Started with the drop pass, Avalanche power play will need to be difference against Vegas

Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon (29) gets a hat trick during the third period of game 2 in first-round series at Ball Arena on May 19, 2021 in Denver.When the Avalanche sends out its power-play personnel Sunday night against the Vegas Golden Knights, there will be a sight as familiar as a Nathan MacKinnon one-timer or a Gabe Landeskog deflection: The drop pass.

Ever since coach Jared Bednar was on the staff of the Columbus Blue Jackets’ AHL affiliate in Springfield, Mass., nearly a decade ago, using the neutral-zone-to-own-zone drop pass to start a power-play rush has been a staple.

“It’s tough to defend when you do it right and you’re able to buy some space,” Bednar said. “It can…