The Skinny on the Missing PPs

The Isles have had only three power plays total in the last four games, including none in New Jersey on Tuesday.  

Power Plays became an official NHL statistic for the 1977-78 season.  Prior to this season, the Isles had never had one power play or fewer in four straight games; they had a five game streak early this season (the first five games of the 17-game point streak) and now have a second streak of four straight games.

The three power plays over a four game stretch also tie a team record, done over overlapping stretches this past October (games 1-4 and games 2-5 of the 17-game point streak).

The Isles have had only 95 power plays so far this season (2.2 per game);this is 26 fewer than any other NHL team (Anaheim 121).  The Isles have had two power plays or fewer in nine straight games.  Prior to this season, the fewest power plays that the Isles had had in the first 43 games was 115 (in 1977-78).

With nearly half of a season still to play, the Isles have had one power play or fewer 15 times; Toronto is the only other team with as many as 11 games with one power play or fewer.  The Isles club record is 16 (set in 2016-17); the Isles also had one power play or fewer 15 times in both 2015-16 and 2018-19.

The Isles are currently on pace for 181 power plays for the season; the NHL record for fewest PPs in a full (non-lockout) season is 191, set by the Atlanta Flames in 1977-78.  The Isles had 226 power plays in 1977-78; that club record for fewest power plays will be beaten unless the Isles average 3.4 power plays/game the rest of the way.

Forever1940 is the nom de plume of Eric Hornick, statistician on Islander home telecasts since January 21, 1982. Visit my blog: NYISkinny.com and follow me on Twitter @ehornick