Helene St. James

Detroit Free Press

Had it worked better earlier, maybe times would be easier now.

On the other hand, better late than never.

As the Red Wings try to propel themselves into the playoffs, their power play is playing a long overdue role. After wallowing in the bottom third of the NHL, conversions in eight straight games have catapulted Detroit’s power play to 11th in the league at 19.3% entering Tuesday’s games.

Its dormancy has factored into why the Wings are in must-win mode as they embark on their last three games of the regular season.

“I think it’s why last year things went a little smoother,” forward Tomas Tatar said. “The power play was just clicking, and it was big. Right now every team is playing good, and it’s really tight, and special teams are deciding games. I think last few games, the power play is really working, and that’s what’s put us on horse.”

The Wings have won six of their past nine games and ride a two-game winning streak into tonight’s game at Joe Louis Arena against the Philadelphia Flyers. Coach Jeff Blashill pointed to how big a factor confidence plays, adding: “I’d also say we’ve done a better job of finding ways to deliver the puck to the net and getting people to the net.”

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The current results are more in line with what was expected from a power play that finished second overall last season and not only didn’t lose any personnel, but gained veterans Mike Green and Brad Richards, and rookie Dylan Larkin.

“We thought we’d be better than we have been, for sure,” forward Gustav Nyquist said. “These last games, we’ve had a lot of success. It’s much better now, and it’s the right time of year, too, to have a power play that’s working. So, it’s a good sign.

“Right now, it seems to be finding the net, but at the same time, we’re doing a better job of throwing pucks in there that have a chance and getting pucks through. Now we’re hitting the net more and we’re doing a good job of retrieving the puck, too, to get those second chance and third chance when the penalty kill is out of position and a little tired. So, there’s a few different factors.”

The lack of a working power play undoubtedly cost the Wings a few victories in months past. Now as the regular season is almost over, it’s key to making one last push for the playoffs.

Contact Helene St. James: hstjames@freepress.com. Follow her on Twitter @helenestjames.

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