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Karlsson’s Return Offers First Look At Post-Deadline Healthy Forward Lines

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On March 20, 2025

In Team Ops

(Photo Credit: SinBin.vegas Photographer Brandon Andreasen)

With the Golden Knights expecting to welcome William Karlsson back into the lineup tonight, there were some tough decisions to make for Bruce Cassidy and the coaching staff.

The first, and arguably the most important, of those decisions was which player had to come out of the lineup completely. With other options such as Tanner Pearson, Brandon Saad, or Reilly Smith, Cassidy and Co. ultimately landed on Victor Olofsson as the one to draw out.

Olofsson has struggled to generate offense for the better part of two months now. Since January 24th, he has just three points in 18 games and has not scored a single goal. Olofsson lost his spot on the power play to Pavel Dorofeyev when he was injured earlier in the year, and his overall game has suffered. He’s attempted just 43 shots with 22 of them drawing a save. A little more than one shot per game, zero goals in nearly 20 games, and just two even-strength points made him the right man to take out, at least for now.

Next, with Reilly Smith back in the fold along with a newcomer since Karlsson went down, Brandon Saad, there were plenty of options as to which way to stack the forward lines. The first decision had to be which center would shift over to the wing with Karlsson slotting back into the middle.

I’ve liked Howden in the middle, he’s really good there. He’s a different player than Nic Roy, they are both north-south players but a little different ways to get there. He’s been good with Kolesar and Barbashev. -Cassidy

From there, Cassidy looked to find some familiarity in the lineup, so he went straight back to VGK’s best forward line this season.

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VGK’s Hard-Working Chip-And-Chase Line Key In Deciding Outcomes

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On January 30, 2025

In Team Ops

(Photo Credit: SinBin.vegas Photographer Brandon Andreasen)

It should come as no surprise that the most commonly used forward line for the Golden Knights this season is Ivan Barbashev, Jack Eichel, and Mark Stone. They’ve started 26 games together and have logged 305 minutes as a trio, making them the 14th most consistently used line in the entire NHL. What may come as a surprise though is which line ranks as the second most deployed line for VGK.

That would be Tanner Pearson, Nic Roy, and Keegan Kolesar.

The group first found themselves together early in the season against Los Angeles way back on October 22nd, Vegas’ 7th game of the season. It didn’t last long as William Karlsson’s season debut came two games later which broke them up. A few weeks later they were back together for a string of four games and then recently they’ve been together for seven of the last eight contests.

Their 13 games started and 131 minutes on ice together have them as the second most consistent forward line used by Bruce Cassidy this year. In fact, Vegas only have six lines who have seen more than 100 minutes together this year.

The stats will not jump off the page as they’ve been on the ice for five goals while surrendering just three, they are slightly positive in scoring chances created while slightly under 50% at shot attempts, shots on goal, and high-danger chances.

As a group though, they play an important role for a team constantly using a dominant top line. Pearson, Roy, and Kolesar have started just 32 of their 152 shifts in the offensive zone. They are expected to take shifts that begin either in the defensive or neutral zone, push the puck down to the other end, and give the line behind them a better situation to start in.

We have to have it and they have to be that line. They are the guys that have been there and done it, they’ve done it in a Stanley Cup run so they get it. In Dallas (last Friday), during that run at the end of the 2nd we needed that type of line. We need a couple of shifts to piggyback just to get the momentum back and get us off our heels and that’s what they are good at. -Bruce Cassidy

As a trio, they typically hold the keys for VGK success. When any of the three of Pearson, Roy, or Kolesar score, the Golden Knights are 13-2-2. That means they are 18-13-3 when they don’t.

In Sunday’s game against Florida, they combined for six points and contributed on three of Vegas’ four goals. Vegas beat the Panthers 4-1. Two nights later, they were held off the scoreboard completely and the Golden Knights lost in overtime.

We kept it simple. I think that was the message. Get pucks deep and try to make them make mistakes. -Nic Roy

We didn’t force too many plays. Played a chip-and-chase game and when we have our chances try to make plays then. -Tanner Pearson

A Pearson-Roy-Kolesar line is not going to strike fear in many opponents when they see the names on the page. Nor will it get the national media excited when they read the lineup sheet for the Golden Knights before a game. But, for this year’s team, which relies heavily on a top line and the power play, to have success that line must do their job and do it well. They do the dirty work, so Barbashev, Eichel, Stone, Hertl, Karlsson, Dorofeyev, and everyone else can do the fun stuff.

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Cassidy Starting To Dig Deep In Search Of Tomas Hertl’s Perfect Place At 5-on-5

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On November 15, 2024

In Game Analysis

In the 2nd period last night, Tomas Hertl did what he’s been doing from the moment he stepped on the ice with the Golden Knights. He scored a power play goal from directly in front of the net. He’s now up to five goals and 13 points in 15 games and has become one of Vegas’ most lethal weapons… on the power play.

