year has been the power play. The Stars have only scored four power play goals this entire season through yesterday’s game. Considering Dallas had the fifth best power play unit last season, fans are wondering what the issue is this year. Let’s take a look at whether the Stars need to change their power play units.

Dallas Stars Power Play Issue: What is the issue this season?

There can be a couple of explanations on why the Stars are struggling on the power play this season. One of the reasons that could explain the lack of power play goals this season is teams have studied the Stars’ power play unit over the offseason and at their training camps. When you have to stop five really good scorers short-handed, teams study and prepare their players to stop them. It wouldn’t be shocking if teams prepared extra to make sure the Stars don’t score with the extra man advantage.

The other issue on the power play this season could be is that the top power play unit has just been lacking to make an effort. The one thing I’ve noticed as the season has gone along is that the Stars are taking their time to get into the zone to set up something. By the time that they enter their opponent’s zone, their opponent is ready to intercept the puck and clear it.

Dallas Stars Power Play Issue: How to fix the issue?

During the game against Winnipeg yesterday, I noticed that the second power play unit was really clicking with each other on the ice. With how good that second power play unit was playing yesterday, it should make fans wonder why they don’t start as the top power play unit.

I’m not saying that Jamie Benn, Joe Pavelski, Roope Hintz and Jason Robertson need to be kicked off the power play. What I want to see happen is their line be the cleanup power play unit. If the second power play unit fail to score a goal to start the power play, the former top line up could be the clean up line and take a shot at scoring a goal. It could catch a very tired penalty kill unit off guard.

Dallas Stars Power Play Issue: Conclusion

After watching a really good power play unit last season, it’s quite surprising that the Stars are having issues with the extra man this season. Opponents used to fear that top power play unit and now they are having no issues stopping them and preventing a Stars power play goal.

I really think Pete DeBoer needs to consider switching which unit starts out on the power play. Based on what I watched yesterday, the second power play unit should start out moving forward this season. They moved with a sense of urgency that the top power play unit has been lacking this year.