Finally, we can all stop holding our breath. The Golden Knights scored their first Power Play goal in franchise history.
It’s really no reason to celebrate due to the 13 straight failures, but getting one on the board is positive reinforcement for the players. Despite the low numbers (1-14 PP, 7.14 PP %) the Golden Knights have played well on man advantage situations. Remember, both Nate Schmidt‘s game-tying goal in Arizona and James Neal‘s first in Dallas were in 6-on-5 situations.
I think we’ve improved definitely. I think our execution can be much better. We lose pucks that we shouldn’t right now, and that prevents you from having more zone time. There’s always puck luck, but we need to create our own luck. –David Perron
Perron is the perfect example. He leads the team in power play time on ice (4:25 per game), plus he’s tied for the most shots (11) and assists (2) on the team as well. However, the Perronster (yeah, we’re going with it) hasn’t lit the lamp yet. But it’s not from a lack of trying.
I do think when you shoot the puck, it loosens things up and breaks them down a little more. I want to score goals, I want to shoot the puck. I do feel like I’ve shot a lot, I got to keep doing that because they’ll go in eventually. -Perron
His role is to shoot. He’s not concerned about the lack of goals because he believes Vegas PP units are equally dangerous. Same goes for the Golden Knights 6-on-5 attack.
When you have an empty net, there’s a different aspect of just getting pucks to the net. Just because there is so much desperation. There is a different mindset. Usually when you pull your goalie, it’s a last ditch effort. There’s not much to lose. –Reilly Smith
From what we gather the team isn’t concerned about offensive special teams, and neither is coach.
To be honest with you, I think our power play has been pretty good for the first three games. But what are we? 1 and 14 or something like that? It doesn’t really bother me a lot because we’re 3-0 and that’s all that matters. I thought the power play played decently. We were putting pucks to the net and we were fortunate enough to score a goal. I really don’t focus a whole lot on the power play. It’s not a big deal for me. -Gerard Gallant
Vegas is moving the puck, and getting shots on net when an extra attacker hits the ice. According to Perron, Smith and other forwards, the team feels loose and comfortable on 6-on-5 situations. Building off of that mentality could possibly chase away their bad PP puck luck. I can’t believe I just wrote that. Vegas
I can’t believe I just wrote that. Vegas is is 3-0. Their puck luck is just fine, but imagine if we threw a couple power play goals in there as well. #CupIn1 #ItsStillAJokeEveryTimeWeSayThat
Stevie
Perronster??? Every bit as good as iced coffee on mashed potatoes. #stopit