Depth scoring is always a big topic this time of year. To win four games out of seven time and time again, you must get contributions from everyone.
In the first three series, that happened in a big way for the Golden Knights. Early in the First Round, the 4th line came through with some huge goals while the top six found their footing. In the Second Round, it was Marner and Howden who carried the mail until Stone, Eichel, and Dorofeyev got in on the action. Then, in the Conference Final, the 1st line of Eichel, Barbashev, and Stone potted five goals.
Through the first three games of the Stanley Cup Final, a lot of VGK’s offense has come from Marner, Karlsson, and Howden (so much so that I wrote about it yesterday). That’s not to say Stone, Eichel, Hertl, and a few others haven’t chipped in, but there’s no question who has been doing the heavy lifting.
As the series progresses, though, if the pattern continues, it may be time for Pavel Dorofeyev to reemerge for VGK. Dorfeyev’s splits from early series to late have been astounding this postseason.
Pavel Dorofeyev by Game
Games 1-3: 1 goal in 12 games
Games 4-6: 9 goals in 7 games
It’s not a coincidence that this has happened for VGK’s leading goal scorer on the season. Understandably, when teams enter a series against the Golden Knights, they come in with a plan on how to limit the most dangerous goal-scoring weapon on the roster. Utah, Anaheim, and Colorado all seemed to figure it out early in the series, but it didn’t generate the results they probably hoped.
Then, these teams have learned that Vegas have other options that are just as deadly. Eventually, they shift their matchups off of Dorofeyev, and that’s when he’s been able to come through. And, the power play has improved for Vegas as they’ve adjusted to the opposing penalty kill, which is where Dorofeyev does a lot of his best work.
He’s played well. He’s had some chances. We’ll be fine. -Tortorella
In Game 4, Carolina’s focus will obviously be on Marner, Karlsson, and Howden. They know that if they can’t find a way to limit that line, they’ll have a hard time keeping up with the Golden Knights. Odds are, they’ll be attempting to put their shutdown line centered by Jordan Staal in that matchup, which will free up Dorofeyev.
Now’s the time for Vegas’ depth to come through and grab VGK a victory that would devastate the Hurricanes. All it takes is one moment for Dorofeyev to change the game and possibly change the series. Game 4 has been the beginning of his turnaround multiple times this postseason; tonight would be the perfect time to do it again.
Pistol Pete
Andersen listed first Bussi second but we may have to wait and see who actually starts.
As for Pav he was really good with Hertl last year though that was with Hertl playing center. Hopefully they generate something with Sissons tonight.
Golden Knights projected lineup:
Ivan Barbashev — Jack Eichel — Mark Stone
Brett Howden — William Karlsson — Mitch Marner
Tomas Hertl — Colton Sissons — Pavel Dorofeyev
Cole Smith — Nic Dowd — Keegan Kolesar
Brayden McNabb — Shea Theodore
Noah Hanifin — Rasmus Andersson
Jeremy Lauzon — Dylan Coghlan
Carter Hart
Richie-Rich
In the last game Sissons missed a wide open Dorofeyev to the left of the goaltender. Dorofeyev was shocked that a shot was made right into the goalies chest instead of giving him the opportunity on a wide open net. Sissons simply didn’t have any ice awareness on the play. One of the reasons why he probably shouldn’t be on that line. I like R. Smith so much better there. Let Dorofeyev FEED!
Canada
Well timed article ,Pav has disappeared since the going got tough ,not unexpected, smaller men have done more with their bodies, at the intensity he plays at he is simply to light and gets knocked off the puck . Safe to say he doesn’t like the rough stuff . Smaller guys have taken more hits and played well so it may not bode well for his contract negotiations . I would love to see him go all in in the next three games and score a nice contract as well as a handful of goals. Then take the summer put on15 – 20 lbs of muscle and maybe take some boxing lessons so he gets used to being hit. but what do i know lol . Bussi worries me , he fills up the net more than Anderson and the fact is the only goal scored on him he scored on himself . He also has been sitting so has a few thing to prove , very dangerous . Still believe Knights in 6 .
TS
Canada, Agreed, I hv always felt Doro to be a soft player. Unwilling to put himself in physical situations where he could get hit/ checked. Plays it safe.
But, damn it, this is the CUP!! There’s NO playing it safe now!
Jeffrey Sutton
if marner can squeeze off 3 shots and howden 2 my mortgage will be covered through summer
KnightWatch
One down a few to go.
It’s official, Los Angeles Kings hired Peter Laviolette as their new head coach.
Taking a page from Tortorella. 2 word update.
The latest from Brind’Amour about who’s in goal.
“We’ll See”
KnightWatch
As per practice Bussi is the starter. Kochetkov is the backup
NHL.com wrong again
JB
It’s going to be tuff bs Bussi. He really is better and a wrong handed as well. We will get to him if we play our game! Let’s go boys, big big game!
DFW Dave
Aiden Hill part 2.
Hart is horrible.
TS
He’a only as good as his D-core in front of him.