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Vegas The Talk Of Original Six Hockey Fans

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On June 22, 2023

In Fans

(Photo Credit: @_jkarsh on Instagram)

If you plan on traveling over the next few weeks, be prepared to chit-chat about the 2023 Stanley Cup champions. From the West Coast, Midwest, and Northeast, the Golden Knights Cup run has become a common conversation among sports fans.

I just don’t understand how a team can be so competitive and capture a Stanley Cup in six seasons. It’s mind-boggling to me that my team hasn’t been able to put together something so impressive like Vegas has. Maybe, we needed that coach behind our bench. -Dennis McCaul, Connecticut native & NY Rangers fan

At this moment Vegas fans cannot understand what it’s like to go through decade-long droughts like Islanders, Rangers, or Canadiens fans have gone through since before the turn of the century. Albeit all three clubs are massively popular with their fanbase, but to them it’s still a failure of a season if their team wasn’t the last one standing.

Local fans were introduced to a winning culture from the first puck drop of their 2017-18 inaugural season (“We played Arizona, and we beat the shit out of them”), but the Golden Knights didn’t take center stage in the sports world like they have now. Winning a championship brings more attention, more out-of-town observers, and more jealousy. While Ranger fans are frustrated with their team’s disappointing season, they were entertained and impressed with Vegas’ five-game Stanley Cup accomplishment.

I’m not sure why I cared. I was so pissed off by the Bruins performance I stopped watching the playoffs. Towards the middle of the conference finals I started paying attention again and the Golden Knights were the team I was rooting for. Obviously, Cassidy was a big reason for that but I also enjoyed watching the players on the team. They played like a team. Really, what I expected from the Bruins. Don’t even get me started, but overall I was glad to see Vegas win. -Jim Selvitella, Massachusetts native and Bruins fan

Specifically, Boston fans felt a connection to the Golden Knights because of their respect for former Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy. Many B’s fans have convinced themselves that if Cassidy hadn’t been let go in Boston, their team would’ve lifted their first Stanley Cup since 2011. Others were happy the coach won before their favorite team. That’s typical behavior from a fanbase with so much disdain for the Bruins brass. In their opinion, the wrong people were let go and Cassidy ended up being the scapegoat.

Overall, it’s been a mixed bag of emotions from mostly Eastern Conference hockey fans. You’ll notice more anger, frustration, and sourness from Western Conference and specifically Pacific Division fanbases. Outside of Miami-Dade County, East Coast fans are largely happy the Golden Knights became this season’s champions. The players, the coach, the theatrics. Vegas stole fans away from eliminated teams along their 2023 Stanley Cup chase. The bandwagon will likely end on opening night in October.

VGK Earns High Respect In Latest NHL Power Rankings

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On March 18, 2023

In Team Ops

(Photo Credit: SinBin.vegas Photographer Brandon Andreasen)

In exactly one month from yesterday the NHL playoffs will begin. Barring any major collapses, the Golden Knights will be one of the Western Conference’s most dangerous participants. However, some continue to doubt Vegas as a serious Stanley Cup contender. For example, MoneyPuck’s Power Rankings list the Golden Knights as the league’s 16th best team.

Over the years the Golden Knights front office built a team well-suited for the postseason. Six players have customized championship rings, and 12 others have playoff experience. Experience makes a different in the NHL’s second season. While MoneyPuck’s computer model doubts Vegas’ chances, several other Power Rankings are much more favorable to the 31st franchise. Here are the latest rankings from hockey outlets across the league.

