A focal point for new head coach Ryan Craig this season was building a more balanced blue line, with Shea Theodore, Rasmus Andersson, and Noah Hanifin each anchoring a separate pairing. It came with a concern (which we wrote and talked about extensively) that it could lead to one of the big-name defensemen being underutilized.
On Opening Night, the Golden Knights stuck to that plan, distributing ice time extremely evenly across all three defensive pairings.
Theodore – 21:22
Wotherspoon – 20:08
Hanifin – 18:51
Andersson – 18:46
McNabb – 18:45
Lauzon – 17:20
We’re aware of (trying to balance the minutes). We have three very good pairs in the sense that they can all defend. I think they all got used as the game went on, and we were fresh by the end. -Ryan Craig
A spread of four minutes between the ice time of the top defenseman and the bottom is impressively low. For comparison, Chicago’s spread between Bowen Byram and Ian Cole was more than 12 minutes. Only two of the other eight teams in action last night were under 10 minutes, and Florida clocked in at a whopping delta of 18 minutes.
Difference in TOI between top and bottom defenseman
Boston: 6 minutes
New York: 7 minutes
Vancouver: 10 minutes
Carolina: 12 minutes
Toronto: 12 minutes
Edmonton: 12 minutes
Montreal: 14 minutes
Florida: 18 minutes
That’s something John Stevens does a great job back there, managing those guys and communicating with them. We’ll continue to use it that way. -Craig
It paid off not only in keeping each of the six defensemen fresh, but also active in the game. The group finished with one goal from Noah Hanifin and five total points with a pair of assists from each of Theodore and McNabb.
Yeah, we were jumping in at the right times. I think Hanifin’s goal is a perfect example. A good opportunity, and he was able to finish, which is awesome. -McNabb
The question now is whether they can maintain that balance against tougher competition. It’s one thing to keep the pairings even after jumping out to a 2-0 lead against one of the league’s weaker teams, but can they stick to it when they’re trailing or matched up against an elite top line? We’ll get our first look on Friday when Anaheim comes to town.
If the Golden Knights can keep the spread within four minutes over the course of the season, it should pay dividends. Of course, that’s easier said than done… unless you’re opening the season against Chicago.
NAM
Wotherspoon at the second most minutes is impressive. I didn’t feel he was out matched or the low man on the D roster. It’s one game, but I like overall where they are at and then knowing the 7th man is Cogs, who looked good in the playoffs/end of last season. I think this is positive. Connelly looked ok overall, great goal, but some overall other play that he will get worked out over the season. First NHL game though, he looked good. I thought Gatcomb had some noticeable moments as well. So for game 1 I am happy. Let’s see how it goes from here and maybe some stiffer competition to deal with.
vgk21
Vgk signed Wild Bill to a 2 year extension. $6.75 aav
good fair short deal.
no Hill 6 year bullshit.
Richie-Rich
The two goals allowed were defensive breakdowns. What I liked most about the game yesterday was the defense staying on top of the Blackhawks behind their own goal. Defensive positioning outstanding. Carter easily could have had a shutout if not for those two let downs.
Pistol Pete
Karlsson gets an $875k/year raise. Good for him good good for the VGK.
JB
Wild Bill deserved more, but glad he is extended.
larry
Would be remiss to not make mention of the horrific events that took place 9 years ago, at just about the time of this post, at Mandalay Bay, to the unfortunates that lost their lives attending a country concert and to the survivors and heroes of that fateful night, and how it brought a city together and ultimately created a bond between the city and the Golden Knights, indeed we are Battle Born and Vegas Born!!
NAM
100% this Larry!