Ken Boehlke, Author at SinBin.vegas

Author: Ken Boehlke Page 2 of 220

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

Recap: Vegas struggled to stay on the ice in the 1st period. The Avalanche were awarded six minutes in power play opportunities which the Golden Knights killed all three penalties. However, Colorado’s Nathan MacKinnon scored his third of the year to give Colorado a 1-0 lead.

Max Pacioretty tied the game with a 2nd period power play goal for his eighth of the season. The Avalanche regained the lead a minute later to take a 2-1 edge into the second intermission.

The Golden Knights brought heavy pressure in the 3rd period and it paid off. Jonathan Marchessault popped in the tying goal with heavy traffic in front of the net. Nazem Kadri scored the winning goal :41 seconds remaining in the game to pull of the 3-2 victory.

With their 3-2 loss to the Avalanche, the Golden Knights record drops to 10-3-1. Vegas and Colorado resume their series on Saturday afternoon outdoors at Lake Tahoe. Game is scheduled for 12 PM PT. (Recap by Jason)

Analysis: Another excellent game between the best two teams in the West Division came down to the final minutes. Vegas did well to keep battling and stay in the game, tying it multiple times. But the speed of Colorado just kept coming at Vegas and they eventually broke late. This Avs team is very dangerous and the Golden Knights are going to need a heck of a plan to beat them if (probably when) these two match up in the West Division Championship series. (Analysis by Ken)

Upcoming stories from the Vegas Golden Knights vs Colorado Avalanche at T-Mobile Arena

VGK near to use the next few months and the deadline to gear up to beat Colorado. Not saying they can’t do it, but that should be the sole focus between now and May.

DeBoer Faced With Variety Of Options When Theodore’s Ready To Return

By Ken Boehlke

On February 16, 2021

In Team Ops

(Photo Credit: SinBin.vegas Photographer Brandon Andreasen)

The injury bug has hit the Golden Knights a bit over the past week forcing them to dig deep down the depth chart on the blue line. It’s given Nick Holden and Dylan Coghlan a chance to get into the games, and it’s also sent Zach Whitecloud and Nic Hague up the ladder playing as the second pair.

Eventually, hopefully soon, Shea Theodore will be able to return but Brayden McNabb is expected to be unavailable through the rest of the month of February. That leaves some question marks as to who will be in the lineup and how they’ll be deployed.

When Theodore is ready, Vegas will have seven available defensemen with games under their belts this season. Obviously, Alex Pietrangelo, Alec Martinez, and Theodore will be in the lineup, and with the way Zach Whitecloud has been playing, he’s a lock as well. That leaves Coghlan, Holden, and Hague as options for the final two spots.

The decision could come down to a non-performance related issue for Nick Holden though. Since Holden cleared waivers earlier this year they may want to protect him against having to clear again. The rule states that once a player clears waivers he must play 10 games and be on the roster for more than 30 days before he’s once again eligible for waivers.

Holden currently sits at six games played and has been on the roster for 15 days (assuming they did not shuffle him back and forth on off days). Thus, if they stick with him in the lineup, he could once again be waiver eligible as soon as March 2nd. That’s not ideal for Vegas as once McNabb is ready to return, Holden would once again be susceptible to waiver claim by any of the other 30 teams.

So, let’s say the Golden Knights opt to stick with Hague and Coghlan instead. That leaves the Golden Knights with three right-handed defensemen (Pietrangelo, Whitecloud, and Coghlan) and three left-handed D (Theodore, Martinez, Hague). However, Theodore has played most of the past two seasons on the right side, with Martinez since he was acquired from the Kings.

In Theodore’s absence, Martinez has played with Pietrangelo and it’s been the best Pietrangelo has looked. So the question becomes do you switch Theodore back to his natural side or do you play an all right-handed pair either atop the lineup or on the 3rd pair. Here are a few of those options.