Sportsnet – VGK #2 

As you’d expect with a team dubbed the ‘Golden Misfits’ in their early expansion days, there is no shortage of guys who beat the odds in Vegas. All three members of the original ‘Misfit Line’ — William Karlsson between Reilly Smith and undrafted Jonathan Marchessault — are still there and have been joined by a captain, in Mark Stone, who was a sixth-round selection with questionable skating; Chandler Stephenson, a third-rounder who immediately became a top-six centre after Vegas fleeced Washington for his services; and undrafted goalie Logan Thompson, who was in the thick of the Calder Trophy race before getting hurt this season.- Ryan Dixon, Sportsnet

The Canadian avenue clearly respects the Golden Knights lineup enough to have them one spot below the high-powered Boston Bruins and higher than two teams with better records. It’s possible Sportsnet sees an easier postseason path for Vegas, or that their newly formed lineup is deep enough for a Cup run. Would Sportsnet rank Vegas higher than Boston if Mark Stone were healthy in time for the playoffs? That’s a bit of a stretch.

The Hockey News – VGK #3

The Knights are on a tear with four straight wins and seven of their past eight. They still haven’t really missed a beat despite being on their fourth starter in Jonathan Quick, who’s 4-0-0 with the Knights. As it stands, the Knights and Kings will face each other in the second round of the playoffs if they advance.- Jason Chen, THN

THN posted their latest Power Rankings before the Golden Knights last contest, but it would be difficult to drop Vegas more than two or three spots. Jonathan Quick’s success with Vegas has given the Pacific Division leader more security in net after injuries to virtually every Golden Knights goaltender.

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Season Arc Following Familiar Pattern For Bruce Cassidy Teams

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On January 23, 2023

In Team Ops

(Photo Credit: SinBin.vegas Photographer Brandon Andreasen)

15 games into the season the Golden Knights were rolling. They’d won 13 of their first 15 games, became the first team in the Western Conference to 10 wins, and were as healthy as any team in the league. It was the perfect start to Bruce Cassidy’s reign in Vegas.

Then, the injuries started to pile up, the performances started to dip, and suddenly the coach has begun to come under some scrutiny for his brash honesty following games.

There’s a concern that after five years of almost no outright accountability in the media by the Golden Knights’ head coach, Cassidy’s style could have more of a negative effect on the players than the desired positive one.

However, the season has actually gone fairly similarly to many Cassidy has coached before. Before the year we pointed out how often Cassidy-led teams get out to hot starts. What we didn’t highlight was what tends to happen next to those teams.

Bear in mind, I’m doing a lot of cherry-picking to find the best and worst stretches in from the beginning, middle, and end of each season, but there’s no question Boston teams started well, faded, and then finished strong.

Here are the starts for each of the last four Bruins’ seasons.

21-22: 22-11-2 (.657)
20-21: 10-1-2 (.846)
19-20: 11-1-2 (.857)
18-19: 10-5-2 (.647)

Then, look at what happened through the middle of the year.

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Vegas Continues To Topple Quality Opponents On The Road

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On December 15, 2022

In Team Ops

(Photo Credit: SinBin.vegas Photographer Brandon Andreasen)

Last week we examined how the Golden Knights are taking care of business when facing non-contenders. When points are easily available, Vegas along with other threatening teams, tend to scoop them up. Now, the same can be said for when the Golden Knights face off against the league’s best, especially away from home. Tuesday in Winnipeg was Vegas’ latest example of a quality win.

The Golden Knights held leads of 2-1 and 3-2, only to walk away with a 6-5 victory. On the road vs. a quality opponent, the 31st franchise drew two penalties that changed the game. Jonathan Marchessault tallied the game-tying and tie-breaking goals to put the Golden Knights in the driver’s seat. Not only did they beat the Jets at home, they swept the season series between the two. That’s six points against a Western Conference team with a .661 points percentage.

Through 31 games the Golden Knights have several quality victories. Down center Jack Eichel and defenseman Alex Pietrangelo, Vegas knocked off a dangerous Bruins team in Boston earlier this month. Also, the Golden Knights took two of two against the 44-point Toronto Maple Leafs.

