It’s not often we get to say this and actually mean it, for the Golden Knights tonight is truly a must-win. If Game 80 results in a loss to the Stars, the season will be over for the Golden Knights. If it happens in regulation, it truly is mathematically over, but even if it happens in OT, there will be no coming back for Vegas.
Here’s the good news. This season, these two teams have faced off twice and the Golden Knights were the victors in each. To get ready for tonight’s game, it seems wise to look back at the previous two to see who played, what went right, and what went wrong for the Golden Knights.
Lineups
October 27th, 2021 – at Dallas
Carrier-Stephenson-Krebs
Marchessault-Karlsson-Smith
Dadonov-Roy-Kolesar
Howden-Leschyshn-Miromanov
Hague-Pietrangelo
Martinez-Theodore
McNabb-Coghlan
Brossoit
December 8th, 2021 – vs Dallas
Pacioretty-Stephenson-Stone
Marchessault-Karlsson-Smith
Janmark-Roy-Dadonov
Carrier-Kolesar-Amadio
Hague-Pietrangelo
Theodore-Whitecloud
McNabb-Coghlan
Lehner
Projected for tonight
Pacioretty-Stephenson-Stone
Marchessault-Karlsson-Roy
Janmark-Eichel-Dadonov
Carrier-Amadio
Hutton-Pietrangelo
McNabb-Theodore
Martinez-Whitecloud
Coghlan
Thompson
In the last game, the home game in December, the Golden Knights were about as healthy as they’ve been all season, save for Eichel having yet to make his debut. The game in October however was a much more limited lineup missing both Pacioretty and Stone, and using Miromanov as a forward.
How the games went
October 27th, 2021 – at Dallas
Vegas conceded early, just 2:20 into the period, on a tipped goal from a shot from the point. The Golden Knights’ defensemen, McNabb and Coghlan, failed to get inside position and Luke Glendening had an easy tip-in chance to steer it past Brossoit. The Golden Knights tied almost instantaneously though as Shea Theodore intercepted a clearing attempt and threw the puck on net. It was stick-checked by a Stars player and fluttered along the ice towards the goalie who was fooled by the speed. A bit of a fluky goal.
Vegas allowed another tipped goal early in the 2nd and trailed for a majority of the game after that. Jonathan Marchessault ripped home a one-timer with the Vegas net empty to send the game to overtime. Evgenii Dadonov would win it in OT.
The game was dominated at even strength for the most part by the Stars who outshot Vegas 34-16, outchanced the Golden Knights 44-21, and racked up 16 high danger chances to VGK’s just seven. The final tally in expected goals was 3.03 to 0.9, yet the score showed 2-2 at the end of regulation.
Vegas could not keep the Stars away from the front of the net and needed the best game Laurent Brossoit has ever played as a Golden Knight to even keep them in it. It wasn’t pretty at all, but it was an OT victory in the end.
To be fair though, VGK were playing the 2nd night of a B2B, three games in four nights, and had travel issues getting into Dallas the night before/day of.
December 8th, 2021 – vs Dallas
This game was the complete opposite of the previous one as the Golden Knights were the dominant force at even-strength. However, special teams made the game an adventure for Vegas, and one they had to climb out of multiple holes to win.
Jason Robertson scored a power-play goal midway through in the 1st period as he used VGK’s aggressive blue-line denying penalty kill style against them. Vegas tied the game just 19 seconds into the 2nd with a tic-tac-toe passing play in transition to set up Mark Stone in a spot he simply doesn’t miss from.
Special teams struck again as Dallas scored two more in the middle frame on the power play, first on a rebound play by Tyler Seguin from a shot through traffic, then on a tip from directly in front of Robin Lehner by Joe Pavelski. This spelled the end of Robin Lehner’s night as Brossoit took over.
The Golden Knights kept at it by drawing a penalty and scoring on the delayed penalty situation (though the 6th skater had barely stepped on the ice). It was Marchessault who once again sniped one from the circle to Brayden Holtby’s right. Pavelski beat Brossoit high glove side to give Dallas a 4-2 lead with about 10 minutes to go.
That’s when VGK made a furious push back into the game scoring three times in six minutes. First, it was Amadio on another play to Holtby’s right. He collected a pass in his skates and quickly fired it on net to beat the Dallas goalie five-hole. Stone got the next one on a transition play where the Golden Knights created a chance on the backdoor leading to a tap-in rebound chance in the low-slot. The game-winner was a wacky one where Pacioretty missed a tip chance and then collected a rebound directly on the goal line. He threw it back towards the net and it hit Holtby’s inner thigh and caromed into the net.
Vegas went 0/3 on the power play while Dallas went 3/3, but at 5-on-5 the Golden Knights racked up 31 scoring chances to the Stars’ 16. It was a crazy comeback in a game that looked like it had gotten away from the Golden Knights. From 4-2 to 5-4 in a matter of six minutes.
What went right
October 27th, 2021 – at Dallas
It comes down to two things for the Golden Knights, goaltending and perseverance. Brossoit was dynamite in this game and if they had gotten just a good goalie performance and not an elite one, it would have been a sure loss. The shot map made it look like the Golden Knights were purposely allowing the Stars to get into the low slot for shot attempts.
