(Credit: Sportsnet)
The Golden Knights return to home ice tonight after spending the last four games on the road. Vegas went an undesirable 1-2-1 on their East Coast trip but managed to save the trip with a late comeback and forcing overtime in Montreal. Ignoring the 7-1 baseball score loss, Vegas recorded a healthy 12 goals in four games. However, coach Bruce Cassidy was concerned about how his team has not been able to rescue a game once they fall behind in the 2nd period.
The second period, the game got away from us a bit. That’s a problem for us lately is when we’ve just not been able to reclaim our game to get sort of back in it. One turns into two and lately it’s been two turning into three. We kept it within a goal, so it’s there for us. -Bruce Cassidy
While Vegas remains one of the league’s best 3rd period teams, they’re severely middling in the middle frame. In the final 20 minutes of a game, the Golden Knights have a massive +24 goal differential. VGK has scored the second most 3rd period goals with 68. Unfortunately, the Golden Knights continue be outscored in the middle 20 minutes.
On this four-game road trip, Vegas went -7 in 2nd period. On the bright side, they were +3 in the final frame. Nevertheless, they lost three of four on the road and needed a strong 3rd period in Toronto to pick up their first victory since January 17th.
We were down going into the third period, and we’ve done a good job this year getting back in the game. We’re never out of it, so that’s a positive. We played with pace. Offensively, I thought we generated some good looks. -Bruce Cassidy
Beginning tonight, the Golden Knights have five challenging games before the Olympic break. According to their coach, reclaiming their game in the 2nd period would greatly put his club in position to win the game. Especially, when you consider how dominant the Golden Knights are in the final frame.
VGK Period Goal Differential
- 1st Period: -8 Goal Differential (48 Goals Scored, 56 Goals Allowed)
- 2nd Period: -1 Goal Differential (50 Goals Scored, 51 Goals Allowed)
- 3rd Period: +24 Goal Differential (68 Goals Scored, 44 Goals Allowed)
With only a handful of games before the Milan Cortina Winter Games, it’ll be important for Vegas to accrue as many standings points as possible. Each game will be against a Western Conference opponent, and losing points inside the conference could haunt them when they return in late February. And don’t look now, but nine of the following 15 games after the break are on the road.
So, it’s simple. Just like a bellyaching politician on Capitol Hill, it’s time for Vegas to reclaim their time. At least from the 2nd period on.
JB
The last few games before the break are against western conference or pac Div, normally our bread and butter. We need to win the majority of these to maintain the Div lead. My confidence will improve if we do that. If we fizzle out on these games my doubts will intensify!
Emmanuel
All this statistic nitpicking is inconclusive. Goal differential within periods dont lead to a conclusion, its just variance.
The issue with the team is a HUGE drop in talent beyond the top 7 F/3 D.
Goalie is not an issue because all 4 have generally similar stats.
Emmanuel
(Typo) Doesnt………
Ill be seeing the game at the Lodge…..enjoy!
Pistol Pete
Avs lose in Montreal 7-3. We played the Habs a lot tighter apparently.
knights fan in minny
What does that matter They still Lost
Pistol Pete
OTL is not a loss more like a tie how many times do we have repeat this? Anyways my point stands. As it happened this time the Habs crushed the Avs and were not able to crush us. Just interesting is all.
Pistol Pete
At the Stars game. Two very good teams out to play with a lot of speed, skill and intensity. Early goal Hill sort of sprawled himself out if the net to save Benn’s shot opening up the net for Duchene. Happens.
A lot to like about all the lines though Hertl could use Howden.
Bowman a keeper looks very good with Marner and Dorofeyev. Pav’s strength on the puck and overall skill advancing.
Fourth line playing hard forechecking.
Lauzon noticeably more impactful with Theodore.
We’ll see about the next two periods but like what I saw the first. This team is playing hard to win.
Larry
I’ll be the first tonight, and most definitely was among the first overall, who questioned the King’s ransom that was paid for Andersson, what was it the Front Office saw of him to warrant what was given up for him? I don’t need immigration excuses, I just see what I see of him and yes it’s early in his undetermined VGK stay, but most assuredly doesn’t sit well with me, I just hope if things should continue going south that the Front Office doesn’t overpay him so they can save face in what is shaping up to be a lopsided deal in the Flame’s favor.
Pistol Pete
I predict he takes around what Theo and Hanifin get.
Pistol Pete
OT again which is a long shot down 4-1 EDM will go up a point but we have two games in hand.
I don’t care how this game ends up. I agree with Andersson this team is a real contender one of the better teams in the league. Thing is there are a lot of good teams in the league. It’s not going to be easy but then it never is.
Pistol Pete
Second period a letdown in our end. Oh well. Hertl line looks to use Howden defensively is one thing that comes to mind. Fourth line not minus through two periods bit of a plus I would say.
Pistol Pete
Making a game of it plenty of time left Smith SHG 4-2.
Pistol Pete
4-3 quintessential VGK period three resiliency. Cassidy puts Barbs back up on the Eichel line and
It pays off.
Pistol Pete
Marner 4-4 with 49 seconds remaining can you believe it? I can. OT guaranteed tie with the Oilers two games in hand.
Pistol Pete
Shoot-outs definitely not Hill’s forte. Don’t much care for them anyways. How much closer can you get to a tie? Anyways for the umpteenth time an OTL is not a loss. You get a point. And I ask you: how much better earned is that point down 4-1 entering the third?
TS
Pp, great posts, ” live from T- mobile”!!! No one has done it here, and i enjoyed your highlights!!