2022-23 VGK Quality Wins

  • 10/20: VGK 5 vs. WPG 2
  • 10/24: VGK 3 vs. TOR 1
  • 10/30: VGK 2 vs. WPG 1 OT
  • 11/08: VGK 4 @ TOR 3 OT
  • 12/05: VGK 4 @ BOS SO
  • 12/13: VGK 6 @ WPG 5

There’s an argument to be made that Vegas has more quality victories this season. Both LA and Seattle are currently in playoff positions but neither are on the same level as Boston or Toronto.

Taking a deeper dive into Winnipeg, the Golden Knights were without their biggest offensive weapon and their two deep threats from the blueline. Somehow, the scrambled lineup managed to net six goals against Jets on the road. It also marked the second time this season that Vegas handled 2020 Vezina winner Connor Hellebuyck.

To be fair, the Golden Knights have lost to a handful of quality clubs. In their ten losses, Vegas lost six times to postseason hopefuls. One in overtime. Starting in early 2023, the Golden Knights will play 11 of their first 12 games against playoff contenders. Vegas will host Pittsburgh, LA, Florida, Edmonton, Dallas, Detroit, and Washington. They’ll travel to Colorado, New Jersey, and New York for two games. January will be the most challenging month the Golden Knights have faced this season. Thankfully, they banked enough support points in 2022.

BOSTON BRUINS 3 VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS 1 (20-9-1, 41 PTS)

By

On December 11, 2022

In Team Ops

Recap: The Golden Knights hosted the Boston Bruins attempting to take both games from coach Bruce Cassidy’s former teams. Mark Stone got Vegas off to a quick start scoring on the first power play of the game. The Golden Knights turned aside several Bruins attacks but held on to their 1-0 lead going into the 1st intermission.

The Bruins evened the score a few minutes into the 2nd period and turned out to be the only goal scored by either team in the middle frame.

Tied 1-1 with 20 minutes to play, Boston’s offense picked up. The Bruins scored two in the period including their third unanswered goal. Boston finished their road trip with a 3-1 victory in Vegas.

The Golden Knights record drops to 20-9-1 falling to the Bruins 3-1. Vegas will next play on Tuesday night in Winnipeg. Puck drop against the Jets is scheduled for 5 PM. (Recap by Jason)

Analysis: The Golden Knights came in at a deficit with multiple important players out of the lineup. It got worse with Whitecloud going out. They hung in the game though and had a real shot to find a way to win it. The pace was a lot higher than we are used to seeing but VGK did well to keep up with it, especially defensively. Overall not a bad effort at all. Scoring at home needs to pick up though.  (Recap by Ken)

Upcoming stories from the Vegas Golden Knights vs. Boston Bruins at T-Mobile Arena.

  • 10-Game Grades

Ken’s Three VGK Stars

*** Mark Stone
** Logan Thompson
* Nic Hague

 

Bum Slaying: VGK Gladly Collecting Points From League’s Worst

By

On December 10, 2022

In Team Ops

(Photo Credit: SinBin.vegas Photographer Brandon Andreasen)

At the end of the NHL regular season when teams are planning for the postseason or the golf course, it’s unlikely for the players, coaches and managers to huddle around and go over how they reached their fate. For losing clubs, it’s a quick clean out of their lockers and get out of dodge to their summer destinations. For the fortunate 16, they’re preparing for a potentially long run in the playoffs. However, for prognostication purposes, it is important to note how successful teams got to their ultimate goals.

After last night’s 2-1 OT victory over the hapless Philadelphia Flyers, Vegas extended their Western Conference best record to 41 points. It wasn’t the prettiest, but a win is a win when fighting for a seat in the playoffs.

When you break down how the Golden Knights picked up their points, you’ll notice that they’re taking care of business when facing lesser competitors. This is exactly what all playoff hopefuls do throughout a long 82-game regular season. Call it bum slaying, padding stats, or anything you’d like but those points are vital to any team fighting for the postseason.