Like many times this year, and on the season as a whole, the Golden Knights were down but never truly out. They kept battling the entire night despite not much going their way and found a way to sneak one in before the buzzer in regulation time, one of their first of many goals with the empty net this season. The lineup was depleted, and the situation was completely against them, but they found a way.
December 8th, 2021 – vs Dallas
Vegas was overwhelming Dallas in this game at even-strength. They used all four lines the entire night to continue pouring on the pressure. Eventually, the dam broke and the goals started pouring in. They scored in transition, in the offensive zone, from the slot, from the circles, on rebounds, you name it, they got it in this game.
The other piece that was important was what they were able to do to Dallas’ top players. Heiskanen or Klingberg were on the ice for all five goals, Seguin took a -3, and every Stars player was 50% or worse in Corsi for percentage on the night.
Finally, Vegas exposed a weakness in the Stars. The game-tying goal in the previous game came from the right circle, then Marchessault added another, Amadio another, and then Pacioretty’s came from the right side of the net as well. Of course, tonight’s projected goalie Jake Oettinger was not in the net for either game.
What went wrong
October 27th, 2021 – at Dallas
Basically everything but the final score. This has actually been the case in multiple games in Dallas including the first game in franchise history. Like Vegas, Dallas has a history of making goalies look like absolute superstars by not being able to capitalize on chances.
December 8th, 2021 – vs Dallas
Special teams, special teams, special teams. There were six power plays in the game and the desired outcome did not occur on any of the six for the Golden Knights. The Stars had the answers for the VGK PK and the power play looked as lost as it has all season, which is saying something. Vegas didn’t create a single high-danger chance on the power play and generated just 0.2 expected goals in six minutes of man-power advantage time.
Also, Vegas has not found the answer to keeping Stars players away from the front of the goal. It was more evident in the first game but it popped up in the second as well. Inside position is constantly established by the Stars and unlike the Golden Knights, they are actually good at tipping pucks on shots from the point. Spray and execute for Dallas, spray and pray for Vegas.
THE hockey GOD
it’s over
the Fat Lady is in third act already.
From Der Ring des Nibelungen
Wagner’s opera cycle Der Ring des Nibelungen and its last part, Götterdämmerung, is typically used in depictions accompanying uses of the phrase. The “fat lady” is thus the valkyrie Brünnhilde, who was traditionally presented as a very, very, very, very, very, very buxom lady. ( i added the verily very’s to please my multitude of followers)
lutige Rache.
Verrat und Raub.
Asche zu Asche.
Staub zu Staub.
Seelen verbrannt.
Das Blutmeer versiegt.
Helden sind tot und grausam das Lied.
Aus Rheingold geschmiedet, von Göttern erzwungen.
Vernichtend der Fluch.
Der Ring der Nibelungen.
Sempitemus raptus est.
Te tenebo in umbras.
Exire imperio nemo potest.
Si sinistra te tango in me aeterno ardes et in obscuritas captatus est
Kommt zu mir.
Kommt zu mir in mein dunkles reich…
Richie-Rich
I used to actually find about half of your posts interesting (mostly the political ones), but lately I think you must be off your medicine or something.
knights fan in minny
come again
knights fan in minny
my comment was suppose to go above yours RR
THE hockey GOD
Ivan Morozov LW, Vegas Golden Knights
Ivan Morozov has agreed to a two-year, entry-level contract with the Vegas Golden Knights.
Morozov’s deal will start with the 2022-2023 campaign. In the meantime he’ll join the AHL’s Henderson Silver Knights on a tryout basis. From rotoworld. Maybe this Russian will break the curse of GALLANT, who hated Russians.
THE hockey GOD
Golden Knights center nominated for Masterton Trophy
THE hockey GOD
Eichel , no 9
Tim
I guess it doesn’t matter usually the entry level contract is 3 years Ivan Morozov’s is 2 years.I hope he has some game we sure need it. His stats aren’t that good but there’s always hope. I’m still campaigning Joel Quenneville for the next Vegas coach. You tell me a better choice I’m all ears.
Pistol Pete
Tim, this is toxic. It would probably be too controversial to bring him here.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joel_Quenneville
“However, on October 26, 2021, an independent investigation into how the Blackhawks responded to claims that former video coach Brad Aldrich sexually assaulted prospect Kyle Beach during the 2010 Stanley Cup playoffs revealed that Quenneville and the rest of the Blackhawks’ senior leadership team opted to defer any action on Aldrich until after the Stanley Cup Finals. According to the report, Quenneville was particularly concerned about causing a distraction before the Finals. Aldrich was allowed to quietly resign after the Finals, and subsequently pleaded guilty to assaulting a player at a Michigan high school where he was a volunteer coach.[12] Quenneville had previously claimed he had no knowledge of Aldrich’s misdeeds before Beach and the high school player sued the Blackhawks,[13] but multiple witnesses stated that he was called into a meeting to discuss the Aldrich matter shortly after the Blackhawks defeated the Sharks to advance to the 2010 Finals.[14”]
“On October 27, 2021, Quenneville was summoned to a meeting the following day with NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman to discuss his role in the incident.[15] Within hours of that meeting, Quenneville announced his immediate resignation as Panthers coach.[16] According to a formal NHL statement, Bettman, the Panthers, and Quenneville mutually agreed that “it was no longer appropriate” for Quenneville to stay on. Bettman also announced that Quenneville will have to meet with him before he is allowed to work in the NHL again.[17]”
Tim
Pistol Pete, I know the story is a one year suspension enough or are they going to give him the Pete Rose lifetime ban. My concern is he’s a winner and believe me were in dire need of a winner. I also find it interesting that Gerard Gallant is a finalist for the Jack Adams award. How do you think George and Kelly are taking that news?
