I’m not entirely sure that you are sick of it yet, but make no bones about it, Chandler Stephenson is and he made that real clear in his post-game comments when he said, “I’m sick of it.” As if that wasn’t enough to make you understand that Chandler and the rest of the team are taking to heart this 4-game losing streak, combined with losing 10 of their last 14 games, Chandler added, “It’s time to dig deep and grab your nuts.”
This all transpired following the VGK’s 6-4 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets, yet another team not in playoff contention that Vegas could not beat when they’re allegedly fighting for their playoff lives.
It’s not often you hear an NHL player express his real emotions following a loss, but we’ve now witnessed it twice on this road trip from hell. The first was Jack Eichel’s post-game comments on his return to Buffalo that will likely keep him as enemy #1 in Buffalo for the rest of his career. But that’s how tight things are in this locker room and the entire organization.
The trade deadline is 7 days away, March 21. What will the VGK do, now that they are on the brink of missing the playoffs for the first time in their history?
Half the league misses the playoffs every year; only 16 teams of the 32 qualify. But when you start the season as the co-favorite to win the Stanley Cup, not even making the playoffs will be a complete disaster. That’s where we are now and the players, management, and fans know this. It’s created a firestorm on the internet, with everyone weighing in on what needs to be done: “Fire the coach,” “fire the GM,” “trade this player,” “bring that player in.” Everyone has the fix all for this current debacle.
The only fix that will work right now is to start winning games. None of the so-called solutions will solve this problem. Winning games will. There are 21 left. That may seem like a lot, but you can’t expect to win every game from now to April 29, so the VGK will need help from other teams. It’s a daunting task, not impossible, but things will have to fall into place and the first step is winning the next game tomorrow night against Winnipeg.
During this road trip, Vegas hadn’t had a lead of any kind for 187 minutes and 23 seconds. Then William Carrier scored a goal that hit his skate on a Nicolas Roy shot to beat Elvis Merzlikins for the 2nd goal of the first period that gave Vegas a 2-1 lead, their only lead of the previous 4 games on this 5-game road trip that concludes in Winnipeg. Jonathan Marchessault scored the first goal for Vegas, his team-leading 25th just 1:01 after Patrik Laine scored 9 seconds into a power-play caused when Nolan Patrick took a penalty for tripping.
Nolan returned to the depleted line for the first time after taking a blow to the head from Nathan McKinnon on February 16. Vegas has been playing with a shortened bench for 60 of their 61 games. If you’re wondering how depleted the lineup is and if it involves key players, take this into consideration: An NHL team dresses 18 skaters and 1 goaltender for a game, with a backup goaltender just in case things go sideways. But 10 players are out of the lineup. All 10 would be playing on any given night and to gauge how valuable they are, they have a combined salary of $38,601,667. This is like driving your car with 3 normal tires and a spare tire that is half the size of your other 3 to the beaches in California and back.
We’ve always heard how much depth this team has, but we’re now seeing that when you play this short due to injuries to key players, your depth will be put to the test and right now the players and coaches are failing.
Vegas did score 4 goals last night after scoring only 6 in their last 4 games, but they wound up giving up 6. One of the Blue Jacket goals was an empty-netter, but you can’t give up 5 goals in the NHL and expect a positive result, especially when your scoring is as dry as the desert that separates Las Vegas from the Pacific Ocean.
To make matters worse, the VGK were beaten by the youngest player in the NHL. Cole Sillinger is just 18 years old and scored 3 goals on Logan Thompson, who didn’t have a good night. But he wasn’t given much help from the 18 skaters in front of him. On one CBJ goal, both Theodore and Hague chased the puck behind the net, leaving absolutely no one in front of Thompson, who was beaten by Sillinger when Bjorkstrand beat both Theodore and Hague to the puck and sent it out to a wide-open Sillinger for his first of 3 goals.
That goal was the beginning of the end, as Columbus scored the next 4 goals to go ahead 5-2. Dadonov and Eichel added 2 goals to get the game to 5-4 with 17:20 left in the game.
With Thompson on the bench for the extra skater, Vegas couldn’t get the tying goal and Columbus closed out the game with the empty net goal for the 6-4 final.
Other game notes and quotes.
Columbus scored 3 goals on their first 8 shots; 2 were within 30 seconds of each other.
Vegas scored their first 2 goals on just 7 shots.
It clearly was not a goaltending dual last night; both goaltenders wound up with a sub .900 save percentage: Thompson .865, Merzlikins .852.
Vegas entered the game 4-for-50 on the power play. With Jack Eichel’s PPG in the 3rd period, they went 1-for-4 and now are 5-for-54.
