There are many reasons for the Golden Knights offensive success. Let’s start with the number of Vegas players having career years (it’s basically all of them). Secondly, younger players are quickly blossoming with more ice time and room to grow (see Karlsson, Tuch, Haula, Theodore, Schmidt, Miller, etc). Lastly, the Golden Knights are one of few teams getting help from their bottom six forwards, something we call “depth scoring.”
The goals aren’t all coming from Wild Bill, and that’s one of the big reasons why this team is good. (Photo Credit: SinBin.vegas Photographer Brandon Andreasen)
In 48 games, Vegas has scored the third most goals (162) this season. Even more impressive is VGK’s (3.38) goals per game, which is also ranked third behind Tampa Bay (3.53) and the NY Islanders (3.39).
All Star coach Gerard Gallant is blessed to have the depth scoring his team has. Nine Golden Knights have more than 20 points. Only nine other NHL teams can claim that.
NY Rangers (11) Players
Nashville: (10) Players
Tampa: (10) Players
Toronto: (10) Players
Winnipeg: (10) Players
Vegas: (9) Players
Boston: (9) Players
Dallas: (9) Players
San Jose: (9) Players
To go even deeper, the Golden Knights have 16 players with 10+ Points. Only Chicago, Colorado, New Jersey, New York Islanders, Toronto, Washington, and Winnipeg can claim that.
Of course, we’re all aware of the offensive success from their top two lines. Erik Haula, James Neal and David Perron have done their job scoring 50 this season. VGK’s second top trio of William Karlsson, Jonathan Marchessault, and Reilly Smith have totaled a remarkable 56 goals. The other 56 tallies were scored by defensemen and bottom line forwards.
Where Does VGK’s Depth Scoring Come From?
Alex Tuch (9) Goals
Oscar Lindberg (7) Goals
Colin Miller (7) Goals
Cody Eakin (6) Goals
Pierre-Edouard Bellemare (5) Goals
Shea Theodore (4) Goals
Deryk Engelland (3) Goals
Tomas Nosek (3) Goals
Nate Schmidt (3) Goals
Brayden McNabb (2) Goals
Brendan Leipsic (2) Goals
William Carrier (1) Goal
Brad Hunt (1) Goal
Jon Merrill (1) Goal
Luca Sbisa (1) Goal
* Vadim Shipachyov (1) Goal
Offensive depth gives flexibility to the coaching staff. Gallant confidently plays all four lines for a reason. The versatility of players like Tuch, Eakin, Lindberg, and Bellemare allow for in-game options. Defensively, players like Miller, Theodore, and Hunt can jump up in the action and become a fourth offensive weapon.
Depth scoring can make or break a team in the postseason. For example, Nashville made a deep playoff run with help from 19 separate goal scorers. The Predators also had 23 players with one or more postseason point. The 2017 Stanley Cup champions Pittsburgh Penguins had 18 different players with a goal, and 22 players with one or more postseason points. The Golden Knights are getting the same production from their entire roster. Which could be a key element to the Golden Knights postseason success.
Here I go again, talking about the playoffs. Turk, please don’t fine me.
Bent Hermit
Carrier has really stepped up his game. When they get Nosek back it’s going to create serious match up problems for other teams. I think there’s still some goals to be had from the 3rd line. They have missed on some great chances.