Daryl
I just don’t understand how a grown man can secually assault another grown man, an athlete at that.
goaliemom
It’s to your credit if you don’t understand. It’s unthinkable and should never have happened…
Original 6
really. Evander Kane playing . Q in the stanley Cup finals. and it’s FO job to deal with this. remember Jets GM who still there was bench coach and supposedly the entire team heard about it so i guess they should all quit too . Situation has been addressed & Wirtz is the owner where the buck stop there. Bowman & President of operations were the ones who R responsible! Not a coach in the first finals in 50 years. . I say fire DeBoer & McCrimmon but first Foley needs to run it by the Commissioner before going to Q & then get Dale Tallon to write the ship ! McPhee needs to stay out of contract business. Tallon will move Lehner & Brossoit & i personally think Karlsson should go & Keep Dadonov ! Tallon & Q. will get Fleury back & LT as backup ! There’s been serious altercation on the ice and repeat offenders but they still keep playing . Hell Torks has a mouth on him that won’t stop running but did well on Jackets ! List is long in this sport but no life time bans will be placed on a coach that was focus on the finals . it’s only my view and i seen dirty shit on the ice in my life time including Boston coach going into crowd over the glass to get a guy .
VGK Fan
PP,
Thanks for this post! VGK doesn’t need this in there organization they already have a stain from the steroid issues and and a number of others I care not to mention.
Pistol Pete
VGK power play %:
2017-18: 11th (tied)
2018-19: 25th
2019-20: 9th (Gallant first 49 games–DeBoer last 33)
2020-21: 22nd
2021-22: 25th (LAK: 27th)
Looks like under DeBoer it was good or at least better 2019-20 than it has been the last two seasons. I don’t have the Gallant/DeBoer breakdown for 2019-20.
JV
Why not try Theodore at forward? He has the offensive ability to do it. Put Coghlan with McNabb or Martinez.
Daryl
So our $10m Center is playing on L3?
Richie-Rich
Daryl & for PP –
This is a defining moment for Jack the Ripper #9. At $10 million, I am expecting a team carrying night from him. He needs to put the team on his back with a multiple point night. At this price point, I think the fanbase is expecting a top notch game like Stamkos, McDavid, Draistl, MacKinnon, Landeskog.
This is his moment, this is what GMKM blew the CAP on and the entire VGK fan base is watching and expecting results.
Will he deliver?
Excuses are over. The team is healthy with the exception of Kolesar and Hague.
Hdbiker7851
Daryl – that’s referred to as a negative ROI. WHAT AWASTE. That will do wonders for his confidence – gives the entire team something to think about versus concentrating on hockey. The cluster never ends.
Hdbiker7851
Eichel just proved he is a 10mill waste
Richie-Rich
10 shots in the shoot out in the past 2 games, NO GOALS.
JoeInHendo
It’ll probably be another $10,000,000.00 no-show for Eichel, but I hope he proves me wrong. The selfish side of me wants VGK to make the playoffs of course, but I fear if they do, DeBoer, Lehner, and McCrimmon will all be back next year. The practical side of me knows this team, lead by their fraud of a coach, won’t go far in the playoffs if they miraculously make it in. And the fearful side of me thinks worst case scenario that VGK misses the playoffs and PDB, McC, and RL are all back next year. Remember my post about Eichel being McC and PDB’s “insurance policy” to keep Foley from firing them if he shows a lot of promise these last few games and / or being used as a “give us another season to show you what we can do with a healthy Eichel” angle from McC and PDB? I’m afraid that’s how this may play out. Meanwhile Gallant has NYR sitting atop their division and rumors of him winning coach of the year. Can’t argue with those results (though there are a couple SinBin posters who will do so anyway). If VGK misses the playoffs I’ll be rooting for the Rangers to hoist the cup (maybe a little salt in the wound will light a fire for Bill to completely clean house).
JoeInHendo
DeBoer, first VGK coach to miss the playoffs. Let the firings begin.
vgk21
Vgk has the most overrated and overpaid forwards in the league.
That is 2 games in a row, 10 shots in the shootouts, and they can’t score one single goal. absolutely pathetic.
and that stumblebum McNabb was victimized for both goals against as usual.
really poor leadership and veteran failure by many of them this season.
just look at the difference in Karlsson between season 1 and this year. he can’t score even when they set him up 2 on 1.
season over, let the housecleaning begin.