PP BO Single Drop Variations

MTL & VGK 5v4 entry secondary plays (2026 Playoff Playbook Part 17)

Why do the vast majority of NHL powerplays insist on making a drop pass in the neutral zone?

Because it works.

Single Drop and Double Drop PP breakouts are better than traditional BOs in terms of allowing the offensive team to:

1. Enter the OZ with control

2. Get into its preferred in-zone formation

3. Create shots and, eventually, goals

The Vegas Golden Knights and the Montreal Canadiens are proponents of the Single Drop, with the teams’ number one centers (Jack Eichel and Nick Suzuki) as primary receivers.

VGK93 Mitch Marner assumes the defenseman’s role on Vegas’ five-forward PP. He drops to VGK9 Eichel, who uses a speed differential to knife through the PK structure. Eichel kicks the puck out to facilitate a setup. Vegas runs a set play to VGK48 Tomas Hertl in the bumper.

MTL48 Lane Hutson passes to MTL13 Cole Caufield, who drops for MTL14 Suzuki. The Canadiens get excellent depth through the neutral zone, but Carolina does a superior job of standing up in a 3-1 and denying the entry.

Against an aggressive, well-organized PK forecheck such as Carolina or Colorado’s, the powerplay team would be well-served to incorporate some secondary plays that threaten the ice behind the PK wall.