Vegas has given up a power–play goal in 3 straight games.
Vegas had a record of 11-2-1 when William Carrier scored a goal. That did not hold true in last night’s game
“We’re four games into this trip and I could argue we could have won every one of those games, but we found ways to lose and that’s troubling,” Coach DeBoer said. “There’s urgency. We know the situation. We’ve got to stop the bleeding.”
My 3 VGK Stars of The Game: With this 4-game losing streak, there are no stars to list. Get back with me when they win a game
Next game is tomorrow vs. Winnipeg Jets at 5 p.m. Pacific Time
Your comments and opinions are welcome here at Las Vegas Advisor or you may contact me directly at [email protected] or on my Facebook page or the Facebook page of Vegas Hockey Guy or on Twitter @TheRealJoePane
For more VGK content, check out the Hockey Knights in Vegas Podcast that can be found at this link or on my Facebook page.
One other note: If you’re reading this blog from Facebook or Twitter and would like to access it earlier in the morning before I share it on social media, it’s usually published by 8 a.m. the morning after a game on LasVegasAdvisor.com. What better way is there to enjoy your morning coffee than reading my take on last night’s VGK game.
The CBJ goal that both Theodore and Hague overplayed
Carrier’s goal that gave Vegas their only lead of the game
Eichel PPG
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Drew Thrasher has this opinion
I’m surprised no one has been fired yet
Jeff Friedrich reacted to Drew’s comment
Drew Thrasher, right?
Allen A-z asked me a question
No “stars” again?!…. LOL, that’s awesome. Great article.
Allen A-z should there be any?
Joe P.
Allen A-z responded.
Joe Pane no way. I always agree with your point of view 100%. I love that you’re not afraid to tell it the way it is.
Allen A-z well if one day you wake up and look for my article and do not see it, you will then know that the team didn’t like the way I was telling it like it is.
Joe P.
Brian Mishefske has his explanation as to what he believes is going on
Injuries sure but the team itself has lost its ability to just play fundamental Hockey! There is no reason for opponents to force issues when we just make enough mistakes to lead to them scoring. The team cannot skate into the offensive end and do one shot and out, there are no net front presence and if we do pass it around, we are looking for the perfect shot on goal. As a goalie it’s just the opposite way more traffic and forcing the goalie to make easy saves causes him to either cover or control rebounds. This team use to get dirty goals and it just isn’t happening. Back to basics, outwork and out hit will lower goals against and increase goals for.
Anne-Marie Denoyer responded to Brian
Brian Mishefske, they need a better goalie Thompson isn’t ready yet when he got upset for letting a goal by he let it get to him and made mistakes after. At least they are scoring some
Brian Mishefske wrote back to Anne-Marie
Anne-Marie Denoyer you are correct! Goaltending is all
mental and positioning but he did get left out to dry twice last night.
Anne-Marie Denoyer responded
Brian Mishefske yes, but he is good but not ready for this much pressure. Even if they don’t get to playoffs, I’m still a fan and patient enough that we will get to the cup again at some time and win it just a few more tweaks
Brian Mishefske responded
Anne-Marie Denoyer you are correct he needs more time as a starter in the AHL. I’m a patient and no matter how we finish I’m dedicated to our Knight’s. Have a blessed day Anne, always a pleasure.
Anne-Marie Denoyer responded
Brian Mishefske you too hopefully we have better results with the games that are left it’s not over yet
Brian Mishefske responded
Anne-Marie Denoyer 21 games left, and the heat is on the boys and management. We need a starting goalie ( HEALTHY ) to make a serious run. The players seem pissed and that’s a great thing and now we wait to see if we can make a trade to get a player or 2 to solidify our team. Have not heard a bell or a fat lady singing, but she is warning up. Go Knights
Anne-Marie Denoyer responded
Brian Mishefske lol what a great way to put that maybe a defense and goalie?
Brian Mishefske responded to Anne-Marie
Anne-Marie Denoyer goalie for sure and McNabb and Martinez if back we are solid.
Anne-Marie Denoyer added this to the conversation with Brian
Brian Mishefske the big IF I hope so but if we are getting 2, we have too many offenses a defense wouldn’t hurt and most definitely a goalie
Brian Mishefske sent this to Anne-Marie
Anne-Marie Denoyer I’m sure you have seen my write this but my lord I’m happy I’m not a GM. 😂
Anne-Marie Denoyer added this
Brian Mishefske me too but I wouldn’t mind their salary lol
Bill Jenkins wrote this
Not even interested in watching this anymore.
Well, that answers my question to you.
Joe P.
