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Tampa Facing Similar Situation As Vegas With Aging Star Point Producer

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On August 27, 2026

In Team Ops

(Photo Credit: NHL.com)

This offseason, the Tampa Bay Lighting are dealing with a similar situation that’s unfolding in Las Vegas. While Golden Knights captain Mark Stone enters training camp on an expiring contract, the Lightning have the same problem with their star wing Nikita Kucherov. Both clubs are trying to hold on to their highly productive forwards beyond next season, but both are in their mid-30’s and have fought through numerous injuries. So, Tampa and Vegas are trying to perform a balancing act of rewarding their franchise favorites but also keeping the future in mind.

Kucherov is now eligible to ink a contract extension with only one year remaining on his current deal at $9.5 million for the upcoming campaign. He’s almost certainly headed for a massive raise, but the question is, how big will it be? The NHL’s financial landscape is vastly different from what it was just a couple of months ago… something from which Kucherov is going to benefit greatly. It’s not as simple as the Lightning backing up the Brink’s truck for Kucherov. There are many factors Tampa has to consider when securing Kucherov to a long-term extension, which could complicate things for both parties. –Michael Amato on Sportsnet.ca

To be fair, we’re not comparing Kucherov and Stone’s production. Tampa’s star has recorded four straight 100+ point seasons and led the NHL in 2023-24 with 144 points. Stone has 140 in the last two seasons combined. When all is said and done, Kucherov will go down as one of the league’s best point producers in league history. Whereas Stone will go down as VGK’s most beloved captain. Either way, both will be wildly celebrated when they hang up their skates.

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TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING 6 VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS 3 (7-3-3, 17 PTS)

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On November 6, 2025

In Game Recaps

Recap: The Golden Knights were looking to make it two in a row with a win over the visiting Tampa Bay Lightning. Ivan Barbashev opened the scoring 7:25 into the opening period. He scored his second of the frame eight minutes later. After 20 minutes the Golden Knights lead 2-0.

Tampa fought back in the second period scoring :36 in and tying the game minutes later. The game was locked in a 2-2 score after two periods of play.

Both teams combined for three goals in the opening four minutes of the final frame. Vegas was awarded a four-minute power play but couldn’t find the back of the net. Tampa extended their lead later in the period with a power play goal.

The Golden Knights record drops to 7-3-3, falling to the Lightning 5-3 at T-Mobile Arena.

Next up, Vegas will welcome the red-hot Anaheim Ducks on Saturday night. Puck drop against the Ducks is scheduled for 7 PM. (Recap by Jason)

Analysis: VGK came out flying to start this game playing one of their best 1st periods of the season. But the Lightning completely flipped the script on them for the remaining 40 minutes outscoring the Golden Knights 6-1. Lots of frustration on the VGK bench as the clock ticked down to zero.  (Analysis by Ken)

Upcoming stories from the Vegas Golden Knights vs. Tampa Bay Lightning at T-Mobile Arena.

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TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING 2 VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS 1 (5-1-3, 13 PTS) – OT

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On October 26, 2025

In Game Recaps

Recap: The Golden Knights faced off against the Tampa Bay Lightning for a back-to-back in the Sunshine State. The Lightning took the opening lead in the opening five minutes of the game. With time winding down in the period William Karlsson evened the score with his fourth goal of the season.

The middle frame began in a 1-1 tie and would finish the same way. Vegas killed off multiple penalties to keep the game locked at one apiece.

Vegas earned a power play with under ten minutes to play but couldn’t find the go ahead goal. Tampa snapped the tied minutes later but was waived off. Eventually, the Lightning won the game in OT.

The Golden Knights record drops to 5-1-3 falling to the Lightning 2-1 in overtime. Next up, Vegas will take a short trip to Carolina to face to Hurricanes on Tuesday night. Puck drop against the Canes is scheduled for 3:30 PT.(Recap by Jason)

Analysis: Another poor effort on the road for the Golden Knights. No matter what they tried with the lineup, they could not generate any offense. The penalty kill and Carl Lindbom (and a video review) had to be spectacular to earn VGK a point, and they were. (Analysis by Ken)

Upcoming stories from the Vegas Golden Knights vs. Tampa Bay Lightning at Benchmark International Arena.

