Throughout their series, the Blackhawks used the word ‘heavy’ 31 times to describe the Golden Knights in press conferences.
“They’re a heavy team, they’re heavy on the puck. They make it really tough for you to take the puck off them.”-Jonathan Toews, CHI captain
— Jason R. Pothier (@JRPothier) August 19, 2020
Blackhawks captain Jonathon Toews uses “heavy” to describe two things. Vegas’ size, and their ability to hold the puck once they possess it. It’s no secret, the Golden Knights are big and most of their players are hard to bump off the puck. Which was apparent right from the start of the series.
Mark Stone is 6’4″, 219 pounds but also has the puck super glued on his stick. Alex Tuch is 6’4″ as well, and his skill, speed, and size make it difficult for a defender to strip the puck. Max Pacioretty is 6’2, with the lethal combination of power and a rocket shot. These are examples of being a heavy team, and playing like one.
They play a different game then the Oilers. They’re a very structured, simple team. They play a heavy game. You got to tip your hat sometimes, they play well as a squad. -Calvin de Haan, CHI Defenseman
Blackhawks defenseman Calvin de Haan used the word to describe differences between the Golden Knights and a faster, skill-based team like the Edmonton Oilers. Edmonton has Connor McDavid, but what they didn’t have was the team structure and physicality Vegas has. The Golden Knights get scoring from multiple players, not just two, they defend, and rarely veer from their gameplan.
We know they’re an excellent team. They’re a heavy team, they get on the forcheck and try and hold you down… We gave them some easy ones, easy chances. They score 3-1 and during that stretch we just weren’t very good.-Jeremy Colliton, CHI coach
Chicago coach Jeremy Colliton called the Golden Knights a heavy team after three of the five games. Again, it wasn’t just their size, it was Vegas’ forecheck. When the Golden Knights push the puck with pressure they make teams feel like they’re being weighed down. All twelve forwards have that ability allowing Vegas the fortune to use all four lines.
Then there’s the natural use of the word.
“They got that heavy fourth line that likes to throw their body around. I think we did a good job of being aware of when they were on the ice. They still got their licks in. We have to do a better job of being smart and protecting ourselves by playing with more speed.”-Kirby Dach
— Jason R. Pothier (@JRPothier) August 14, 2020
Ryan Reaves is the quintessential definition of a heavy player. His size and physical nature makes him an immediate problem for opponents. His thunderous forecheck becomes even more powerful when matched up on the same line with William Carrier. Brayden McNabb could be considered a heavy player, although his defensive ability is what you think of first. McNabb and fellow d-man Nick Holden are both 6’4, and each skate with a little bit of nastiness to them.
While the word ‘heavy’ is used substantially, it’s really a more in-depth way to describe the Golden Knights as a team. I’ll let Chicago defenseman Duncan Keith explain, who perfectly did so without using the code word.
“They got all four lines. Their top two lines hang on to pucks, have speed and shoot the puck. I think it goes back to all five guys being on the same page.”-Duncan Keith, CHI defenseman
— Jason R. Pothier (@JRPothier) August 12, 2020
The changes over the past three years positioned the Golden Knights for a deep playoff team. Was it the size they added, or the style of players they acquired? We’ll have to wait and see.
Doktor Hockey
Some of the Knights only used about half their weight, it seems. Especially around the net in the D end.
hdbiker7851
To read the post you would think they are unstoppable which of course is not the case. They may have the size and ability but often their attitude doesn’t measure up to what they are capable of, when it does measure up they are fast, defend well, screen well and they are all over the opposition like flies on (you know what). More often than not they allowed Chicago free rein and the defense didn’t take the time or initiative to nail the opposition to the boards. Yes they eliminated Chicago but they are going to have to kick it up a notch or two to handle the next round. As things go on, assuming they continue ( sure hope they do) a winning attitude is going to become even essential. No vacation on the ice hard work each and every shift. Heavy is an interesting term only if they apply it 100% of the time and adopt the attitude to go with it.
Doktor Hockey
Yea, they just did not clear the front of the net on D hardly at all. For whatever reason the series was not physical at all. We know, they know this will not cut it against any of the remaining teams. I think they will play “heavy” the rest of the way. They HAVE to.
the hockey God
he road is long
With many a winding turn
That leads us to who knows where
Who knows where
But I’m strong
Strong enough to carry him
He ain’t heavy, he’s my brother
So on we go
His welfare is of my concern
No burden is he to bear
We’ll get there
For I know
He would not encumber me
He ain’t heavy, he’s my brother
If I’m laden at all
I’m laden with sadness
That everyone’s heart
Isn’t filled with the gladness
Of love for one another
It’s a long, long road
From which there is no return
While we’re on the way to there
Why not share
And the load
Doesn’t weigh me down at all
He ain’t heavy he’s my brother
He’s my brother
He ain’t heavy, he’s my brother, he ain’t heavy
VGK Fan
Definitely the most disappointing podcast I’ve heard. I listen to every one religiously, I actually had to shut it off. Of course it’s not the same Ken, it’s not the same for every fan base. Does that change how much I want them to win? Absolutely not!! The one bright light in this garbage pandemic is watching my knights play and all I hear from you two is how the team isn’t good enough, they made bad moves at the deadline…goalie controversy…you two are the most negative I’ve ever heard since you started. You talk how you don’t like Pete’s new “boring style” yet you never give him credit for how smart he really is. I loved Gallant too, it took me time to warm up to Pete but he is an extremely intelligent guy who has serious attention to detail. How about some positives about the team rather than talking about how disappointing they are. Not sure what coach said this but he said “you only need to play well enough to win the game”. I think they proved that and came out healthy. Yotes basically rolled over the last two games yet you give them all the credit for how they played. How about you save your judging of how inadequate this team is if we lose. Reality is, they are a legitimate Stanley Cup contender. It’s hockey, teams have good games and bad, more disparity in this sport then any other sport. They are deep, fast, heavy with 2 outstanding goalies not to mention a very intelligent coach that doesn’t wait around to adjust in games when he sees something.
Doktor Hockey
Again I have to agree. I have mentioned many times over past year plus, just how negative Ken and this site are. It’s a shame. He’ll say whatever he wants to try and drive hits and comments on this site. His negative usually works to bring out the “minions” . A lot of Ken’s negativity is because he STILL just doesn’t understand hockey and all it entails! Shame
sb
Year 1 Team was incredible. Played way over their heads for many good reasons. That Team was very, very special. Tenacious! Year 2 Team spent a lot of time trying to find its identity/composition after so many player changes. But ……… really could have won the Cup last year. Really. Year 3 Team is very talented, has set lines and knows its roles. The knock ……. like many great Teams, they play the first 40 minutes to the level of the opponents. They cruise for 40 minutes and then storm the third period. Sometimes you get away with it, sometimes not. Herein lies the difference between the truly great Teams. Detroit of 1950-55, Montreal of the 60’s and 70’s, the Islander and Oiler dynasties. Unique Teams because they played hard for all 60 minutes. The Knights aren’t like this.