NHL Playoffs Archives - SinBin.vegas

On May 29, 2023

(Photo Credit: SinBin.vegas Photographer Brandon Andreasen)

Over the past two series, Vegas goaltender Adin Hill has performed like a Conn Smythe candidate. Mark Stone and Jack Eichel are the headliners but the Golden Knights backstop is becoming an overnight sensation in 549 postseason minutes in net.

On the flip side, the Dallas Stars had full confidence in starting goaltender Jake Oettinger coming into the playoffs. It wasn’t a question of who would be in the net for the Stars. Through 18 postseason starts, Oettinger hasn’t been as sharp as he was for Dallas in the regular season The 24-year-old is significantly below his career averages in goals allowed per game and save percentage. Hill, however, has exceeded all expectations.

So what should we expect from the two netminders tonight in Dallas?

Every time our team’s stumbled, every time he’s had a stumble, his response has been exactly like it was tonight. I had no doubt that’s what we were going to get. I don’t think we’ve seen the best of him yet. I think he’s starting to heat up here too. -Pete DeBoer

Stars coach Pete DeBoer has seen his share of goalie adventures in the past. In 2012, an ageless Martin Brodeur led DeBoer’s Devils to a Stanley Cup Final. As Sharks coach, he had long runs with Martin Jones, and several failed runs with Martin Jones. And, like VGK fans, I’m sure DeBoer has wiped Marc-Andre Fleury’s 2021 Conference Final blunder away from his memory.

Adin Hill’s Outstanding Run Between The Vegas Pipes

On May 27, 2023

(Photo Credit: SinBin.vegas Photographer Brandon Andreasen)

Outstanding. Sensational. Magnificent. Phenomenal. Exceptional.

Adin Hill has been so good this postseason I’ve actually bookmarked the thesaurus entry for outstanding on my web browser so I can keep coming up with new ways to describe him.

Marvelous. Extraordinary. Remarkable.

No matter which adjective speaks to you most, Hill has personified all of them and it is…

Incredible.

419 goalies have played at least nine games in a single playoff run. Adin Hill currently sits tied for 21st all time among them with a .938 save percentage. Two of the three goalies he’s tied with are Curtis Joseph and Dominik Hasek. Hill is ahead of Andrei Vasilevskiy’s run in 2021, ahead of Hall of Famers Jacques Plante and Glenn Hall from the late 50’s and 60’s, and even a few points ahead of Carey Price the year the Canadiens eliminated the Golden Knights.

And it’s not like he’s doing this without seeing a lot of action. The Golden Knights have allowed 33.7 shots per game in Hill’s nine appearances, also ranking top 25 all time.

The advanced numbers love Hill’s game too. He’s stopped 5.02 goals above expected in this round alone according to NaturalStatTrick.com and he’s amassed 6.4 total in his nine games for 0.78 per game. To compare, in the Golden Knights last run to the Cup Final, Marc-Andre Fleury posted 8.5 goals saved above expected in 20 games or 0.41 per game, almost half of what Hill is doing.

Per MoneyPuck.com’s wins above replacement stat, Hill has added 1.06 wins to the Golden Knights’ tally. Which, considering the fact that he’s supposed to be the “replacement” is… click here, you pick one.

Now that I know literally every word in the English language to try to describe the last three weeks the Golden Knights have experienced with Hill in the net, the word that fits best is unbelievable.

So unbelievable it’s making the thought of Vegas being the next word engraved on hockey’s holy grail very believable.

Golden Knights’ Style The Impetus To Opposition Frustration

On May 24, 2023

Image from NHL on ESPN Broadcast

It’s not uncommon in the game of hockey to see someone lose their cool. It is however quite rare is to see an entire NHL team and the 18,532 people in the arena cheering for them do it all at the same time.

It started less than two minutes into the game after the Golden Knights took a quick 1-0 lead when Stars captain Jamie Benn viciously crosschecked Mark Stone in the face while he was laying on the ice. As a captain often does, Benn set the tone for what was to come with his team and his fan base for the rest of the night.

