Ken Boehlke, Author at SinBin.vegas

Author: Ken Boehlke Page 1 of 216

Game recaps and Periscopes are brought to you by Kondler and Associates CPAs. Free tax consultation for SinBin fans!

Recap: The Golden Knights looked to stay perfect as they took on the Coyotes for a second straight game. Vegas didn’t wait long to get their offense going. Defenseman Shea Theodore and Alex Pietrangelo scored their first goals of the season making it a quick 2-0 Golden Knights lead. Marc-Andre Fleury was superb in the opening period preserving the two-goal edge.

Vegas continued to pressure Arizona in the 2nd period. The two teams swapped power plays but neither could capitalize on special teams. Mark Stone made it a three goal game with his second goal of the season. Max Pacioretty slipped a nice pass to Stone for a 3-0 advantage. Arizona scored their first goal late in the 2nd period to cut Vegas’ lead down to 3-1 after 40 minutes of action.

Up 3-1, the Golden Knights went right back to work offensively. Theodore scored his second of the night off a beautiful tic-tac-toe setup from Jonathan Marchessault and Reilly Smith. Just over a minute later Alex Tuch gave Vegas a 5-1 lead on the power play. The Coyotes would get one back, but couldn’t get any closer.

With their 5-2 victory the Golden Knights remain undefeated and improve their record to (4-0) this season. The two teams will meet up again on Friday night in Arizona. Game is scheduled for 6 PM. (Recap by Jason)

Analysis: The Golden Knights have been working towards putting together their best game of the season and tonight they delivered it. They were opportunistic early when the game was fairly even and then took over as the game wore on. The power play still looks a bit anemic (tons of credit to ARI’s PK) but aside from that there’s not a ton to be upset with in the Golden Knights 4-0-0 start to the season. Especially considering the challenge of playing the same team in consecutive games. (Analysis by Ken)

Upcoming stories from the Vegas Golden Knights vs Arizona Coyotes at T-Mobile Arena

The story behind the local company that makes the masks VGK coaches and players are wearing on the bench this season.

SinBin.vegas Podcast #218: Off To A Good Start Results Wise

By Ken Boehlke

On January 20, 2021

In Podcast

The Golden Knights have three wins in three games, but haven’t played all that well to get them. That’s a positive, as long as they start playing better at some point. Hosted by Ken Boehlke and Jason Pothier.

One good period
Early season talent discrepancy
An assist from the front office to make sure the season started out right
Inconsistency continues
Record vs process

And much more…

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VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS 4 ARIZONA COYOTES 2 (3-0-0 6 PTS)

By Ken Boehlke

On January 18, 2021

In Game Recaps

Game recaps and Periscopes are brought to you by Kondler and Associates CPAs. Free tax consultation for SinBin fans!

Recap: It was the first of four between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Arizona Coyotes. The Coyotes set an early, quick pace to the game. Vegas had trouble keeping Arizona out of their zone for most of the period, leading to several chances on Robin Lehner. The Golden Knights were awarded a power play midway through the period but the Coyotes aggressive penalty kill paid off. Arizona took the first lead of the game on a shorthanded goal by Tyler Pitlick. Vegas failed to convert on a 5-on-3 power play and trailed 1-0 after the opening twenty minutes.

Arizona kept pushing in the middle frame outshooting Vegas 16 to 7. The Coyotes would add another special teams goal on the power play to take a 2-0 edge. Max Pacioretty cut Arizona’s lead in half late in the period with his third goal of the season. The Coyotes held a 2-1 lead after two periods in the books.

As they have all season, the Golden Knights woke up in the third period. Reilly Smith and Chandler Stephenson both scored their first goals of the season to give Vegas their first lead of the game. Arizona made a strong push but Reilly Smith sealed the victory for Vegas with an empty-net goal.

With their 4-2 victory, the Golden Knights remain undefeated and improve their record to (3-0) this season. Vegas and Arizona hook up again Wednesday night. Game is scheduled for 7 PM. (Recap by Jason)

Analysis: The Golden Knights offense was really staggered early by the Coyotes but they battled through it to keep applying the pressure and eventually break the dam. Yet again, the 3rd period has been where Vegas has been at its best and they’re now 3-0-0 because of it. And, they can still play A LOT better, which is a great sign. (Analysis by Ken)

Upcoming stories from the Vegas Golden Knights vs Arizona Coyotes at T-Mobile Arena

Like tonight, the Coyotes always seem to keep the all-time series with the Golden Knights.

