MTL, PIT & VGK Powerplay Updates

2025-26 NHL Trends: 5v4 in-zone

In the past week, the Montreal Canadiens made a critical adjustment to their top powerplay unit, promoting rookie Ivan Demidov to PP1 in lieu of Zach Bolduc.

The new five-man unit found immediate success, combining for three goals in two outings.

Here’s what MTL’s PP1 looks like when the puck is on the left side:

• MTL14 Nick Suzuki quarterbacks the play from the left wall

• MTL13 Cole Caufield is at the left goal line

• MTL20 Juraj Slafkovsky is in the bumper (in lieu of Bolduc)

• MTL93 Ivan Demidov is on the weak-side flank (in lieu of Slafkovsky)

• MTL48 Lane Hutson is at the point

With the addition of Demidov, the unit now presents a credible threat when the puck is on the right side.

• Demidov quarterbacks the play

• Slafkovsky shifts down to the goal line

• Caufield moves into the middle

• Suzuki covers the weak side

• Hutson shades toward the strong side as a relief valve

The unit is well-balanced in terms of handedness and style of play, with multiple one-timers options available no matter where the puck is.

In addition, MTL’s PP1 leverages two 5v4 trends taking hold across the league: