Seeing Double: How the Colorado Avalanche can turn the duo of MacKinnon and Necas into a power play powerhouse

Both Nathan MacKinnon and Martin Necas are known for their speedy zone entries, high-level playmaking skills, and preference to operate from the left faceoff circle. These overlapping skillsets provide an effective one-two punch on the man-advantage rather than cancelling each other out.

Gaining the Zone

It used to be that the Avs would gain the zone by having Cale Makar skate the puck up ice and then drop it back for MacKinnon so that he could enter the zone with a full head of steam. It was predictable enough that bolder penalty kill units could step up and either try to pick off the drop pass or deny him the time and space in which to get up to full speed. Now that Necas is part of the equation, the Avs can spread defenses out and make them honor the fact that Necas, MacKinnon, and Makar are all legitimate threats to enter the zone with speed, thus making it harder to cherry pick against them. It also gives the Avs multiple points of attack and additional options for passing lanes while trying to create off the rush upon zone entry and not just settling for gaining the zone.

There is only one puck

If the top power play unit does not convert on their initial rush into the zone, then they have the opportunity to get set up and make passing plays that turn into goals. Playmakers like MacKinnon and Necas like to play with the puck on their stick to find ways to create premium scoring chances for their team. By having the two of them, plus Makar, constantly moving the puck around the zone, it will make the defenses have to turn their feet to react and try to stay between the puck and the net. That will open up lanes that MacKinnon and Necas can take advantage of with their passing skills. With both of them on the ice, it will be tough for defenses to cheat towards one because it will leave the other wide open to capitalize on his chances.

Movement is Key

Both MacKinnon and Necas prefer to set up in the left faceoff circle so that they can distribute the puck around the ice as desired as well as set up for a one-timer if available. While they are both excellent in those areas, MacKinnon is the slightly better passer while Necas’ shot is stronger.

Instead of assigning that area to one or the other, MacKinnon and Necas should work in tandem, taking turns in that spot while the other maneuvers through the zone. By maintaining the ability to freelance, defenses will have to constantly adjust to which one is moving in or out of the circle while keeping tabs on the one who is moving. MacKinnon will work behind the net. Necas will set himself up for a shot pass at the back corner. MacKinnon can fade back to the point and let Makar burst in. Necas can glide across the slot. The possibilities are many and impossible for the penalty kill to plan for and react to all of them.

The biggest benefit that having MacKinnon and Necas together on the power play is that they will give that top unit the ability to be more dynamic and deceptive than they have been in the past. A static power play is a stagnant power play because the lack of movement is easier to defend against. Their speed, vision, playmaking, and shooting abilities will create many openings for the Avs to score goals on the man advantage.