The targets may vary from team to team, but the NHL standards for special teams are a 20 percent effectiveness rating for the power play and 80 percent success on the penalty kill. But while the PK can be influenced heavily by goaltenders, the power play is really all about the offensive talent you can get on the ice all at once.
You'd think that would guarantee the most skilled teams top spots in goal scoring and efficiency with the man advantage, but that's not always the case. Although the Washington Capitals, Detroit Red Wings and Philadelphia Flyers were top three in the league a year ago, the Chicago Blackhawks, Anaheim Ducks and Tampa Bay Lightning were middle of the pack at best.