Cassidy Feels Conditioning Was Not An Issue In 2024-25, Expects “Similar Template” Next Season

One of the big storylines during the 2024-25 NHL season was the condensed schedule due to the 4 Nations tournament in February. For months before and after the event, teams were forced to play every other night, or worse, for weeks on end. And for teams like Vegas, many of their best players were not afforded a bye week like normal.

It was used as an excuse early in the season, directly before the tournament, right after, and could have been used again as the Golden Knights were bounced from the playoffs in the Second Round. Head coach Bruce Cassidy wasn’t having it, though.

I don’t look at our playoff exit as a product of fatigue. So I don’t think that we did necessarily practice too much or not enough. I don’t think that was the case. I don’t know if the players mentioned that or not, but I don’t know. I thought our conditioning was fine. It’s always been good here. -Bruce Cassidy

The Golden Knights thrived with rest this season. They posted a 7-0-0 record in the regular season with at least three days rest and went 1-1 in the playoffs with extended time off. However, they were also one of the best teams in the league on the second night of back-to-backs. Vegas’ 9-4-0 record was good for a .692 points percentage, only trailing Dallas (.773) and Colorado (.708). Contrast that with the fact that 21 of the league’s 32 teams were at a point per game or worse, and Seattle’s unbelievable 0-12-0 record, and VGK did incredibly well.

That’s why Cassidy doesn’t expect much change next season with another condensed schedule, this time for the 2026 Olympic Games.

So next year going into it, we’ll have a similar template to this year, but honestly, like sometimes it’s who’s available, who’s not. Injuries throughout the year. -Cassidy

And if you think VGK are going down the “load management” path, think again.

We’ll discuss that, but I don’t know too many teams in the NHL that kind of have that programmed in, to be honest with you. It goes back to you’ve got to get in. Like, it’s not automatic you get into playoffs every year. You start resting guys and throws off your rhythm, and then the end of the year, you’re out by two points. Then what? Take your load management and take it out the door and see you later. Go take it to your next job, right? -Cassidy

So, that means 50 starts for the starting goalie, likely again to be Adin Hill, and no games off for anyone healthy and available until maybe the last game or two of the regular season.

It worked to the tune of 110 points and a Pacific Division title this year. Cassidy doesn’t believe it hurt them in May either. No reason to believe it won’t work in the regular season and fail to hurt them in the playoffs once again next year.