Three more Vegas goals, and about 90 minutes later, while Max Domi was being called for as blatant a boarding penalty as you’ll ever see, Stars fans began showering the ice with beers, rally towels, and whatever else they could find to hurl over the boards. It got so bad the 2nd period couldn’t even be completed as the officials sent both teams to the locker room with 21 seconds left on the clock as the ice crew cleaned up the debris.

Everyone in the building was frustrated tonight. -Pete DeBoer

Adin Hill’s popcorn shower is the visual confirmation DeBoer hit the nail on the head.

On the other side, there were the Golden Knights, who just kept playing their brand of hockey.

Games have gotten like that and we’re right there with each other. I’ve never seen it phase us really. -Nic Hague

Yes, many games this postseason “have gotten like that” and no longer can it just be chalked up to the competitiveness of playoff hockey, instead, tonight, we learned the real catalyst of the frustration experienced by the Stars, Oilers, and the Jets before them. That catalyst is the Golden Knights themselves.

They bring this side out of teams. Not because they are cocky or loud or try to rile the other team up (to be fair, they do indeed do some of this, but not any more than any other team) but instead because of the way they have chosen to play the game.

Comeback Kings Of The Postseason

On May 23, 2023

(Photo Credit: SinBin.vegas Photographer Brandon Andreasen)

13 games into this postseason, we’ve learned a lot about the Vegas Golden Knights. Nothing has become more apparent though than the fact that this year’s team is never out of a game. Game 2 against the Stars was the fourth consecutive game in which the Golden Knights fell behind only to erase the deficit and go on to win the game.

Game 2 was also the seventh time in the last eight games Vegas has allowed the opening goal, and they’ve gone on to win five of them.

We’ve got a thick skin. It’s veteran guys that know one goal is not going to dictate the rest of the game. Usually your goaltender has to make some saves to make sure it doesn’t get out of hand and that’s certainly happened as well. -Bruce Cassidy

The Golden Knights have amassed eight come from behind wins this postseason, the most of any team. Florida is right behind with seven, but no other team has done it more than four times.

This isn’t new for Vegas either. In the 2020-21 season, when VGK also made it to the Conference Final, they posted seven comeback wins of their 10 total playoff victories. So, in the 20 playoff wins VGK have had in the past two postseasons they’ve participated in, 15 have seen them trail at some point.

The most comeback victories in a single playoff run in NHL history is 10 by last year’s Cup champion Colorado Avalanche.

We weren’t on top of our game in Game 2 but we were good enough to find a way to win. That’s been our team this year a little bit. I’ve used the word imperfect a lot because we are, but we find ways to stay in the game and win. That’s a credit to the guys and that’s what’s made us who we are this year. -Cassidy

The Golden Knights have clearly become comfortable in every type of game state. Of the 16 playoff teams, only Edmonton saw a smaller portion of their games with the score tied. VGK’s games have had an average of just 16:50 with the score even. Vegas has trailed for more than a full period per game, 20:26, and yet still have posted a 10-3 record so far.

(Our players) like to win and they know how to win when the game gets close and when it’s winning time. We don’t always look great doing it and I’ll be the first to admit that and we’re working on that every day but there’s an inner confidence in the group. I don’t consider us this cocky arrogant group. They are respectful of the game and the opposition, they just have an inner confidence in each other and that’s come out this year. -Cassidy

They now sit just two wins away from raising a Conference Champions banner for the second time in franchise history, and as they head to Dallas that inner confidence is only growing. Ahead, behind, or even in the rare times when the game is tied, this Golden Knights team always backs itself to come away with the win.

Adin Hill Securing VGK’s Net Like Postseason Veteran

On May 22, 2023

In Team Ops

(Photo Credit: SinBin.vegas Photographer Brandon Andreasen)

In the past 13 seasons, seven franchises and nine playoff starting goalies were named Stanley Cup champions. Chicago, LA and Pittsburgh won multiple rings with multiple goalies in that span. While Boston, St. Louis, Tampa and Washington lifted a cup with one. All seven clubs were built on balance, leadership and talent. Oh yeah, and strong goaltending.

