NHL Playoffs Archives - Page 2 of 10

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

(Photo Credit: SinBin.vegas Photographer Brandon Andreasen)

For the better part of eight games, the Golden Knights defense have carried their team to success in the postseason. That was until last night’s Game 4 in Edmonton. Not only did Vegas’ blueliners jump start the Oilers offense in the opening period but they potentially put their team at a disadvantage for Friday’s Game 5 too.

Before the game clock hit the eight-minute mark Vegas defenseman Shea Theodore committed two slashing penalties and committed an egregious turnover. Unfortunately, the bad luck didn’t end for the 27-year-old blueliner. Edmonton cashed in on Theodore’s second slash and things began to unravel for the Golden Knights 7:38 into Game 4. Almost six minutes later, the Oilers took a three-goal edge, all with Theodore on the ice.

Opening 13:30 of Game 4

Score: 3-0 EDM (2 EV, 1 PP)
Shots on Goal: EDM – 8, VGK – 2
Penalties: VGK (Theodore – 2 x Slashing), EDM (McLeod – Tripping)
Faceoff Wins: EDM – 6, VGK – 4
Hits: EDM – 14, VGK – 11

It’s been stressed a dozen times over the past week; do not give the Oilers power play opportunities. Although Edmonton scored just once on the man-advantage in Game 4, it came seven minutes into the game, doubled their lead and completely shell-shocked the Golden Knights. Theodore’s inability to cleanly defend opened the door for an Oilers rout. Of course, it wasn’t just the penalties taken because Edmonton was the first team to hit the box. It was a combination of over-committing, poor positioning and problems tracking the puck. It was uncharacteristic for an overall reliable defenseman.

Going back to the last series with the Winnipeg Jets, Vegas’ blueline has been the team’s most consistent unit. Last night, the shaky defense hurt VGK’s attempt at taking a two-game series lead back home for Friday’s Game 5. It’s easy to compliment the opponent’s attack but even coach Bruce Cassidy couldn’t hold back after last night’s 4-1 defeat.

Oilers on Golden Knights: “It’s Nothing They Did”, “Nothing To Worry About”

On May 5, 2023

(Photo Credit: SinBin.vegas Photographer Brandon Andreasen)

As you can imagine it was a frustrated visitor’s locker room after Wednesday night’s Game 1 loss to the Golden Knights. Edmonton’s players, including imaginary third-star Leon Draisaitl, were vocal answering questions bluntly and honestly. The Oilers center put on a dazzling one-man show but his four-goal performance failed to overcome Vegas’ pressure in the series opener. Not only were the Oilers disappointed with the outcome but felt they played their way out of the game.

After Game 1, Edmonton solely blamed their performance for dropping the opening game in Las Vegas. The Oilers didn’t fully come out and downplay the Golden Knights’ execution, but they didn’t praise them either.

It’s nothing they did. They’re a good team we know that but nothing we can’t handle. This is just on us not bringing our best game. Different looking team, different system but overall, we weren’t good enough. That’s not even close to how we play. Got to move on and we’ll be better. -Leon Draisaitl, Oilers forward

When asked about his momentous night, Draisaitl scoffed at the idea that four goals in a postseason loss was an accomplishment. It sure looked like it to the rest of us but not to a player more concerned with tying the second round series with Vegas. Edmonton’s star was disappointed by the loss and highlighted the mistakes made by his team as to why his team lost, not because of what the Golden Knights were able to do to them.

Again, the Oilers weren’t entirely ignoring the challenges the Golden Knights presented but they certainly weren’t worried.

Regular Season Success ‘A Different Animal’ For Edmonton’s Stars

On May 3, 2023

In Team Ops

(Photo Credit: SinBin.vegas Photographer Brandon Andreasen)

Neither the Vegas Golden Knights nor the Edmonton Oilers are expecting an easy or quick Second Round series. Each team advanced under the seven-game limit in their opening series but in all likelihood, this matchup could go the distance. Both have opposite strengths which could impact the ability to score or defend. No matter how it plays out, both locker rooms are expecting a challenging and entertaining two weeks of hockey.

"I would expect it to be maybe a little bit more up & down the rink."
Connor McDavid on the matchup vs. the Golden Knights. @Enterprise | #LetsGoOiler pic.twitter.com/MUbdI0cJlu
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) May 1, 2023

Going into tonight, the Oilers are likely feeling good about their situation. In the regular season, Edmonton had the upper hand between the two Pacific Division rivals. The Golden Knights dropped 3 out of 4 games (1-2-1) and struggled to outscore the lamp-lighting Oilers. Altogether, both teams scored more goals per game than their season averages in the matchups against each other. 4-3, 5-4, or even higher scores appear to be the expected outcomes in these games.