Why I’m In Favor Of Scratching Cody Glass To Save Keegan Kolesar From Waivers

By Ken Boehlke

On January 18, 2021

In Personnel

(Photo Credit: SinBin.vegas Photographer Brandon Andreasen)

It should have happened for the first two games. Now it’s happening tonight.

I’m talking about the decision to send Cody Glass to the AHL/taxi squad, and thus take him out of the lineup, inserting Nic Hague into the defense, and keeping Keegan Kolesar on the active roster and away from waivers.

Due to the massive offseason move of signing Alex Pietrangelo, the Golden Knights spent every day between the moment they lost to the Stars to Opening Night 2021 over the cap. We knew some “salary cap gymnastics” were going to be necessary to make the team compliant before the first game against the Ducks.

They came on the final day of Training Camp. The Golden Knights waived Nick Holden, risking losing him to another team for nothing, then released a peculiar looking roster of 13 forwards, five defensemen, and two goalies. Vegas went on to play two games voluntarily down a defenseman and pulled out a pair of wins to start the season.

Admittedly, the Golden Knights were not in love with the idea of playing short a d-man, but their willingness to do it proved they believed it was necessary.

Why? While we don’t have an answer to that question on the record, we have a pretty good educated guess. That guess is that the Golden Knights have knowledge that if they placed Keegan Kolesar on waivers he would get claimed by another team.

How do they know this? Again, another educated guess, but GM’s talk to each other often, and the Golden Knights were probably one of the most active teams this offseason trying to maneuver their roster after signing Pietrangelo. Somewhere in one of those conversations, there was likely a clue that another team coveted Kolesar. If someone’s willing to trade for a 23-year-old forward with limited NHL experience and a league minimum contract, they’ll certainly be willing to scoop him up for free if he hits waivers.

So, the Golden Knights avoided it. Now, two games in, they are still trying to avoid it, but the options remain limited.

They could continue with five defensemen, but through two games, the Golden Knights have the two league leaders in average time on ice per game and all five defensemen rank in the top 15 across the entire NHL. For now, that’s fine, but over the course of an entire season (especially one that is as tightly packed as this one), that’s not a viable long-term option.

VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS 2 ANAHEIM DUCKS 1 (2-0-0 4 PTS) – OT

By Ken Boehlke

On January 16, 2021

In Game Recaps

Game recaps and Periscopes are brought to you by Kondler and Associates CPAs. Free tax consultation for SinBin fans!

Recap: It was take two for the Golden Knights and Ducks at an empty T-Mobile Arena. Marc-Andre Fleury got his first start in net and stopped all six shots from Anaheim. Both teams had several quality chances but each goaltender were flawless. After the opening twenty minutes the game was locked in a scoreless tied.

Anaheim took the first lead of the game 7:45 into the second period. The Golden Knights defense broke down allowing for an easy 3-on-1 goal for the Ducks. Vegas couldn’t generate much offensively but took 11 shots on Anaheim goalie John Gibson. The home team trailed 1-0 heading into the second intermission.

Fleury kept Vegas in the game with a couple of strong saves in the third period. The Golden Knights were awarded their first power play of the game but didn’t get a shot on net. William Karlsson finally got his team on the board, tying the game 1-1 with 1:22 left in the game. The Swede’s goal forced an overtime period.

With their 2-1 overtime victory the Golden Knights improve their record to (2-0-0) and pick up four points in their first two games. Vegas next hits the ice Monday night against the Arizona Coyotes. Game is scheduled for 7 PM. (Recap by Jason)

Analysis: The Golden Knights really didn’t seem to have it in this game, but in the dying embers of the game, with the goalie out of the net, a perfect tic-tac-toe play finished by William Karlsson tied the game. In OT, Mark Stone did what Mark Stone does. Thievery off the draw then a beautiful 2-on-1 pass and the rest is history. How in the world did Vegas win that game? Who cares? They did. Oh, and Fleury is awesome still. (Analysis by Ken)

Upcoming stories from the Vegas Golden Knights vs Anaheim Ducks at T-Mobile Arena

Further examining the effects of the 5 defensemen roster.

DeBoer Hopeful Center-less Power Play Unit Won’t Become An Issue

By Ken Boehlke

On January 15, 2021

In Game Analysis

The Golden Knights had just one power play in their first game, but those two minutes were the perfect illustration of the challenge facing the coaching staff in creating their power play units this season.

(Photo Credit: SinBin.vegas Photographer Brandon Andreasen)

With two elite power play quarterbacks on the team, the Golden Knights knew they needed to find a way to ice two units both stocked with scoring talent.