Four of his five goals have come when VGK have the man advantage. Also, three of his eight assists, which means seven of his 13 points, or more than half, have come in 51 minutes on the power play. Thus, he’s tallied just six even-strength points in 218 minutes over 16 games. And, four of the six even strength points came in two games at home against San Jose and Los Angeles.

So, in the 14 other games, Hertl has just two points at even strength in well over 150 minutes of action.

Photo Credit: Ken Boehlke, SinBin.vegas

That’s not good enough from a player who Vegas spent multiple first-round picks and a hefty salary commitment to bring over from the Sharks. Bruce Cassidy agrees, and he’s been constantly moving pieces around the lineup to try and get even more out of Hertl. In Anaheim last night, Cassidy made maybe the most drastic move he’s made with Hertl yet, moving him to the wing alongside Nic Roy and Keegan Kolesar.

It was a little bit of trying to get Tomas out of the middle and onto the wing with a heavier type of players that he’ll complement. He doesn’t have to worry about defensive responsibilities as much. -Cassidy

At first glance, that means Hertl played on what has always been known as VGK’s 4th line. But Cassidy doesn’t view it that way, or at least he didn’t in the matchup against Anaheim.

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Golden Knights Stock Up/Stock Down – November 9th, 2024

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On November 9, 2024

In Team Ops

(Photo Credit: SinBin.vegas Photographer Brandon Andreasen)

We’re exactly one month into the 24-25 season and the Golden Knights have gotten off to a strong yet start again, sitting in 1st place in the Pacific Division at 9-3-2. VGK have been an offensive juggernaut scoring 61 goals in 14 games, more than everyone in the league except Winnipeg.

As the games are played and the goals are scored, opinions on players are constantly shifting. Let’s play a game of stock up/stock down on each Golden Knight compared to where we had them on Opening Night.

Ivan Barbashev – UP
Stock on Barbashev was fairly high coming into the season but it has gone to a new all-time high. 16 points in 14 games has him on a scoring pace he’s never come close to in his career and he’s not just a passenger on the top line. Not sure he’ll shoot 26% all season, but he’s done much more than just score goals.

Brendan Brisson – DOWN
Being passed over in the most recent call up is fairly damning. Even in his time with the big club he couldn’t ever seem to get going. Just one shot per game, no points, and a -3 in 7 games on a team scoring loads of goals is a problem.

Pavel Dorofeyev – UP
The team’s leading goal scorer has taken positive strides in literally every aspect of his game. Even the aspect he was best at, scoring, looks even better this season.

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Cassidy Reveals First Look At Remade Forward Lines

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On September 20, 2024

In Team Ops

Photo Credit: Ken Boehlke, SinBin.vegas

All eyes were on the forward groups as each of the three “teams” took the ice on the first day of Training Camp. Around 9:00 am when the first team kicked off the day, Jack Eichel was matched with Ivan Barbashev and Victor Olofsson. A few hours later, William Karlsson skated next to Mark Stone and Pavel Dorofeyev. Then, in the final session, Tomas Hertl was flanked by Alex Holtz and Nic Roy, while Brett Howden centered the final line with Keegan Kolesar and Tanner Pearson.

After months of contemplation, and admittedly “a lot” of playing around with line combinations over the summer, Bruce Cassidy revealed his first choice solution to what will likely be a season-long puzzle.

Barbashev-Eichel-Olofsson
Dorofeyev-Karlsson-Stone
Holtz-Hertl-Roy
Pearson-Howden-Kolesar

He explained the thought process allowed him to arrive at this mix.

Jack and Barbashev have played well together, so ok who is the piece that might be best suited for them. Olofsson, he’s played with Jack, so let’s see how that looks. Karlsson has played with Dorofeyev, so now we’re looking at Stone over there because he lost his centerman that he’s played with a lot. Tomas, we don’t know. Where does Holtz play, right or left, he’s played both. And then Pearson’s in, we gotta take a look and see. He hasn’t played a lot of hockey the last little bit, so we’re not sure if he’s a complementary guy. -Bruce Cassidy

Cassidy tries to simplify the process to get the ball rolling.

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Eichel & Hanifin Take Team Massachusetts On The Road For Seven Hypothetical Canadian Matchups

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On August 15, 2024

In Team Ops

(Photo Credit: SinBin.vegas Photographer Brandon Andreasen)

The other day we lightly played off of NHL.com’s crafted All-Massachusetts vs. All-Michigan starting lineups. With very little analysis, Vegas’ Jack Eichel and Noah Hanifin led their home state past Michigan and Minnesota in hypothetical matchups. Well, we figured we’d try the same scenario and compare the commonwealth’s starting lineup to All-Canadian province lineups. This mock bracket didn’t go as well for MA. Nothing Eichel or Hanifin can do when several of the world’s best players grew up in the same Canadian regions.