It’s a different animal this series than what we saw versus LA. A big difference, actually. Different styles, different challenges, different problems they present. And they seem to be firing on all cylinders. They have a deep forward group that likes to play a pressure-based game. They finished at the top of the conference for a reason. They had a pretty steady year and they get contributions up and down the lineup. -Jay Woodcroft, Oilers coach

Tale Of The Tape: How The Golden Knights Stack Up Against The Edmonton Oilers

On April 30, 2023

In Stats

(Photo Credit: SinBin.vegas Photographer Brandon Andreasen)

The next matchup is set as the Golden Knights will take on the Edmonton Oilers in Round Two. Edmonton finished off the LA Kings in six games yesterday and come into the series as one of the hottest teams in the league.

Despite falling into a 2-1 series hole and trailing 3-0 in Game 4, the Oilers turned it around erasing that three goal deficit and winning three straight against Los Angeles. They ended the regular season on a nine game win streak and posted an 18-2-1 record since March 1st.

These two teams matched up four times in the regular season with the Oilers winning three of the games. Vegas posted a 1-2-1 record against Edmonton while the Oilers were 3-0-1. Mark Stone played in just one of the four games, the OT loss at Rogers Place in November.

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

Record
Vegas: 51-22-9, 111 points (5th)
Edmonton: 50-23-9, 109 points (T-6th)

*Playoffs*
Vegas: 4-1
Edmonton: 4-2

Goals For
Edmonton: 325, 3.96 per game (1st)
Vegas: 272, 3.32 per game (14th)

*Playoffs*
Edmonton: 25, 4.2 per game (1st)
Vegas: 19, 3.8 per game (4th)

Goals Against
Vegas: 225, 2.74 per game (11th)
Edmonton: 256, 3.07 per game (17th)

*Playoffs*
Vegas: 13, 2.8 per game (6th)
Edmonton: 20, 3.3 per game (9th)

Shots For
Edmonton: 2755, 33.6 per game (6th)
Vegas: 2587, 31.5 per game (15th)

*Playoffs*
Edmonton: 212, 35.3 per game (2nd)
Vegas: 159, 31.8 per game (8th)

Save Percentage
Vegas: .911 (7th)
Edmonton: .901 (15th)

*Playoffs*
Vegas: .909 (7th)
Edmonton: .901 (8th)

Shooting Percentage
Edmonton: 11.8% (1st)
Vegas: 10.3% (12th)

*Playoffs*
Vegas: 11.9% (2nd)
Edmonton: 11.8% (3rd)

Power Play
Edmonton: 32.4% (1st)
Vegas: 20.3% (18th)

*Playoffs*
Edmonton: 56.3% (1st)
Vegas: 18.8% (12th)

Penalty Kill
Vegas: 77.4% (19th)
Edmonton: 77.0% (20th)

*Playoffs*
Edmonton: 66.7% (12th)
Vegas: 58.3% (15th)

Blocks
Vegas: 1494 (1st)
Edmonton: 1037 (29th)

*Playoffs*
Vegas: 18.7 per game (2nd)
Edmonton: 17.7 per game (6th)

Hits
Vegas: 1930 (13th)
Edmonton: 1873 (16th)

*Playoffs*
Vegas: 40.4 per game (5th)
Edmonton: 38.7 per game (7th)

The Golden Knights may have ended up with the better record by one win, but the Oilers have the edge statistically in this series. Their offense was the best in the league in the regular season and they continued it into the playoffs. The power play is literally the best in the history of the league, edging out the 1977-78 Canadiens by 0.5%.

Defensively, the Oilers can be had though. Their goaltending as average at best, they don’t block a lot of shots, and they aren’t big hitters. Things have improved a bit so far in the playoffs though.

On to the fancier numbers.

Karlsson’s Best Comes Out In The Playoffs

On April 29, 2023

In Team Ops

(Photo Credit: SinBin.vegas Photographer Brandon Andreasen)

To this day, William Karlsson continues to be one of the Golden Knights most underrated players. Since his magnificent 2017-18 season, the sixth-year Golden Knight has had to live up to his career year, leaving some fans to overlook his two-way impact. He was even given the nickname “Mild Bill” by some frustrated for more offense. Well, hopefully Karlsson won back some fans after his outstanding effort in the opening round of the playoffs.