Play Theodore on the left
Martinez-Pietrangelo
Theodore-Whitecloud
Hague-Coghlan

Leave Theodore on the right
Whitecloud-Pietrangelo
Martinez-Theodore
Hague-Coghlan

Load up with Theodore on the left
Theodore-Pietrangelo
Martinez-Whitecloud
Hague-Coghlan

Go for balance with Theodore on the right
Martinez-Pietrangelo
Hague-Theodore
Coghlan-Whitecloud

To me, both of the best options involve Theodore switching back to the left. He’s played plenty of games in a Golden Knights uniform on the left, most often paired with Deryk Engelland. But, since he’s taken his biggest leap offensively, and every game for DeBoer, Theodore has been on the right.

Valentine’s Day Is The New Thanksgiving

By Ken Boehlke

On February 15, 2021

In Team Ops

(Photo Credit: SinBin.vegas Photographer Brandon Andreasen)

If you’ve ever followed an NHL season, a regular one, you’ve probably heard about the importance of Thanksgiving as it relates to the standings. The story goes that if you are in the playoffs on Thanksgiving, you’ll probably be there when the season ends in April.

It seems absurdly early, but history has bore it out pretty well. Just about every year 13 to 14 of the 16 teams above the playoff cut line on Thanksgiving stay there when the season ends.

This year, the schedule is much shorter and the season started later, which means we need a new Thanksgiving. As it turns out, Valentine’s Day fits pretty well.

Thanksgiving typically lands about 380 games into the 1271 game NHL season. That’s about 30%. This year, 30% of the season is around 260 games. Last night’s VGK game was Game 243 on the schedule. Sure, it’s a little short, but the chances of the NHL getting 56 games in for every team feels low. So, I’m declaring Valentine’s Day the new Thanksgiving.

Vegas currently sits atop the West Division despite having played two fewer games than the team in 2nd (St. Louis). The Golden Knights are also seven points clear of the cut line and have a game-in-hand on the team currently in 5th (Arizona). 10-2-1 is good for a .808 points percentage, tied with Tampa Bay for the best in the entire NHL.

However you slice it, the Golden Knights are in incredibly good shape early in the 2021 season. The schedule gets a little tougher with 25 of the remaining 43 games on the road and 14 games still left to play against Colorado and St. Louis, but the cushion the Golden Knights have already built eases any concerns.

Every year a team or two falls out between Thanksgiving and Easter and that will certainly happen to someone between now and mid-May. However, I’d feel pretty confident in saying the Golden Knights are the least likely of any team to suffer that fate based on where they currently sit in the standings.

So, Happy Thanksgiving, Happy Valentine’s Day, the Golden Knights are going to the playoffs again!

VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS 1 COLORADO AVALANCHE 0 (10-2-1 21 PTS)

By Ken Boehlke

On February 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 was the first battle of eight between the West Division’s top two teams. The Colorado Avalanche traveled to Vegas for two games before the clubs face off outside at Lake Tahoe.

The 1st period was tight with strong goaltending from both teams. The Golden Knights were awarded two early power play opportunities but couldn’t take advantage. The Avalanche tested Marc-Andre Fleury but came up empty after the opening twenty minutes.

Max Pacioretty broke through early in the 2nd period with his 7th goal of the season. Both teams traded penalties but neither converted into a goal. Fleury was flawless in the middle frame stopping all 11 Colorado shots on net. Vegas held a 1-0 advantage after 40 minutes.

The Golden Knights pressured and held the Avalanche forwards scoreless in the third. Fleury’s brilliant performance earned him a second shutout of the season.

With their 1-0 win the Golden Knights improve their record to 10-2-1. Vegas and Colorado resume their series on Tuesday night. Game is scheduled for 7 PM PT. (Recap by Jason)

Analysis: Colorado made life very easy on the Golden Knights for the first 10 minutes of the game, but the final 50 Vegas earned every bit of the shutout they recorded. The Golden Knights were terrific defensively all night, led by Alex Pietrangelo. Fleury was excellent in the net but everyone deserves props for a game in which they took care of the puck and did a great job controlling an incredibly dangerous offense. (Analysis by Ken)

Upcoming stories from the Vegas Golden Knights vs Colorado Avalanche at T-Mobile Arena

Valentine’s Day is the new Thanksgiving

VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS 3 SAN JOSE SHARKS 1 (9-2-1 19 PTS)

By Ken Boehlke

On February 13, 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 Golden Knights’ first matchup of the season against the rival Sharks. Marc-Andre Fleury got his third straight start in net hoping to get his team back on a winning streak.

