Last night, the Golden Knights got off the schneid with their first victory in two weeks. Thankfully, for Golden Knights fans, the offense broke out at home against the woeful Vancouver Canucks. It didn’t matter how the team won, but it was massively important to pick up the two points, especially against a team with 24 fewer standings points.
With one game left before the Winter Olympic break, the Golden Knights will try to build off their offensive breakout from Wednesday. Carrying over their five-goal finish should build confidence going into and out of the 20-day pause.
The most glaring concern over VGK’s five-game skid was their red goal differential. From January 19th to February 3rd, the Golden Knights were allowing 3.75 goals per game, while only scoring 2.75. It was one of their poorest stretches this season. Previously, Vegas averaged less than a goal in late December. However, neither stretch was as ugly as the four-game flop in late November. The Golden Knights were allowing 4 goals per game but only averaged 2 goals for. In typical fashion, VGK still found a way to pick up two points during that stretch.
VGK’s Poor Goal Differential Stretches
- 1/19/16 – 2/04/26: 5 GP, 2.75 Goals Scored, 3.75 Goals Allowed
- 11/27/25 – 01/04/26: 5 GP, 2.80 Goals Scored, 4.20 Goals Allowed
- 11/22/25 – 11/28/25: 4 GP, 2.00 Goals Scored, 4.00 Goals Allowed
- 11/06/25 – 11/13/25: 4 GP 2.75 Goals Scored, 4.25 Goals Allowed
Somehow, the Golden Knights managed to pick up 8 points in 18 poorly played contests. Thanks to their penchant for 3rd period comebacks. Nevertheless, their discrepancy in goal scoring forced them to miss out on roughly 80% of available points. Clearly, averaging 2.5 goals per game and allowing 4.05 over that stretch wasn’t a successful formula.
(Credit: NHL Stats)
When Vegas returns in late February, they’ll need to be more consistent offensively, while holding opponents to well under 3.5 goals per 60. Realistically, the Golden Knights need to be near their season average of 3.09 goals allowed to secure a top playoff position.
Right out of the break, the Golden Knights will go on a crucial five-game road trip beginning in LA and ending in Detroit. All five clubs Vegas will face are postseason hopefuls. It’s imperative that they begin to score at a higher rate than they have in 2026. However, the defense has to do its part as well. And not just against a team with a -61 goal differential.
Pistol Pete
Ever wonder how Schmidt’s subpar .895 SV% accompanies his excellent 2.53 GAA? VGK is ranked #3 in fewest shots allowed per game (24.75). Schmid is facing fewer shots than other goalies with a similar GAA hence his SV% is lower. That is not optimal. He is making fewer saves relative to shots faced than peers with a similar GAA. This also means Cassidy’s system and the team playing it are restricting the shots Schmid faces a good outcome.
https://www.statmuse.com/nhl/ask?q=nhl+team+stats+least+shots+allowed+per+game+2025-2026
Emmanuel
The league average SV% is .896, Akira is doing fine.
League wide shots against have declined for 5 straight seasons, is it lack of scoring F’s or defensive systems?
Specifically regarding VGK all the G have struggled this season, its unlikely we have 4 bad G, I think VGK is giving up less shots but higher quality shots, high danger shots are down but thats a subjective stat.
Im not sure we have a G issue, at this point im not sure what the issue is……
Emmanuel
I also noted league wide SV% has delined each season since 15-16….hmmmm.
Pistol Pete
Ok thanks
Vic
He’s the best we have.