Adin Hill stretches to his right and robs Johnston with a great pad save#VegasBorn | #TexasHockey pic.twitter.com/7ZufTiB41p
— Hockey Daily 365 l NHL Highlights (@HockeyDaily365) May 20, 2023

Since 2010, nine notable goaltenders entered into hockey immortality. Each were designated the teams regular season starter going into the postseason. In total, the last nine championship goalies combined for 2 Conn Smyth awards, 4 Vezina awards, 12 Vezina nominations and participated in 22 All-Star games.

Those seven Cup winning clubs were equipped with an established starter. The way career sidekick Adin Hill has stood out over the past seven games, the Golden Knights could buck the trend.

Like Vegas, Dallas Led By Hockey Lifers Fighting For First Cup

On May 18, 2023

In Team Ops

(Photo Credit: SinBin.vegas Photographer Brandon Andreasen)

When you look up and down the Golden Knights and Stars lineups, you’ll notice many recognizable faces. From the coaches to the captains and all the way down to the depth players there are handfuls of hungry and impatient NHL’ers participating in this year’s Western Conference Final. Each side has gotten close, but neither franchise has raised a Stanley Cup in the Golden Knights era.

That’s why we play. We grew up watching the playoffs every year as a youngster. We’re hoping one day to get that chance. Now that we’re here, we don’t get too many chances like this. I’ve only been in this situation once before and you don’t want to let opportunities like this slip away when you’re so close. -Jamie Benn, Stars captain

Captains Mark Stone and Jamie Benn lead two veteran groups desperate to reach the final round. Stone’s been a part of several deep playoff runs but has never been lucky enough to play in a SCF. He competed once in the conference finals with Ottawa and twice with Vegas. In his own words, this could be his best chance. Likewise for Benn and some of his veteran teammates.

Perennial scapegoat, Benn is used to being the target of angry Stars fans after past playoff exits. However, his impact on the ice was curtailed by first-year coach Pete DeBoer. Benn’s real value will be leading his team in the locker room and on the ice for the 17 minutes he’s averaged this postseason. If they prevail, Benn will undoubtedly receive the most praise from Dallas. Stars’ reporter Sean Shapiro noted DeBoer’s intentions and Benn’s professionalism made way for a resurgence in 2022-23.

Micro-load management by DeBoer revitalized Benn’s game-to-game energy. His minutes dropped, but he was more effective in the time he was on the ice. Benn quietly finished with 78 points, 32 more than he had the previous season and his most since he had 79 in the 2017-18 campaign. He set a career-high with a plus-23 and a career mark for face-off wins, taking more than 60 percent. The Stars are partly in the Western Conference final because Benn allowed himself to be overshadowed. He embraced the supporting role on the ice, but he never relinquished the leadership responsibilities off of it. – Sean Shapiro, Stars reporter

The Stars have several players that could be poster children for NHL players to have accomplished everything without winning an NHL championship. Ageless weapon Joe Pavelski reached the Cup finals twice in his career but fell to the Pittsburgh Penguins and Tampa Bay Lightning. The 38-year-old is running out of opportunities to cement his name in NHL history. Fellow American-born player Ryan Suter has battled for almost two decades to embrace the Stanley Cup.

Tale Of The Tape: How The Golden Knights Stack Up Against The Dallas Stars

On May 17, 2023

In Stats

(Photo Credit: SinBin.vegas Photographer Brandon Andreasen)

As the Golden Knights head into the Western Conference Final for the fourth time in six seasons, they meet a familiar foe, the Pete DeBoer coached Dallas Stars. Dallas had a strong regular season leading the Central division for most of the season but fell to 2nd place after dropping 8 of 10 games around the All Star break.

They got off to a slow start in the playoffs falling behind the Minnesota Wild 2-1. However, they then rattled off three wins including two beatdowns to clinch their place in the second round. They once again fell behind to the Seattle Kraken, again losing Games 1 and 3. Dallas stormed back with a pair of dominant victories in Games 4 and 5 but were forced to go to Game 7. They shutout the Kraken for all but the final 19 seconds and moved DeBoer’s Game 7 record to 7-0 all time.

The Stars swept the Golden Knights in the regular season thank to a pair of shootout wins. The only resounding victory was a 4-0 win at T-Mobile Arena in January, one of just two times VGK were shutout this season. The Golden Knights blew three leads in the two shootout games, scoring first in each game.

