Final season at the moment, the Vegas Golden Knights had been clinging to playoff hopes, finally sliding in because the second wild card group and drawing a first-round matchup with the Dallas Stars.
Only one level shy of the Presidents’ Trophy-winning New York Rangers, the Stars ousted the defending Stanley Cup champions in a extremely contested seven-game sequence. A yr after their historic run, the misfits packed their baggage sooner than anticipated.
Associated: Golden Knights Set for Potential First-Spherical Conflict with Blues
This season, although, has been a distinct story.
The Golden Knights are chasing their fourth Pacific Division title in simply their eighth yr of existence—and so they’re making a convincing case as one of many NHL’s greatest. With 103 factors as of April 9, Vegas sits second within the Western Convention and fourth general within the NHL.
However as historical past reminds us, playoff success takes greater than a powerful common season. So, what must fall into place for a second Stanley Cup to search out its approach to the Strip?
Listed here are three key components for a deep playoff push for the Golden Knights.
Goaltending
On March 14, virtually a month in the past, basic supervisor Kelly McCrimmon prolonged goaltender Adin Hill to a six-year contract value $6.25 million per season. This season, he’s been their rock in web, holding a .906 save share (SV%) and a 2.49 goals-against common (GAA).
Being one of many league’s greatest goaltenders, it’s important for this Golden Knights group that he’s on his A-game. In his final 10 video games, he’s 7-2-1 with a .918 SV% and a 2.06 GAA; that will be sixth greatest over this 10-game span, however tied for first in wins.
Hill has had his ups and downs, as each goaltender does through the season, however it looks as if he’s catching hearth. What higher time to try this than in April, mere days earlier than the playoffs?
Given the stature of a few of the groups within the Western Convention, if the Golden Knights wish to have an opportunity, they’ll must have their spine at his greatest.
Defend the Fortress
It’s no secret the Western Convention is stacked, given a few of the strikes groups made on the commerce deadline. The Colorado Avalanche, Dallas Stars, and Winnipeg Jets all added forward of the playoffs and seem like favorites to win all of it. Every group has its case, however so do the Golden Knights.
Solely 5 groups have higher residence data this season, the Jets and Stars being two of them. With a 27-9-3 file, will probably be key to defending the fortress through the playoffs. This got here again to chunk them final yr towards the Stars, shedding two out of three at residence through the seven-game sequence.
As we wind down playoff matchups, it’ll probably be the St. Louis Blues or Minnesota Wild for the Golden Knights. To place it in perspective additional, the Wild have the second-best away file within the league as in comparison with the Blues, who’re at 11.
Successful on residence ice is important within the playoffs, and it’s going to be one of many greatest determinations when it’s all stated and achieved for Vegas.
Particular Groups
Ah, sure, particular groups, the make-or-break for many groups within the playoffs. Whereas the playoffs are a distinct beast in comparison with the common season, it’s honest to say that the Golden Knights’ energy play will proceed to dominate come late April. Tomáš Hertl’saddition final season and Pavel Dorofeyev’s surge this season have made a deadly mixture for any penalty kill.
Including to that, having Jack Eichel and his profession yr helps loads. Utilizing the ability play to their benefit will likely be vital as there’s a cause it’s top-of-the-line within the league, with a conversion charge of 29.1, sitting behind the Jets.
Nevertheless, the penalty kill is a distinct story, one thing that’s been a piece in progress since puck drop in October. They solely kill 76.1 %, which is within the backside half of the league.
In the event that they wish to come out of the gates firing on all cylinders, they have to hold the PP sizzling and get the PK going.
Playoffs Quickly Approaching
The Golden Knights kick issues off on April 19, simply 11 days away. It’ll be fascinating to see who between the Wild and Blues leap into that first wild card spot and finally play Vegas within the first spherical. No matter who they play, although, they’ll want these three issues to get one other sniff at one other Stanley Cup.