The first looks like a normal dominant #1 power play unit. Alex Pietrangelo is the lone defenseman with Mark Stone, Max Pacioretty, William Karlsson, and PP wunderkind Cody Glass. It’s the kind of stuff that gives opposing teams’ penalty kill nightmares.

It’s the second unit where things get interesting. Shea Theodore plays alongside Alec Martinez with a trio of forwards including Alex Tuch, Jonathan Marchessault, and Reilly Smith. It has the potential to be a great unit, but for one issue, there’s no one to take the draws.

Well, I don’t know if we’re comfortable (not having a center on the unit). It’s not the optimum situation obviously. Right now we’re trying to put our two best units together. We love the feel of the two units when they get the puck and get set up so we’re willing to give up a little in the faceoff department to get started. -Pete DeBoer

On that single power play last night, the concern came to the forefront immediately. After a strong 45 seconds by the first unit including a few shot attempts from Pietrangelo, the second group came out for an offensive zone faceoff. Tuch lost the draw and the Ducks quickly cleared the zone. The Golden Knights took a bit of time trying to re-enter the zone, never fully did on three tries, and an offside call forced another draw outside of the zone.

At that moment, with 30 seconds left on the PP clock, the Golden Knights flipped right back to the first unit.

It was an area of emphasis for us in the offseason and adding Pietrangelo definitely gave us the option of having two elite quarterbacks, two units, rather than a 1A and 1B. It’s critical, especially the deeper you go in the playoffs and the better the opponent those little details, the special teams, faceoffs, separate the teams at that point. -DeBoer

The Golden Knights have two bonafide #1 units, but without a reliable option to win faceoffs, it’s likely they will be forced into situations similar to the one they faced last night where they have to default back to the first unit on any draw.

In practice today, the second unit was moving the puck around with ease, even scoring one of the nicest tic-tac-toe goals you’ll ever see. So, clearly, when they have the puck, they have a real chance to be dangerous. But, how long will DeBoer put up with it if they don’t?

We’re hopeful the faceoff situation, guys will dig in, guys will help each other, some guys will become better at it and it won’t become an issue but it’s something that if we can’t get fixed with the personnel we have we might have to look at some different options. -Deboer

Maximizing the power play talents of both Theodore and Pietrangelo will be crucial in the long-term success of the Golden Knights this season.

There’s reason to believe these units could offer just that, but there’s also reason for concern that they won’t.

VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS 5 ANAHEIM DUCKS 2 (1-0-0 2 PTS)

By Ken Boehlke

On January 14, 2021

In Game Recaps

Game recaps and Periscopes are brought to you by Kondler and Associates CPAs. Free tax consultation for SinBin fans!

Recap: It took forever but the 2021 Golden Knights season finally got underway against the Anaheim Ducks. Free agent star Alex Pietrangelo suited up for the first time, and newly signed Robin Lehner got the start in net.

The game got off to an incredibly fast start. Jonathan Marchessault scored his first goal just 1:07 into the season. A minute later Tomas Nosek added his first on a nifty between his legs assist from Ryan Reaves. With only 2:13 into their first game, the Golden Knights took an early 2-0 lead. Anaheim responded quickly after and cut Vegas’ lead in half. The Ducks kept pushing and tied the game 2-2 around the midway point of the period.

Both teams settled down in the middle frame. Shots on net were low with both goaltenders shutting down every scoring chance. After 40 minutes the contest was tied at two goals apiece.

The franchise’s first captain gave his team the 3-2 lead :49 seconds into the final period. Mark Stone scored his first of the season, assisted by Chandler Stephenson and new teammate Alex Pietrangelo. Feeling left out, Max Pacioretty joined the party and tallied his first of the season ten minutes later. Vegas took a 4-2 lead, regaining their two goal edge. Alex Tuch tapped in his first of the season with a late empty net goal.

With their 5-2 victory, Vegas wins the season opener for the third time in four seasons. Both teams will face off again on Saturday night at T-Mobile Arena. Game is scheduled for 7 PM. (Recap by Jason)

Analysis: It was a sloppy first two periods that certainly would have led to some concern had it continued into the 3rd. But, it didn’t at all as the Golden Knights came out and played exactly like they needed to in the final frame and took over the game. They need to clean up their breakouts moving forwards, but they did tonight what good teams do, win when you don’t play your best. (Analysis by Ken)

Upcoming stories from the Vegas Golden Knights vs Anaheim Ducks at T-Mobile Arena

How much did 13/5 matter and what was the effect on ice-time.
Diving into the VGK PP units. (One has no center?!?)

