Through two games in this Second Round series against the Anaheim Ducks, the Golden Knights have struggled to grab hold of the balance of play. For most of both games, the Ducks have controlled the puck, the speed, and the style of the games, which has left VGK searching for answers.
The good news for this particular Golden Knights team is that there are answers sitting on the sidelines waiting for their names to be called.
In the first two games, three different Vegas skaters are averaging less than 11 minutes per night. Keegan Kolesar has played just 20:44, Tomas Hertl has seen a measly 21:56, and defenseman Ben Hutton has been on the ice for 19:50.
Meanwhile, Reilly Smith, Brandon Saad, and Dylan Coghlan are all ready, willing, and able to step in to bring a fresh new look to either a forward line or a D-pair.
Smith is the most obvious solution waiting in the wings for Vegas. Not only did he score 16 goals and 26 points in his 69 regular season games, but the advanced analytics from the First Round indicated that he was among the most impactful forwards in the entire league in chance generation. If Kolesar isn’t able to impact a game with his physical presence, which hasn’t been as pronounced against Anaheim as Utah, it makes perfect sense to bring Smith back into the lineup. And this is before we even get into the obvious chemistry between Smith and William Karlsson.
Next, VGK’s defense corps has struggled to exit the zone quickly and with possession against Anaheim, which is an underlying symptom of the underwhelming offense. One of Coghlan’s most valuable assets is his poise and comfort on the puck. Not only can he help transition VGK from defense to offense as well, if not better, than either Kaedan Korczak or Ben Hutton, he also brings a powerhouse of a shot from the point that fits the current blueprint Vegas has been trying to deploy in the offensive zone.
Finally, John Tortorella has mentioned on multiple occasions that Brandon Saad was playing well before the playoffs and “got screwed” by the decision he had to make to healthy scratch him for the last eight postseason games. Saad’s finishing has left a lot to be desired this season, but there’s no denying his straight-line speed and willingness to get to the front of the net are qualities lacking from the Vegas lineup in this series. Benching Hertl for Saad would be a bold move that would leave a hole on the VGK power play and 6-on-5 lineup, but Hertl’s impact has been so minimal at even strength, it’s hard to imagine Saad could be much worse.
None of these moves on their own will fundamentally change how the series has gone to this point. To achieve that, the Golden Knights need to figure out how to play with more pace to their game, limit Anaheim’s speed in all three zones, and find a way to possess the puck more often and for longer stretches in the offensive zone.
However, fresh players in the lineup often offer a spark. They also grab the attention of those taken out and others who remain in… for now.
If the Ducks can healthy scratch $7 million a year Mason McTavish in favor of Jansen Harkins, who scored eight points this entire season, then the Golden Knights can make an audacious decision as well.
This series is on the verge of slipping away from Vegas if they don’t act and act fast. Lineup changes aren’t the only solution, but they sure feel like an obvious one ahead of Game 3.
Larry
If Hertl is scratched , the possibility of inserting Karlsson to the PP unit #1 would add speed to help enter the offensive zone which has been severely lacking thus far.
I like the possibility of Coghlan in there, he’s a seasoned professional and the moment wouldn’t be too big for him.
I love sarcasm and playful banter, but what Tortorella does at these pressers to reporters simply trying to do their jobs is ridiculous, his short one word answers are disrespectful and make him look like a total jackoff!!
McFly
We should find out in about an hour 10:30pdt skate, if any needed changes are made.
Agree about Tortilla pressers. Useless no information.
We we’re so spoiled with Butchy.
Canada
Agree Larry torts is boring as hell. karlson might not be ready yet he seems tentative . Maybe a bit more time. Smith has to go in he should sit Hertle for a couple games . Refs hopfully feel vindicated and let us play if we don’t slow these guys down we are screwed .
Former season ticket holder
This is one of those ” no sh*t sherlock” letters! Whats wrong with Kolsar? Injured?
R Smith should have played game 1 & 2
KnightWatch
Dylan Coghlan is drawing in for Kaedan Korczak.
rb7
that is good, but not enough.
continuing to reward Hertl and 55 for their shitty play sends the wrong message to the other vets on the team.
rb7
the only way to wake them up is a benching, just as Quenneville did by benching MacTavish and Moore in game 2.
scratch 55, Hertl, and K6 all for lack of performance, and the scratch of Hertl will get the attention of the veterans on the team, who need to wake up.
KnightWatch
Morning skate lines are the same as they ended last game.
Of course things might change.
Only personal change is Coghlan in for Korczak (Hutton-Coghlan)
JB
Why is everyone concerned about one or two players. None of these changes would make a bit of difference , UNLESS the whole F’ing team gets on board and plays like they care and want this! Let’s be honest. Jack has played like he is disinterested since he got back from the Olympics. We will see tonight if any desire is there, TEAM wise. If not then F@#& it, go fishing and play golf I!
Andrea Q
Agree, scratch Hertl and replace with R Smith. Karlsson has been timid but he is fast and sides well with Reilly. Scratch K6 – he continues to just slap away the puck with zero intention as to who he plans on passing it to. It’s almost like he panics and gets ride of it. Can’t have that anymore. Ben, poor Ben – he’s just not fast or skilled enough.
FG
Torts is putting his stamp in the team by changing up the PP and his lineup decisions. Missing Cassidy.