The Vegas Golden Knights need some quick fixes and fast before they go golfing after the first round. What are the three changes that must be made?
Vegas Golden Knights fans were in disbelief after Sunday's 3-0 loss to the Detroit Red Wings. The team was outshot, 27-18, and looked tired (maybe rest Mark Stone and Jack Eichel?). As a result, Bruce Cassidy wasn't subjected to endless torture of a cannon. Instead, it came in the form of Eminem mocking their performance.
Not quite, but close. It was more of a verse from "Without Me." Still, it was a lackluster performance that had fans worried.
"Vegas is gonna choke their division lead away, aren't they?"
"OH MAN OH GOD OH MAN!"
Better hold onto your coney dogs tight because this ride might be bumpy.
The good news is the Golden Knights don't have to make another trip to an Eastern Conference team for the rest of 2024-25. No more severe jet lag and no more sluggish starts. The furthest east they'll go is Nashville on March 29.
The bad news? They must make some fixes. They can't risk losing the division lead to a team that has their number this season. That would be a monumental disaster that would catch the attention of NHL fans everywhere. Just let the Edmonton Oilers handle them for a fourth straight season and go from there.
Luckily, these three fixes can be implemented as soon as possible. Bruce Cassidy has three days before his game against the Boston Bruins to adjust some problematic areas. That way, they can have a successful March and leave this worry and panic behind. Let's start with the obvious change that must be made quickly.
1.) SHOOT THE PUCK
Sure, it might seem cliched considering every hockey fan screams this at their TV screens. They want to see the team take a shot at the net for a potential goal. But it rings true for the team, especially after this road trip. Here's Exhibit A:
This play was the difference between a successful four-game road trip and a disastrous one. Tomas Hertl had the open net to himself, only to pass to Jack Eichel. The attempt might've been cute. However, it led to a Rasmus Dahlin goal with 14 seconds left and the Sabres eventually winning.
In fact, the Vegas Golden Knights haven't been selfish enough with the puck in the last two games. They've been outshot, 37-64, in that span. It's on players like Mark Stone and Hertl to shoot more and take risks. Otherwise, opponents will continue overwhelming the netminder.
2.) Give Mark Stone and Jack Eichel a short rest
It might seem like a crazy idea to rest them in a divisional chase. However, the two players, specifically Eichel, have looked slower in the past four games. The United States representative from the 4 Nations Face-Off might have a goal and two assists in his last four games. However, only his goal against Buffalo was on even strength.
As for Stone, he has no goals in that same span. He's done well on the top line with Eichel for most of the season. However, it might be time to rest your best players for a game or two before they break down. Otherwise, it'll make life easier for the Los Angeles Kings to swipe the divisional lead.
3.) Slow down and don't rush the play
Giveaways have been a massive Golden Knights problem all season. They have the sixth-most giveaways in the NHL this season (1,058) and had 23 on Sunday against the Detroit Red Wings. Puck mismanagement will be the one issue that brings the team down in the playoffs.
It's also something that has frustrated Bruce Cassidy throughout the year. He's wanted to see better puck discipline during each game, only to see careless mistakes haunt Vegas. Fixing that issue starts with slowing down the play and boring the opponent into a lull. That way, the Golden Knights can quick-strike for a shot or two, possibly getting a goal.