Ken’s Three VGK Stars
*** Jonathan Marchessault
** Shea Theodore
* Mark Stone

MARK STONE NAMED FIRST CAPTAIN IN VGK HISTORY

By Ken Boehlke

On January 13, 2021

In Team Ops

The wait is over, the Golden Knights officially have their first captain in franchise history. Mark Stone was named captain of the Golden Knights via the team’s social media account.

Alex Pietrangelo and Reilly Smith have been named alternates.

Honestly I was kind of speechless. It’s very humbling for me. It’s a big honor. Something I’m not going to take lightly and something I’ve very excited to do. -Mark Stone

He’s as fine a person as you can find in this game. You like him off the ice, you like him on the ice. -George McPhee

He’s a tremendous competitor. He likes nothing more than when someone on the team scores, not just himself personally, that says a lot about his character and what type of leader he is. -Max Pacioretty

You want a guy who is dedicated to winning, who plays the right way and if you watch him play he’s underrated in terms of everything he can do on both ends of the ice. There’s not many guys in the league that can put up the numbers offensively that he does year in year out and contribute the way he can defensively. To me, that’s winning hockey and that’s what you want in your captain. You want a guy that’s going to give it to you every single night, the consistency like that, he’s certainly a special player. -Alex Pietrangelo

It’s been 40 years since an NHL team has won the Stanley Cup without a captain. That doesn’t mean you can’t do it. I don’t think that it’s an accident that that’s the case. -Pete DeBoer

We had with McPhee, DeBoer, and myself we thought we had the obvious guy and this was the time to name the captain. He embodies everything we want in a captain and that includes a great deal of humility. -Kelly McCrimmon

SinBin.vegas Podcast #217: It’s Go Time

By Ken Boehlke

On January 13, 2021

In Podcast

The season is here and there’s plenty to talk about regarding the wacky year that’s about to unfold. Hosted by Ken Boehlke and Jason Pothier.

Camp takeaways
Does Fleury actually have a shot to take the job back?
Captaincy situation
DeBoer playing mind games with the team?
COVID cancellations

And much more…

We are on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, and Google Play. Subscribe now!

Nick Holden Waivers FAQ

By Ken Boehlke

On January 11, 2021

In Team Ops

(Photo Credit: SinBin.vegas Photographer Brandon Andreasen)

UPDATE (1/12/21 9:07 AM) – Nick Holden cleared waivers.

The Golden Knights had to do something to get under the cap before the first game of the season. Today we learned that something was waiving Nick Holden, risking losing a player they signed to a new contract less than a year ago.

The salary cap and waivers can be confusing under normal circumstances and now with the new rules put into place for the shortened season, it can be almost impossible to follow. So, here’s the Nick Holden on waivers FAQ.

What does that mean, Nick Holden is on waivers?

In an effort to reduce the salary cap, the Golden Knights removed Holden from their active roster. Due to his age and experience in the NHL, he is required to pass through waivers to remain with the Golden Knights organization. That means every team in the league will have the option to claim Holden and add him to their active NHL roster. If someone does, Holden will no longer be a member of the Golden Knights. If they do not, he’ll be eligible for the Golden Knights taxi squad and the Silver Knights.

What are the chances someone claims him?

It’s certainly possible, but it’s not necessarily probable. A total of 139 players were placed on waivers today. Holden is among the most experienced of the group and absolutely could be viewed as valuable by another team.

Put odds on it happening.

SinBin.vegas

Praise Be To Foley, Vegas Golden Knights Hockey Website

Author: Ken Boehlke Page 1 of 216

VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS 5 ARIZONA COYOTES 2 (4-0-0 8 PTS)

SinBin.vegas Podcast #218: Off To A Good Start Results Wise

VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS 4 ARIZONA COYOTES 2 (3-0-0 6 PTS)

Why I’m In Favor Of Scratching Cody Glass To Save Keegan Kolesar From Waivers

VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS 2 ANAHEIM DUCKS 1 (2-0-0 4 PTS) – OT

DeBoer Hopeful Center-less Power Play Unit Won’t Become An Issue

VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS 5 ANAHEIM DUCKS 2 (1-0-0 2 PTS)

MARK STONE NAMED FIRST CAPTAIN IN VGK HISTORY

SinBin.vegas Podcast #217: It’s Go Time

Nick Holden Waivers FAQ

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