William Karlsson vs WPG:

5 Points (4 Goals, 1 Assist)
11 SOG, 36.4% Shooting Percentage
17:51 ATOI, 1:39 Shorthanded Minutes Per Game
40 Face Off Wins, 55.6% Face Off Percentage
2 PIM, +3

Karlsson was reliably effective in the offensive zone, but his tight coverage of the Jets weapons was what stood out. While he didn’t do it alone, VGK’s two-way warriors limited Pierre-Luc Dubois, Kyle Connor and Mark Scheifele to 8 points in five games. That’s the lowest production for all three players per game this season. Jets coach Rick Bowness had nothing positive to say about his heavy hitters after the series ended in five games. On the other bench, coach Bruce Cassidy couldn’t say enough positive things about Karlsson throughout the quarterfinal series vs Winnipeg.

He’s been our most consistent guy. He’s got a lot of jump, for whatever reason. Been real good on both sides of the puck. I love the way he’s playing. -Bruce Cassidy

Without Karlsson’s offense, the Golden Knights would’ve averaged 3.0 goals per game as opposed to the 3.8 GPG in five contests against Vezina candidate Connor Hellebuyck. The Swedish center scored four times in the series, with each goal having significant influence. Karlsson broke up a shutout in Game 1, recorded the game-tying goal in Game 2 and extended the lead in Game’s 4 and 5. Along with Mark Stone and Chandler Stephenson, the 30-year-old center was a major problem for Winnipeg.

What Did We Learn About The Golden Knights In Round 1

On April 28, 2023

(Photo Credit: Ken Boehlke, SinBin.vegas)

Just like five years ago, the Golden Knights completed the gentleman’s sweep of the Winnipeg Jets, dropping Game 1 before then rattling off four straight wins. As the series went Vegas’ game continued to grow while Winnipeg’s felt like it was deteriorating. What appeared like it was going to be a long, hard-fought series turned into a one-sided affair that culminated one of VGK’s best games of the year to close it out.

Win or lose, there’s always plenty to glean from a playoff series. Here’s what we learned from Vegas’ five-game win over the Jets.

Balanced lineup held up in all situations

Heading into the series Bruce Cassidy had a lot of decisions to make with Mark Stone returning to the lineup. Rather than loading up, he opted for a balanced lineup highlighted by three pairs of top-end players on each of the first three lines. Danger lurked after Game 1, but as the series wore on it became clear all four Vegas lines could be trusted in any zone against any line of the Jets.

Nine different Vegas forwards spent at least 20 minutes on the ice against the Jets’ most dangerous player in the series, Kyle Connor. Whether it was home or away, the Golden Knights did not have to chase matchups in this series and it allowed for each line to have great moments at different points.

Plus, Cassidy was able to spread the wealth in regards to minutes load, which clearly had an impact in Game 5. The Golden Knights looked like the fresher team and it’s because they were.

Both Teams Confident Entering Thursday’s Elimination Game

On April 26, 2023

In Team Ops

Being up 3-1 in a seven-game series can make a team full of confidence. Especially, coming off back-to-back road wins in Winnipeg. The stage is set for the home team to wrap up the series on Thursday night and advance to the second round. But it can’t be that easy.

The message for us is we haven’t won anything yet. You need to win four, right? -Bruce Cassidy

(Photo Credit: Ken Boehlke, SinBin.vegas)

Clearly, the Golden Knights are feeling good about their position and history shows that they should be. In NHL history, only 31 teams have blown a series up 3-1, while 299 went on to win the round.

Five times in Vegas history, the team has been up 3-1 and won 4 out of the 5 playoff series. Twice the organization sealed the deal in Game 5 and the other two series went the distance in Vegas’ favor. Overall, it’s been highly difficult for opponents to overcome a tw0-game series deficit to the Golden Knights. But the Jets don’t seem too worried about the past.

At this point, you just take it one game at a time. We don’t need three, we need one and we’ll go from there. A bounce here, a bounce there and things can go well. I think we have the character in our room to do something special and to do something great. And like we said, we’re looking for one game. We need one game and we’ll move on to the next one and we’ll prepare the same way… We’re inches away from really flipping the script on this. -Connor Hellebuyck, Jets goalie

It hasn’t been a walk in the park for Hellebuyck throughout the first four games of the series. He’s allowing more goals per game, making fewer saves, and has recorded only one quality start in the postseason. The Golden Knights have gotten to the Jets goaltender early and often, but they haven’t broken his or his teammates’ confidence.

We haven’t had good luck so far. We’ve been playing pretty good though, despite all of our adversity. Now, we have to make sure our heads are right and know we’re in for the grind and we’re not out yet. It’s a bounce here, a bounce there. And we’re not asking for a ton, we’re asking for one a game. That’s all we need. We haven’t gotten it yet, and you’d imagine it would show itself at some point. -Hellebuyck

Penalty Drawn Before OT Changed Tenor Of Locker Room During Crucial Intermission

On April 23, 2023