Sarah McLellan

PNI

After consecutive seasons of ranking among the worst units in the league, a makeover to the Coyotes' power-play scheme was necessary.

Assistant coach Newell Brown obviously has provided that since another power-play goal in Monday's 4-3 win over the Los Angeles Kings boosted the unit to a 20.3 percentage efficiency rate — the ninth-best clip in the NHL.

But the overhaul he implemented hasn't completely focused on chalk talk. As a result of the power play's ascent, the culture around the opportunity has changed. Players no longer shrug off missed chances.

Instead, the five-man group is expected to deliver on a nightly basis.

"Before, we were kind of just hoping to get a goal and kind of get momentum," defenseman Keith Yandle said. "But now we're out there to score. We're out there to help our team win, and you can tell for sure."

Maybe that eight-game streak in January when the Coyotes tallied at least one power-play goal in each contest fueled this new attitude. Or perhaps it was the timing of the goals that did it. Eighteen power-play goals this season have either been game-winners or game-tying goals.

Either way, with 50 power-play goals on the books — third-most in the league — their confidence is high.

"We've been in games because of it," captain Shane Doan said. "We've got points because of it. Without it, it'd probably be a long, long year."

Still, much of the credit rests with the tactical plan. Brown promotes a shoot-first mentality and being in a position to support that shot. The addition of center Mike Ribeiro as a setup man along the wall has helped the Coyotes find those shots, but the unit really runs through Yandle and defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson.

Since both are left-handed shooters, it isn't a natural thought to pair them on the blue line. Even so, they were used sporadically on the power play previously but nothing in comparison to what's evolved this season.

"The way they move across the line makes it so hard as a penalty killer to kind of defend it and if they're willing to put the work in at the blue line, then down low it just creates more ice because guys have to move up to defend them and there's more opportunities in front of the net," Doan said.

Yandle, in particular, has shined at that. His 25 power-play assists rank second overall in the league and first among defensemen. He also sits fifth in the league with 28 power-play points, which is also tops among blue liners.

"He's really, really made some good plays," coach Dave Tippett said. "Shooting it at the right time versus holding it. He's really upped his game in that area."

Of course, there have been dry spells. Last week in Boston, the Coyotes were blanked on five chances and lost to the Bruins 2-1. Although they were able to find the game-winning goal on the power play Saturday against the Calgary Flames, they were unsuccessful on seven other chances.

But, unlike in prior seasons, their morale no longer takes a hit when that happens. The Coyotes just expect their power play to eventually deliver.

"It's a factor for us," Tippett said. "If it's one of your strengths, you should use it as one of your strengths."

Game photos - Coyotes vs. Kings:

Ice chip

The Coyotes assigned center Andy Miele to their American Hockey League affiliate Tuesday. Miele played in three games after his call-up March 9.

Up next

Coyotes vs. Panthers

When: Thursday at 7 p.m.

Where: Jobing.com, Glendale.

TV/radio: FSAZ /KTAR-FM (92.3).

NHL three stars of the night:

REMAINING COYOTES SCHEDULE

Thursday, March 20 at 7 p.m.

Panthers at Coyotes

TV: FSAZ

(should already be in the UP NEXT)

Saturday, March 22 at 6 p.m.

Bruins at Coyotes

TV: FSAZ Plus

Monday, March 24 at 4 p.m.

Coyotes at Rangers

TV: FSAZ Plus

Tuesday, March 25 at 4 p.m.

Coyotes at Penguins

TV: FSAZ

Thursday, March 27 at 4 p.m.

Coyotes at Devils

TV: FSAZ

Saturday, March 29 at 6 p.m.

Wild at Coyotes

TV: FSAZ

Tuesday, April 1 at 7 p.m.

Jets at Coyotes

TV: FSAZ Plus

Wednesday, April 2 at 7:30 p.m.

Coyotes at Kings

TV: NBC Sports Network

Friday, April 4 at 7 p.m.

Oilers at Coyotes

TV: FSAZ

Tuesday, April 8 at 4 p.m.

Coyotes at Blue Jackets

TV: FSAZ Plus

Thursday, April 10 at 5 p.m.

Coyotes at Predators

TV: FSAZ

Saturday, April 12 at 6 p.m.

Sharks at Coyotes

TV: Channel 3

Sunday, April 13 at 6 p.m.

Stars at Coyotes

TV: FSAZ