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VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS 4 TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING 2 (42-20-8, 92 PTS)

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On March 23, 2025

In Game Recaps

Recap: The Golden Knights were playing for their third straight as they welcomed in the Tampa Bay Lightning. Midway through the opening period Vegas’ offense came alive. First Nic Roy opened the scoring and a couple of shifts Tomas Hertl notched his fourth goal in two games. Late in the frame Jack Eichel recorded his 23rd goal of the season to give VGK a 3-0 advantage into the 1st intermission.

Late in the 2nd period Tampa finally broke through and cut Vegas’ lead to 3-1 after 40 minutes of action.

The most significant moment in the 3rd period came on a Tomas Hertl breakaway. His shot was saved but a boarding penalty sent him dangerously into the boards. He left the game injured and did not return. Vegas sealed the game with a Nic Hague empty-net goal.

The Golden Knights record improves to 42-20-8 defeating the Lightning 4-2 at T-Mobile Arena. Vegas will pack their bags and hit the road for their three contests beginning in Minnesota on Tuesday. Puck drop against the Wild is scheduled for 5PM PT.(Recap by Jason)

Analysis: VGK played an excellent game in front of both nets, on the rush, and through the neutral zone, and with it came a resounding win over a great Lightning team. The power play continued to shine (including the 2nd unit) as the Golden Knights used an attack mindset to draw them. Tampa’s goalie was quite good, which is why it wasn’t a lot worse.(Recap by Ken)

Upcoming stories from the Vegas Golden Knights vs. Tampa Bay Lightning at T-Mobile Arena.

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Surprisingly Big Weekend On Tap For VGK

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On March 21, 2025

In Team Ops

(Photo Credit: NHL.com)

Last night the first place Golden Knights picked up their 88th point of the season by feasting on the Bruins 5-1. The victory further places Vegas in a strong position to capture the Pacific Division crown for the fifth time in Vegas’ young history. As of today, MoneyPuck gives VGK a 72.4% chance to win the division. Hockey-Reference projects Vegas having a 68.6% chance.

Projected Pacific Division Champion %

  • VGK: 72% MoneyPuck – 69% Hockey Reference
  • LAK: 18%MoneyPuck – 13% Hockey Reference
  • EDM 10% MoneyPuck – 18% Hockey Reference

Getting back on track was important for the Golden Knights after a disappointing East Coast road trip. Vegas’ 5-1 victory over an inept Boston team prepares them for a challenging weekend ahead. With Detroit and Tampa Bay scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, picking up two points on Thursday takes off some of the recent pressure; not to mention the Bruins woke up the Golden Knights’ offense.

Going into last night, Edmonton was the biggest threat to snatch the division away from Vegas. However, Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid are dealing with injuries. The severity of the injured stars is unknown as of last night. Previous to Thursday’s overtime loss against Winnipeg, the reigning Western Conference champions had bounced back from their five-game losing streak by rattling off six wins in their last nine games. They’re currently averaging 3.5 goals per game and Draisiatl, the Hart trophy favorite, is averaging almost two points per contest. Edmonton will visit T-Mobile Arena for a significant showdown on April Fool’s Day. Simply put, the Golden Knights can breathe much easier going into that spotlight matchup if they can take care of business on Saturday and Sunday.

Mathematically, the division will likely be decided in the final week. To clinch the Pacific, the Golden Knights need to pick up 24 points on Edmonton and 26 on Los Angeles, between VGK wins and opposing team losses (see Points To Elimination).

The Golden Knights edge is their schedule. First off, they are done squaring off against LA in the regular season. Secondly, Vegas is scheduled to play six non-playoff teams in their final 14 contests. Lastly, the Kings and Oilers srill face off twice this season. If those teams split and Vegas can take care of business against lower-quality opponents, the division may not be close for long. For now, it’s game to game but winning both over the weekend could all but secure the Pacific Division.

