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There was a time when the Canadiens’ power play was so good that the NHL had to change its rules.

The Canadiens won the Stanley Cup in 1956 after posting a 45-15-10 record and outscoring their opponents 222-131. Teams could score as many goals as possible during a minor penalty back then and the Canadiens’ power play was their biggest weapon, clicking at 26 per cent.

Before the start of the 1956-57 season, the NHL changed the rule so teams could only score once on the power play, giving them a better chance against the Canadiens.

Fast-forward 62 years and another rule change could help the Canadiens: allow teams to decline a penalty, just like in football.

The Canadiens have been one of the best five-on-five teams this season, but rank last on the power play (12.6 per cent) and it could cost them a playoff spot. The Canadiens have been worse on the power play at home (10.5 per cent) than on the road (15.1 per cent) and have only 20 power-play goals in 50 games.