SinBin.vegas

Praise Be To Foley, Vegas Golden Knights Hockey Website

Tag: Shots on Goal

SOG Magic Number Strikes Again; Now 11-0

35 = W (Photo Credit: SinBin.vegas Photographer Brandon Andreasen)

In early December, we pointed out winning trend for the Golden Knights. It’s quite simple, when they get 35 shots on goal, they win. When we published that article, Vegas as 7-0, after last night, it’s 11-0.

Game 2 @ Arizona: 42 SOG (VGK wins 2-1 OT)
Game 19 vs LA: 40 SOG (VGK wins 4-2)
Game 20 @ Anaheim: 49 SOG (VGK wins 4-2)
Game 26 vs Arizona: 45 SOG (VGK wins 3-2 OT)
Game 27 vs Anaheim: 43 SOG (VGK wins 4-3 SO)
Game 28 @ Nashville: 39 SOG (VGK wins 4-3 SO)
Game 29 @ Dallas: 39 SOG (VGK wins 5-3)
Game 32 vs Florida: 40 SOG (VGK wins 5-2)
Game 33 vs Tampa: 36 SOG (VGK wins 4-3)
Game 36 @ LA: 39 SOG (VGK Wins 3-2 OT)
Game 40 @ Chicago: 43 SOG (VGK Wins 5-4)

Last night in Chicago, Vegas relentlessly pressured poor Blackhawks backup Jeff Glass with 43 SOG. In fact, the Golden Knights hit the 35 shot mark by the 40 minute mark. The Blackhawks noticed.

It wasn’t a great night for our [defense]… We gave them the puck and possession on almost every entry, not denying them what we wanted to do. -Joel Quenneville, Blackhawks Head Coach

35 shots or more continues to be the golden number for the Golden Knights. During their unprecedented thirteen game point streak, the Golden Knights hit their magic number seven times. After last night, Vegas is (18-4-0) when outshooting their opponents. Their high shot volume is causing major issues for opposing goaltenders. The combination of more chances, and wearing down the opponent is a winning strategy for the Golden Knights.

But honestly, what isn’t a winning strategy for this team?

35: The Golden Knights Magic Number

The Golden Knights returned from a perfect two-game road trip, keeping their winning streak alive at four games. Overall, they’re 4-1-0 in December. Although three of the four games were decided in overtime, Vegas has come away with eight points out of a possible 10, including two impressive wins in Nashville and Dallas.

Hockey is so simple sometimes. Just shoot it 35 times. Boom. Winner. (Photo Credit: SinBin.vegas Photographer Brandon Andreasen)

One reason could be the rising shot totals the Golden Knights are launching. During their four-game win streak, the team has 39 shots on goal or more in every game. To start the stretch, Vegas slapped, snapped and wristed 45 SOG on Arizona. Next game, Anaheim’s John Gibson faced 43 VGK shots in a losing effort. On the road, Vegas tallied 39 SOG per game against both Dallas and Nashville. These four are a part of the just seven times the Golden Knights have 39+ SOG this season. But when they do shoot 39+ times, they win.

Game 2 @ Arizona: 42 SOG (VGK wins 2-1 OT)
Game 19 vs LA: 40 SOG (VGK wins 4-2)
Game 20 @ Anaheim: 49 SOG (VGK wins 4-2)
Game 26 vs Arizona: 45 SOG (VGK wins 3-2 OT)
Game 27 vs Anaheim: 43 SOG (VGK wins 4-3 OT)
Game 28 @ Nashville: 39 SOG (VGK wins 4-3 OT)
Game 29 @ Dallas: 39 SOG (VGK wins 5-3)

To further the point of how important shot totals are for the Golden Knights, check this out. In every single one of Vegas’ ten losses, they’ve recorded less than 35 shots.

Game 4 vs Detroit: 27 SOG (VGK loses 6-3)
Game 10 @ NYI: 34 SOG (VGK loses 6-3)
Game 11 @ NYR: 34 SOG (VGK loses 6-4)
Game 12 @ Boston: 29 SOG (VGK loses 2-1)
Game 14 @ Toronto: 28 SOG (VGK loses 4-3 SO)
Game 15 @ Montreal: 31 SOG (VGK loses 3-2)
Game 17 @ Edmonton: 24 SOG (VGK loses 8-2)
Game 23 vs. Dallas: 34 SOG (VGK loses 3-0)
Game 24 @ Minnesota: 31 SOG (VGK loses 4-2)
Game 25 @ Winnipeg: 31 SOG (VGK loses 7-4)

When breaking down just shots on goal, common sense says the more shots, the better chance of winning. However, statistically, that’s not always the case. For example, Montreal, Florida, and Edmonton are all in the top ten for total team shots (VGK is 13), and none of them sit in a playoff position in their conference. The Florida Panthers are 2-6-2 when getting 39 or more SOG.

Through 29 games, there has been a direct correlation between SOG and W/L for the Golden Knights. In two worst games of the year (by score differential), at Edmonton and home against Detroit, Vegas fired just 24 and 27 shots.

If they want to continue to win consistently, they’ll need to keep the shot numbers consistently above 35. That or just keep bringing the dads along.

Powered by WordPress & Theme by Anders Norén

SinBin.vegas

SinBin.vegas