Manitoba Starting Lineup: Mark Stone, Max Domi, Seth Jarvis, Travis Sanheim, Zach Whitecloud, James Reimer

You might as well call Manitoba the Nevada of the North. The Golden Knights have had no shortage of players from MB, including the franchise’s first overall pick and first-ever captain. Like Massachusetts’ starting lineup, Manitoba consists of two veterans from Vegas. Mark Stone leads his Keystone Province teammates offensively, while VGK teammate Zach Whitecloud covers the backend. Bottom line, Manitoba lacks scoring. Their three forwards combined for 58 goals in 2023-24, Eichel, Kreider and Boldy combined for 41 more. That differential is too wide to close. MA wins with ease.

Saskatchewan: Jordan Eberle, Brayden Schenn, Chandler Stephenson, Brayden McNabb, Luke Schenn, Connor Ingram

Here’s another province with several Golden Knights ties. Former VGK Cup winner Chandler Stephenson compliments Saskatchewan’s offense, while original misfit Brayden McNabb holds down the blue line. Overall, the Breadbasket of Canada has produced many impactful NHLers over the years. Heck, Gordie Howe was born in Floral. Saskatchewan’s starting lineup has enough offense, solid defense and a goaltender coming into his own. This is a close contest, but it comes down to scoring and I can’t imagine the Canadian province keeping up.

Quebec: Jonathan Marchessault, David Perron, Nic Roy, Kris Letang, Thomas Chabot, Marc-Andre Fleury

Okay, it’s starting to heat up. Sure, maybe the Bay state knocks off MB and SK but what about Eastern Canada’s provincial territories? Of course, we had to loosen the rules to fit as many active or former VGK players as possible. However, only carrying one 40-goal scorer hurts the Quebec lineup so Marc-Andre Fleury will need to turn the clocks back to 2021. It’s another tight battle but Massachusetts survives.

Alberta: Taylor Hall, William Nylander, Brayden Point, Cale Makar, Josh Morrissey, Stuart Skinner

The run for Eichel and Hanifin was impressive, but it ends with Alberta. Frankly, their streak would have ended against any of the remaining provinces. AB’s three forwards combined for 87 goals, oh, and Taylor Hall only had two goals in ten games last season. Alberta also dresses Cale Makar and Josh Morrisey on their blueline. Good luck with that.

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Nic Roy’s Position In The Lineup Will Be Key Element In VGK’s Success

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On August 9, 2024

In Personnel

(Photo Credit: SinBin.vegas Photographer Brandon Andreasen)

One of the most versatile players in the Golden Knights lineup for the past few seasons has been Nic Roy. While his role has mainly consisted of playing as a bottom-six center, he has stepped in up the lineup as the 1st and 2nd line center, and even as a top six winger as well.

This season, there’s a strong chance Roy will be called on to bounce around the lineup again. He’s currently 4th on the depth chart at his natural position, center (Eichel, Hertl, Karlsson), while he may be the team’s 3rd best winger (Stone, Barbashev).

Vegas has spoken a lot over the past few seasons about the importance of centers. They’ve felt that being strong up the middle has helped them offensively and defensively and there’s a firm belief that great centers elevate wingers.

When we look at our team next year, we feel really strong in goal, love our defense, love our centers. I think we have some forwards on the wings that are ready to take on more responsibility and bigger roles. -Kelly McCrimmon

Roy stands out as a contingency plan in the event the younger wingers aren’t able to stand up to the test of playing in the top six. Plan A appears to be using Roy as a center on the 4th line completing a lineup that may have the best collection of centermen in the NHL. That would leave two of Pavel Dorofeyev, Alexander Holtz, Victor Olofsson, Brett Howden, and Brendan Brisson on the wings of the top two lines. While there’s plenty of reason to believe Jack Eichel and Tomas Hertl can help drive these lines with wingers still trying to find their way in the NHL, there’s a reasonable likelihood those players aren’t up to the rigors of playing 17+ minutes in the top six.

That’s where Nic Roy comes in as an option on the wing. His history on the wing is bumpy though. In the past two regular seasons, he’s played just six games as a right-wing and has failed to score a goal. He managed just two points, six shots, and amassed nine penalty minutes. And, from the eye test, he clearly looks more comfortable in the middle of the ice.

However, Roy has had some success, especially when playing with elite linemates. In the 2023 playoffs, he played eight games on the right wing of William Karlsson and Reilly Smith. Against Edmonton and Dallas, in the highest-pressure games possible, Roy tallied five assists, 11 shots, and 13 hits while posting a +3 rating. In addition, back in 2021-22, Roy was called upon to play on the wing 20 different times. He scored six goals, had 13 points, and averaged 1.5 shots per game, equal to his career average.

When Roy has been given the opportunity to play with the likes of Jack Eichel, William Karlsson, Jonathan Marchessault, and Alex Tuch, he has produced at the same, if not better, level than he does as a center. However, when he’s expected to drive a line on the wing, he has not had much success at all.

Nic Roy’s usage this season will likely be a strong determinant of how well things are going for the Golden Knights. If he’s the 4th line center for most of the year, that will mean the inexperienced wingers are getting the job done and the holes in the lineup won’t look the same as they do right now. But, if Roy is consistently called upon to play top six wing, he’ll have to produce at a level higher than the damage it’ll do to the overall center depth.

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