Vegas got on the board first with a power play goal from Jonathan Marchessault. The Golden Knights power play woke up caught fire in San Jose. Mark Stone added a second power play goal to give Vegas a 2-0 lead. San Jose scored to get within one before the second intermission, trailing Vegas 2-1.

Chandler Stephenson scored the Golden Knights third power play goal of the game setting up for a 3-1 edge. Fleury was strong down the stretch and held the two-goal lead.

With their 3-1 win the Golden Knights improve their record to 9-2-1. Vegas will play again tomorrow against the Colorado Avalanche. Game is scheduled for 4P PT. (Recap by Jason)

Analysis: The Golden Knights’ power play came alive in San Jose striking for three goals with the man advantage. The rest of the game was a bit of a slop fest but Vegas found a way to keep the dangerous chances to a minimum and Fleury stopped almost all of them when they did come. Similar to many games this year, not Vegas’ best, but good enough to beat the West Division. (Analysis by Ken)

Upcoming stories from the Vegas Golden Knights vs San Jose Sharks at SAP Center

Carp’s Sunday column

SinBin.vegas Podcast #221: Powering Through COVID

By Ken Boehlke

On February 13, 2021

In Podcast

Another wacky week of VGK hockey is in the book and we’re back to talk about it. Positive tests, goalies going home, and wardrobe changes galore! Hosted by Ken Boehlke and Jason Pothier.

COVID inconsistencies
Why are they really forcing it?
Goalie issues return
Re-ranking Glass, Suzuki, Brannstrom, Gusev
Red jerseys, gold helmets
Fixing the Draft

And much more…

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

ANAHEIM DUCKS 1 VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS 0 (8-2-1 17 PTS)

By Ken Boehlke

On February 11, 2021

In Game Recaps

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

Recap: The Golden Knights hosted the Ducks for the second straight game, trying to remain undefeated vs. Anaheim. Marc-Andre Fleury got his second straight start in net also trying to stay undefeated on the season.

The 1st period was quiet with both goaltenders stopping all shots they faced. Anaheim outshot Vegas 13-4 but Fleury was able to save them all securing a scoreless tie after the opening twenty minutes.

Like the opening period, the 2nd frame was tight. Each team had power play opportunities but couldn’t convert. Fleury was outstanding again, making some big saves on several Anaheim rushes.

Scoreless after 40 minutes, the game got moving in the 3rd. The Golden Knights had several chances early stopped by Ducks goaltender John Gibson. Anaheim finally opened the scoring midway through the period making it the only goal of the game.

With their 1-0 loss the Golden Knights record drops to 8-2-1. Vegas hits the road to face San Jose for the first time this season. Game is scheduled for Saturday afternoon at 1P PT. (Recap by Jason)

Analysis: The Golden Knights just never got anything going offensively. They struggled to enter in the 3rd and really never had much more than a single chance at a time during the whole game. Marc-Andre Fleury was tremendous but had no chance on the game-winner. (Analysis by Ken)

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

Vegas Taking Advantage Of Early Weak Schedule (Yes, this story is actually coming)

VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS 5 ANAHEIM DUCKS 4 (8-1-1 17 PTS)

By Ken Boehlke

On February 9, 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 third time since opening night that Vegas and Anaheim faced off at T-Mobile Arena. Marc-Andre Fleury got the start in net trying to keep his undefeated streak alive.

Chandler Stephenson touched off the scoring giving Vegas a 1-0 lead with his 4th of the year. After a mid-ice collision Shea Theodore left the ice with an apparent injury. Ryan Reaves took offense and challenged Ducks forward Nick Deslauriers. Both earned five minutes for fighting. Late in the period Jonathan Marchessault doubled Vegas’ lead 2-0.

Alex Tuch scored a nifty backhand early in the period to stretch the Golden Knights lead 3-0. Anaheim would get one back a minute later cutting the lead 3-1. Tuch’s linemate Nic Roy scored later in the period to regain Vegas’ three goal edge. Fleury was solid, stopping 8 of 9 Anaheim shots to hold a 4-1 lead.