Points from Non-Contenders: (22)

  • 10/13: VGK 1 vs CHI 0
  • 10/25: VGK 4 @ SJ 2
  • 10/28: VGK 4 vs ANA 0
  • 11/03: VGK 5 @ OTT 4
  • 11/05: VGK 6 @ MTL 4
  • 11/10: VGK 7 @ BUF 4
  • 11/17: VGK 4 vs ARI 1
  • 11/21: VGK 5 @ VAN 4
  • 11/23: VGK 4 vs OTT 1
  • 11/28: VGK 3 @ CBJ 2
  • 12/03: VGK 4 @ DET 1
  • 12/08: VGK 2 vs PHI 1

Now to be fair, the Golden Knights have not taken advantage of all low-level opponents. Vegas lost three times to inferior lineups, all occurring at T-Mobile Arena. For the most part, all three were uncompetitive and the Golden Knights lost by a total of eight goals. In the trio of games, the road team scored two or more goals that went unanswered by Vegas. It’s okay to have a stinker but several at home vs sub .500 teams are wasting VGK fans’ hard-earned money. Thankfully, Jonathan Marchessault didn’t let that happen again last night in OT.

Missed Points From Non-Contenders (6)

  • 11/12: STL 3 @ VGK 2
  • 11/15: SJ 5 @ VGK 2
  • 11/26: VAN 5 @ VGK 1

For Vegas to keep up their 104-point pace they’ll need continue bullying inept franchises crashing for Connor Bedard. Half of the teams in the NHL have roster weaknesses and are capable of exposing on a nightly basis. Through 29 games, the Golden Knights have jumped on mistakes, ill-timed penalties, poor goaltending, and turnovers. It’s been the team’s identity all season under coach Bruce Cassidy. In addition to their 22 “bum slaying” points, Vegas will have 15 more opportunities against the league’s worst to cushion their conference and divisional lead.

Now of course the NHL is a professional league with incredibly skilled players. Even the worst organizations have the ability to defeat star-studded lineups. Just ask the Boston Bruins, who lost to the Arizona Coyotes last night in Arizona. That’ll wake up a team. Hopefully, not by Sunday evening.

VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS 4 BOSTON 3 SO (19-7-1, 39 PTS)

By

On December 5, 2022

In Team Ops

The Golden Knights wrapped up their road trip with an emotional game in Boston. Vegas came out motivated to preform for their head coach Bruce Cassidy in his first matchup against his old team. Paul Cotter scored 1:36 into the game, giving his team and coach an early lead. Minutes later Jonathan Marchessault fired in his 10th goal of 2022-23.

Again, Cotter immediately got back to work in the middle frame. This time it only took 0:51 to pick up his second of the game and extend VGK’s lead to 3-0. Boston made a push in the second half of the period and cut Vegas’ advantage to 3-2 after two periods played.

Boston evened the score early with a PP goal 3:08 into the final period. Both teams would have several chances but couldn’t break the tie. The heavyweight bout would need overtime and eventually a shootout to settle the score. Reilly Smith ended the game with a five hole winner.

The Golden Knights record improves to (19-7-1) defeating the Bruins 4-3 in shootouts. After a successful Eastern Conference road trip, Vegas will head home for a three game set against the Rangers, Flyers and Bruins. Wednesday’s game vs. New York is scheduled for 7P PT.

(Tweets/Analysis by Gold Medalist Connor Fields)

Bruce Cassidy Joins VGK’s List Of Coaching Candidates

By

On June 11, 2022

In Team Ops

(Photo Credit: SinBin.vegas Photographer Brandon Andreasen)

This week former Boston Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy officially joined the available coaching class of 2022. With several other highly regarded head coaches on the market, you’d have to imagine the same suitors are reaching out to Cassidy, including the Golden Knights.

The 57-year old coach has strong ties to the Golden Knights organization. George McPhee hired Cassidy to his first NHL head coaching job in 2002. Subsequently, McPhee ended up firing the freshman coach after 110 games behind the bench. Cassidy was a young coach at the time and McPhee was known for his quick trigger finger. It was somewhat of a disaster.