Let’s dive into the stats to see how the two teams matchup in ahead of Game 1 on Friday.

Record
Vegas: 51-22-9, 111 points (5th)
Dallas: 47-21-14, 108 points (8th)

*Playoffs*
Vegas: 8-3
Dallas: 8-5

Goals For
Dallas: 281, 3.52 per game (7th)
Vegas: 272, 3.32 per game (14th)

*Playoffs*
Vegas: 41, 3.73 per game (2nd)
Dallas: 47, 3.62 per game (5th)

Goals Against
Dallas: 215, 2.62 per game (3rd)
Vegas: 225, 2.74 per game (11th)

*Playoffs*
Vegas: 33, 3.00 per game (5th)
Dallas: 40, 3.08 per game (6th)

Shots For
Dallas: 2616, 31.9 per game (14th)
Vegas: 2587, 31.5 per game (15th)

*Playoffs*
Vegas: 336, 30.5 per game (11th)
Dallas: 384, 29.6 per game (12th)

Save Percentage
Dallas: .912 (6th)
Vegas: .911 (7th)

*Playoffs*
Vegas: .907 (6th)
Dallas: .901 (13th)

Shooting Percentage
Dallas: 10.7% (7th)
Vegas: 10.3% (T-12th)

*Playoffs*
Vegas: 11.9% (1st)
Dallas: 10.3% (2nd)

Power Play
Dallas: 25.0% (5th)
Vegas: 20.3% (18th)

*Playoffs*
Dallas: 31.7% (5th)
Vegas: 17.5% (12th)

Penalty Kill
Dallas: 83.5% (3rd)
Vegas: 77.4% (19th)

*Playoffs*
Dallas: 83.3% (3rd)
Vegas: 60.0% (15th)

Blocks
Vegas: 1494, 17.9 per 60 (1st)
Dallas: 1151, 13.8 per 60 (22nd)

*Playoffs*
Vegas: 226, 19.2 per 60 (2nd)
Dallas: 210, 15.2 per 60 (13th)

Hits
Vegas: 1930, 23.2 per 60 (13th)
Dallas: 1648, 19.8 per 60 (26th)

*Playoffs*
Vegas: 391, 34.3 per 60 (11th)
Dallas: 367, 26.7 per 60 (16th)

In the regular season, Dallas were better than Vegas in just about every significant statistic aside from wins. They scored more, allowed fewer, and were better in both special teams. The numbers have evened out in the playoffs as VGK have picked up their goal scoring.

There should be a fairly significant edge in physicality in favor of Vegas in this series. The Stars have the fewest hits of any team in the postseason and they weren’t much better in the regular season.

On to the fancier numbers.

VGK Put Forth “Best All Around Defensive Game” In Game 5

On May 13, 2023

(Photo Credit: Ken Boehlke, SinBin.vegas)

Since Game 1, the Golden Knights and Oilers series hadn’t seen a game within three goals in the final 10 minutes. So, while much has been learned about the matchup between the two teams, close defensive hockey was still a question mark.

That was until last night.

Following the kill of a major penalty that brought the score from 4-2 to 4-3, the Golden Knights put on a clinic in how to defend the most potent offense in the NHL this season.

I thought it was our best all around defensive game. Our team has responded well to situational hockey in the playoffs when we’ve had the lead. We understand the value of easy chances against so we’re making the other team work. We did a really good job of that last night and I think we are good 5-on-5 with the lead. -Bruce Cassidy

Vegas became an entry denial machine that stifled the Oilers for the entire 3rd period, not allowing them to erase the one goal deficit. Edmonton generated a measly four shots on goal in nearly 10 minutes of 5-on-5 hockey. And, the Oilers mustered up just 0.21 expected goals in the 3rd period with all ten skaters on the ice, less than half of what they accumulated in each of the first two periods.

Good gaps, check with our feet, staying tight and defending as five as we have all year. I thought we executed plays really well and we won those battles and got the clears when we needed to and got a couple big stops which you need. There’s a lot to build off of there and I thought we executed well. -Nic Hague

It was all highlighted by one shift though, a shift that wasn’t even played in the defensive end of the ice.

Vegas Defense Set Early Tone For Game 4 Dud

On May 11, 2023