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TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING 4 VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS 3 (3-2-0, 6 PTS)

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On October 17, 2024

In Game Recaps

Recap: The Golden Knights were looking to bounce back in Tampa Bay with a victory over the 2-0-0 Lightning. Vegas jumped out early on the home team five minutes into the game. Defenseman Brayden McNabb stunned the Tampa crowd with his first goal of the season. The Lightning answered back but the Golden Knights drew a penalty handing them the first power play opportunity of the evening. VGK’s newly designed man-advantage snapped the tie with Pavel Dorofeyev’s second score of 2024-25. The home team picked up a last second goal to force a 2-2 score before the first intermission.

Immediately out of the break Golden Knights’ forward Ivan Barbashev gave his club a 3-2 edge. VGK goaltender Adin Hill made several key saves in the frame to preserve their one goal advantage.

Vegas fought off multiple rushes from Tampa to limit their chances of tying the game. The Lightning shocked the Golden Knights in the final minutes as they tied the game and took the lead before the end of regulation.

The Golden Knights record drops to 3-2-0 after falling to the Lightning 4-3 in Tampa. Vegas will wrap up their road trip on Saturday afternoon with a meeting with the Florida Panthers. Puck drop against the reigning champion is scheduled for 3 PM. (Recap by Jason)

Analysis: It was a frantic start to the game with both teams top lines dominating the action. VGK’s group of Eichel, Barbashev, and Stone got the team on the board at even-strength and then again on the PP. As the game wore on Vegas started to settle in defensively for the first time this year. The 3rd period was as strong a defensive period as we’ve seen since the first few games of the Dallas series… until it wasn’t. Tampa’s best players stepped up in the big moment late and VGK couldn’t get one more key save from Hill. What looked like a regulation win turned into a regulation loss in a hurry. (Analysis by Ken)

Upcoming stories from the Vegas Golden Knights vs. Tampa Bay Lightning at Amalie Arena.

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VGK’s Next Two Games Against Opponents Deploying Different Neutral Zone Setup

By

On October 15, 2024

In Game Analysis

(Photo Credit: SinBin.vegas Photographer Brandon Andreasen)

As the Golden Knights hit the road for the first time this season, they’ll face more than just new locations to play hockey. In Washington and Tampa Bay, they’ll also have to contend with a unique neutral zone setup used by less than a third of the league.

Both the Capitals and the Lightning defend through the middle of the ice in a 1-1-3. Rather than the standard 1-2-2 in which two defensemen stand at the blue line, these two teams drop a forward back to create a wall of three players attempting to deny entry to the offensive zone.

It shouldn’t be a new concept for the Golden Knights as they’ve actually run it themselves in the past. During the 2021-22 season, Pete DeBoer’s final year in charge of the team, VGK implemented the 1-1-3 looking to create more turnovers and feed their transition game. At times, it worked, but that team ultimately failed to make the playoffs and the system vanished with DeBoer. (Here’s a video I made about it back then.)

You can get through the outside but you have to be a little more careful of what you are running into because they can transition against you. So, puck management is crucial against that. You have to make sure that you are not stubborn early and force them to go break pucks out. -Cassidy

Through three games the Golden Knights have relied upon their rush game less than we’ve seen in the past. Most of the 5-on-5 goals they’ve scored have come from either extended zone time and/or creating turnovers. This is good news for a team gearing up to play against a different neutral zone setup. VGK will likely have to be a bit more careful through the neutral zone, opting for dump-ins more than controlled entries.

If they can avoid mistakes at the offensive blue line the 1-1-3 might end up playing right into the Golden Knights’ hands. Almost every goal Vegas has allowed thus far this year has been scored directly off a turnover. When teams spend time in the offensive zone or they are forced to bring the puck from their own zone through a structured Golden Knights, they’ve struggled to generate scoring chances, let alone goals.

To win these games, the Golden Knights will have to play a disciplined style of game when carrying the puck. Limit mistakes and these two teams will struggle to generate much offense.

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