Over the years the two matured and became successful NHL statesmen. However, both are still seeking their first championship.

It’s exhilarating to have that opportunity and that’s my goal to get my name on the Stanley Cup. –Bruce Cassidy on Zoom call with reporters

Some of the complaints McPhee dealt with in Washington were Cassidy’s inability to communicate with certain veterans and the amount of pressure he placed on young players. Both knocks followed him nearly two decades later to Boston. Thankfully, the Golden Knights are a roster full of desperate, hungry veterans.

However, Cassidy disputed the accusations that he’s hard on younger players in his recent Zoom chat with the Boston media.

When I came on board, we changed a lot of the players and we infused our team with a lot of young talent; Jake DeBrusk, Anders Bjork, Danton Heinen, Pasta was still young, Grzelcyk, Carlo, McAvoy. And I think a lot of those guys have gone and had real nice careers. I’m very proud of my record with young guys. –Cassidy on Zoom call with reporters

20 years later things are much, much different. Cassidy has successfully built up a strong resume, coaching the Bruins to the playoffs six times in six seasons. Including, an appearance in the 2019 Stanley Cup Finals.

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VGK Shedding Cap Rumors Continue To Swirl

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On June 1, 2022

In Team Ops

(Photo Credit: SinBin.vegas Photographer Brandon Andreasen)

The Golden Knights are not afraid to quickly erase their mistakes. As aggressive and encouraging as that is it usually ends up costing them a hefty price to do so.

Sort of like losing a deposit after terminating a timeshare you foolishly signed up for the day before. Of course, it sounded great at the time. The vacation club, the free drinks and lunch, the tour of the facility, heck they even threw in three free nights at Excalibur! How could you possibly say no to the guy pressuring you as if his life depended on your enrollment?!?

Now compare that to several notable subtractions made by the Golden Knights over the past few seasons.

It seems likely the Golden Knights will once again be wheeling and dealing for cap space this summer. Under their current situation, Vegas will need to rid themselves of several contracts this offseason.

It may be ridding themselves of contracts they recently signed (Martinez, Brossoit) one they traded for last Summer (Dadonov), or even a few that now look like overpays from the past (Karlsson, Pacioretty, Lehner). Whatever direction they head it won’t end well from a return on investment standpoint for the Golden Knights. Whether it be shipping expendable prospects, retaining salary, or most detrimental, trading away another draft pick with another unwanted player.

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BOSTON BRUINS 5 VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS 2 (30-21-4 64 PTS)

By

On March 3, 2022

In Game Recaps

Recap: The Bruins took the first lead of the game six minutes into the 1st period. Vegas competed hard and took several quality chances on net. After the opening 20 minutes the Golden Knights trailed 1-0.

The Bruins extended their lead in the middle frame 2-0 but the Golden Knights responded later in the period. Center Jack Eichel cut Boston’s lead in half with a beautiful drive to the net for his second goal of the season. Vegas was behind after 40 minutes but carried momentum in the second intermission.

Boston turned it on in the final period. The Bruins stretched their lead 4-1 scoring two additional goals. Jonathan Marchessault scored VGK’s second goal of the game but the visiting team tapped in an empty net to seal their victory.

The Golden Knights record drops to 30-21-4 falling to the Bruins 3-2. Vegas’ rough patch continues pocketing only five points in their last eight games. The team will take a quick trip to Anaheim for a matchup tomorrow night with the Ducks. Puck drop is set for 7P.(Recap by Jason)

Analysis: The Golden Knights were outclassed by the Bruins in every facet of the game. It was most noticable in the neutral zone where Boston controlled what VGK were trying to do and it make the game tougher from there. You don’t often want a back-to-back on the schedule, but this one could be a blessing if they can go do what they normally do to Anaheim tomorrow night. (Recap by Ken)

Upcoming stories from the Vegas Golden Knights vs. Boston Bruins at T-Mobile Arena.

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