Sure, the Penguins connected on the power play during Thursday's 4-1 loss to the Bears. Paul Thompson did it in the third period. Prior to that, however, the power play slugged along with just one goal in 40 chances.
Is that the main reason for the Penguins current skid?
Maybe.
The absence of Beau Bennett hurts. He didn't play again tonight, due to an injury. Head coach John Hynes has said Bennett is day-to-day, and I'll try to get a better idea of when he'll return after Friday's practice.
Here's why I think Bennett's absence is the biggest reason behind the power play woes. With him in the lineup, the Penguins power play was a respectable 15.6 percent. Not an amazing number, but not a dismal one either.
Since Bennett has been out the last four games, the power play has connected twice in 18 chances.
Here's why I think the power play is the key to the Penguins turning things around: After Thompson scored the Penguins generated several scoring chances and dominated play in the offensive zone. If they had scored on a power play in the first or second periods, when they had more time to sustain offensive pressure afterward, who know what would've happened.