Going into the playoffs, it is a strength that Washington will, in part, rely on to help them win games. In the last three playoffs, PP goals have accounted for just under a quarter of the total amount of goals scored league-wide. In a tight series, it can be the difference between winning and losing.
| Playoff | Total Goals Scored | Total PP goals | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 478 | 115 | 24% |
| 2015 | 448 | 96 | 21% |
| 2014 | 520 | 118 | 23% |
This season, Alex Ovechkin finished tied for first in PP goals with 17, while Nicklas Backstrom led the league in PP points with 35.