Anaheim scored two quick goals in the third to get within one. The Ducks would eventually tie the game 4-4 on a power play goal by Ryan Getzlaf. Defenseman Zach Whitecloud came up with a big goal late in the period giving Vegas a one score score advantage.

With their 5-4 win the Golden Knights improve their record to 8-1-1. Vegas will face Anaheim again on Thursday night. Game is schedule for 7P PT. (Recap by Jason)

Analysis: It’s been a bit of a running theme for the Golden Knights that they play far from their best but still find a way to come out on top. They were far too loose in their own end and even with Fleury bailing them out early they still blew a three goal lead. Luckily (or maybe because they are really awesome) they’ve been able to outscore the issues. That was the case tonight, and now they are an inpressive 8-1-1. (Analysis by Ken)

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

Vegas Taking Advantage Of Early Weak Schedule

Chandler Stephenson #1 Center Film Breakdown

By Ken Boehlke

On February 9, 2021

In Game Analysis

(Photo Credit: SinBin.vegas Photographer Brandon Andreasen)

Coming into the season one of the biggest concerns for the Golden Knights was center depth. With Chandler Stephenson set to fill the role as the top center and options like Cody Glass, Nic Roy, and Tomas Nosek behind Stephenson and William Karlsson, we knew Stephenson needed to be great for this team to succeed.

So far, Stephenson has been just that and the more I watch him the more I realize why his skill set fits perfectly between Mark Stone and Max Pacioretty. In the pantheon of the NHL, Stephenson would still rank all that highly among the #1 centers in the league, but for this team and that line, he’s the perfect fit.

Chandler Stephenson is a legit #1 center…when his wingers are Mark Stone and Max Pacioretty.
Here's my film breakdown of why. pic.twitter.com/yguo5lXQ6u
— SinBin.vegas (@SinBinVegas) February 9, 2021

VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS 4 LOS ANGELES KINGS 3 (7-1-1 15 PTS)

By Ken Boehlke

On February 7, 2021

In Game Recaps

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

Recap: Los Angeles took a surprisingly quick 1-0 lead :36 into the game. Vegas responded minutes later by tying it up on Reilly Smith’s third goal of the season. The Kings regained the lead but Golden Knights Zach Whitecloud and Chandler Stephenson tied and gave their team the 3-2 lead.

The Kings caught up 3-3 with the only goal of the second period. Both teams traded power plays but couldn’t convert and the game stood tied after 40 minutes played.

Stephenson put Vegas ahead again 4-3 but this time coming on the power play. LA pressured Robin Lehner in the third period but the goaltender stopped everything he faced down the stretch.

With the their 4-3 win the Golden Knights improve their record to 6-1-0. Next up for Vegas is the Anaheim Ducks. The Golden Knights will host the Ducks for two games starting on Tuesday. Game is schedule for 7P PT.(Recap by Jason)

Analysis:A ridiculously open 1st period in which neither goalie was particularly sharp led to a 2nd that was fairly opposite. As the game progressed VGK’s team speed took over and they pulled out a solid win. (Analysis by Ken)

Upcoming stories from the Vegas Golden Knights vs Los Angeles Kings at T-Mobile Arena

Steve Carp’s Super Monday column

SinBin.vegas

Praise Be To Foley, Vegas Golden Knights Hockey Website

Author: Ken Boehlke Page 2 of 220

COLORADO AVALANCHE 3 VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS 2 (10-3-1 21 PTS)

DeBoer Faced With Variety Of Options When Theodore’s Ready To Return

Valentine’s Day Is The New Thanksgiving

VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS 1 COLORADO AVALANCHE 0 (10-2-1 21 PTS)

VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS 3 SAN JOSE SHARKS 1 (9-2-1 19 PTS)

SinBin.vegas Podcast #221: Powering Through COVID

ANAHEIM DUCKS 1 VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS 0 (8-2-1 17 PTS)

VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS 5 ANAHEIM DUCKS 4 (8-1-1 17 PTS)

Chandler Stephenson #1 Center Film Breakdown

VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS 4 LOS ANGELES KINGS 3 (7-1-1 15 PTS)

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