Golden Knights continue to struggle on power play

RALEIGH, N.C. — There hasn’t been much power lately in the Golden Knights’ power play.

Since returning from their bye week Jan. 13, the Knights are 0-for-15 with the man advantage and 0-for-19 since they last notched a power-play goal, when Reilly Smith scored in the second period against Nashville on Jan. 2.

Coach Gerard Gallant is painfully aware that his team, ranked No. 24 in the NHL at 16.4 percent, needs to do better.

”We weren’t as sharp as we should be,” Gallant said after Friday’s 4-3 overtime loss to the Florida Panthers. “The guys have to get with it, put more pucks to the net, basic stuff. We’re not working hard enough.”

Gallant has tinkered with the power play. And while some alterations might be needed, those who play on it probably will remain the same when the Knights face the Carolina Hurricanes at 2 p.m. Sunday at PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina.

“We have other personnel,” Gallant said. “But those are our top players, and I want to go with those guys. I’m confident in those guys. It’s just sometimes you get into a funk with the power play and you’ve got to get out of it.”

Neal’s consistency

James Neal’s 20th goal Friday marked the 10th straight time he has scored 20 or more in a season.

The 30-year-old forward, who will represent the Knights at the All-Star game next weekend with Gallant and goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury, has 258 career goals. His goal against Florida came with 2:09 left in regulation and forced overtime.

“I’ve always tried to be consistent with my game,” Neal said. “I’ve been fortunate to play with a lot of talented players, and I’ve always tried to work hard and get better.”

Neal’s career high is 40 goals in 2011-12 with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Back to Chicago

Veteran defenseman Jason Garrison was sent back to the Chicago Wolves of the American Hockey League on Saturday. He was with the Knights on the two-game Florida swing after being recalled Tuesday, but was a healthy scratch against the Lightning and Panthers.

Garrison was leading Wolves defensemen in scoring with 18 points before he was recalled.

Contact Steve Carp at scarp@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2913. Follow @stevecarprj on Twitter.