The Montreal Canadiens powerplay finished 31st overall in the NHL, and for a team that spent the majority of the season trying to maintain a wildcard spot, this was simply unacceptable. On some nights, the powerplay struggled so badly that it killed the Habs momentum.
Nearing the end of the season, the Habs deadline acquisition, Jordan Weal, was added to the powerplay unit. This added some much-needed play-making. The coaching staff also opted to place Joel Armia in the middle slot in front of the net, something they tried earlier in the season but had no success but on their second attempt, there were signs of an effective system, but at this point, it was too late.