Devils Shake Up Power Play Units

New Jersey is tinkering with its man-advantage lineup after converting on just 16.67 percent of its power-play chances this season.

Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Hockey

The New Jersey Devils have changed the mix of their power-play units after a struggling start. Connor Brown took reps with the first unit on Monday while Connor Evangelista joined the second unit.

Why it matters

The Devils rank second in the Metropolitan Division with 18 points, so improved special teams could help them keep pace in a tight race. Their power play has trailed the league average of 21.72 percent all season.

The Devils have converted 16.67 percent of their power-play chances against a league average of 21.72 percent this season. Their first unit has scored twice in 33:51 of total ice time, and whether the new lineup closes that gap has not yet been measured.

The players

New Jersey Devils

The New Jersey Devils are an NHL franchise based in New Jersey that compete in the Metropolitan Division.

Connor Brown

Connor Brown is a Devils forward who took reps with the first power-play unit this week.

Connor Evangelista

Connor Evangelista is a Devils forward who joined the second power-play unit on Monday.

The details

Brown took reps with the first power-play unit on Monday, and Evangelista joined the second unit. The team's first unit of Jesper Bratt, Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier, Luke Evangelista and Luke Hughes has yet to produce much offense this season.

Monday: Connor Brown took reps with the first power-play unit.
Tuesday: The Devils face the Hurricanes with Connor Hellebuyck in net.

Season Trajectory

The Devils sit second in the Metropolitan Division with 18 points, trailing the Carolina Hurricanes, who lead with 26. Against the league-average power-play rate of 21.72 percent, New Jersey's 16.67 percent conversion has been a clear drag on its standing.

The power-play change could shift which players see time on the man advantage, which matters for fantasy rosters tracking Connor Brown and Connor Evangelista. Fans tracking the Devils' playoff push should watch whether the second unit's usage expands.

The takeaway

Special teams often decide close division races, and small lineup changes can shift results quickly. Watching power-play conversion over the next several games will show whether the Devils' adjustment is working.