Screenshot: NBC Sports Washington

Last season, the Washington Capitals’ power play units ranked in the lower tier of teams across the NHL, a problem that failed the club on more than one occasion. Despite a slow start to the 2022-23 season, the team’s man-advantage seems to be strengthening. Unfortunately, their penalty kill has yet to find its footing just five games into the campaign.

With a two-man advantage in the first period of their game against the Ottawa Senators, the Caps struck twice on two opportunities at the end of 40 minutes, have gone 2-4 so far. The first power play strike came courtesy of T.J. Oshie, who scored his second goal of the season (both PPGs) on assists from Marcus Johansson and John Carlson.

Mojo with the moves
Mojo with the dime
Oshie with the BULLET 🥶 pic.twitter.com/NbIJmiTybM

— NBC Sports Capitals (@NBCSCapitals) October 20, 2022

The next came just 34 seconds later on a rocket from Anthony Mantha, who tied Conor Sheary for the (early) team lead in goals, notching his third on the young season on assists from Dmitry Orlov and Sheary himself.

34 SECONDS LATER MANTHONY STRIKES 🎯 pic.twitter.com/frMJ1tONqi

— NBC Sports Capitals (@NBCSCapitals) October 20, 2022

The Caps’ power play has rebounded from a poor start to the season, going 0-9 in the first two games, while scoring on 5 of 7 opportunities in the last two-plus games.

PENALTY KILL STRUGGLES

The Capitals’ penalty kill, however, has struggled mightily so far this season, allowing 5 goals on 13 penalty kills.

The Senators’ power play has proven to be just as efficient on the night, converting on two of three power play opportunities of their own, both by Drake Batherson.

DeBrincat ➡️ Brady ➡️ Drake ➡️ GOAL 🤌#GoSensGo pic.twitter.com/BonNIMuBHV

— Ottawa Senators (@Senators) October 21, 2022

Drake with the cheeky chip over the pad for his second of the game 🚨#GoSensGo pic.twitter.com/DCGKzEBIv8

— Ottawa Senators (@Senators) October 21, 2022

Last season, the Washington Penalty Kill finished 14th overall with an 80% effectiveness. Former Assistant Coach Scott Arniel, who ran the unit, departed in the offseason for a position with the Winnipeg Jets and was replaced by former Hershey Bears Head Coach Scott Allen, who led the Chocolate and White to 12th-best in the AHL and sixth in the Eastern Conference.

The Caps entered tonight’s game sitting in 25th overall in the NHL, killing 70% of the opposition’s power plays. At the end of two, Washington is 0-2 shorthanded.

By Michael Fleetwood