Judy Schneider
The team! Is! Yes of course!! 🏒🖤🥅🧡🍁🇨🇦#goKnightsgo #
Judy Schneider actually hearing Stephenson say this after the game gives me encouragement that they have not packed it in yet.
Joe P.
Judy Schneider responded
Joe Pane you are correct!!
Anna Simonelli Antolick had this detailed comment
I firmly believe that every player on this team wants to win…just like every fan wants their team to win. AND yes, that is the “solution” to the problem. However, it does seem that whatever “fixes” will be implemented need to be part of a long-term playbook. Again, injuries aside (and boy it has been tough to overcome so many missing pieces) there have been chances for those on the ice, but it appears that something is systemically “off” that ultimately leads to turnovers and incomplete attacks on the net. I keep looking at special teams and it’s hard not to see the fail of producing goals at a better rate with the man advantage. I also see the loss of the super D, on the kill and with the two way play, that VGK had with Martinez. Maybe it is coaching because after all, that’s supposed to be who’s in charge of game play, and maybe it’s management because they ultimately decide who stays and who goes. Regardless, the absence of both Stone and Martinez on the ice as play makers and leaders has no doubt had an impact on unfolding play.
Anna Simonelli Antolick I could not agree more with the points you have made.
Joe P.
Marie Archuletta-Nabit sent the CHECK mark in to confirm
💯%✅
Scott Amaral added this
The only thing worse than a VGK PP is VGK 6v5
Scott
They have actually scored 6 goals when they were 6V5
Joe P.
Scott Amaral responded to my 6V5 comment
Joe Pane it must have been a while. Recent shit play is clouding my mind. Didn’t they even have 6v4 a couple games back? Remember when these guys actually played a full 60 minutes? It’s been a while
Scott Amaral, my memory is bad, but I see your position they have not played an entire game in a while.
Joe P.
Dave Campoverde has this opinion
DeBoer needs to go. How did we get so bad if it’s not the leadership? Then what is it? I get we have 8 or 9 key players injured. But this is just ridiculous.
Josh Nilson responded to Dave’s opinion
Dave Campoverde at the end of the day, the players have to step up and play. Coach can’t do it for them
Josh Nilson then added
PW. Totally fire Spott.
Josh Nilson an opinion shared by many.
Joe P.
Josh Nilson responded
Joe Pane the fact that it has not happened yet is suspicious
Josh Nilson, I hear you loud and clear.
Joe P.
Dave Campoverde responded to Josh
Josh Nilson
It’s all about the culture in the locker room. The coach has to set the tone. Otherwise, why get rid of Gallant to begin with.
Vickie Webb wrote this
Once again you hit the nail on the head! The only thing you missed was the fight that put us in a 3 on 4 power play. I know everyone is frustrated and tempers are flying but come on when you do try that to your team it doesn’t help! Maybe they need a player’s only meeting, get everything out in the open without coaches and management around. Love the Knights but so frustrated right now. I couldn’t even finish the game last night.
Vickie Webb thank you for your kind words about hitting the nail on the head. But will the team like it?
Joe P.
Vickie Webb responded to my question to her
Joe Pane Sometimes the truth hurts or at least wakes you up!
Vickie Webb well if I disappear unexpectedly or wind up in the desert in a shallow grave you will know where to look first for the suspects 🙂
Joe P.
Tara Cranfield was brief but clear in her response to my question “Are You Sick Of It”
YES!!!
Tara Cranfield any suggestions on what needs to be done. We are running out of time.
Joe P.
Tara Cranfield responded to my question to her
Joe Pane if Lehner is expected to be out long term then they need to find another goalie because I do not think Bro and Thompson can handle it.
Tara
There is a rumor floating around that the VGK are kicking the tires on NY Ranger goalie Alexandar Georgiev.
Joe P.
Joe, as a Ranger fan you must have seen the numbers Georgiev having this season.
23 G, 19 GS, 7 W, 9 L, 0 T, 2 OT, 3,15 GAA, 0,893 SV%.
That`s not a registration plate on a russian car named Georgiev.😋
It`s his numbers this season on a winning team!
Talking about a car rolling with three wheels, He`s a spare part with a flat tire.
Vegas got three goalies in the same range of numbers as Georgiev has.
And please, no more russians.
I know it`s controversial, but the war in Ukraine can get even more south, i.e. Moldavia, and russian players could be a problem politically.
The player himself can be on the Ukraine side and have a dislike against Putin.
It`s a big but in this, what happens if the League decides to ban all russian players regardless their standpoint of the war.
It`s a big difference between Ovechkin, who`s connections with Putin is debateable, and Panarin, who`s been in trouble with the russian police (i.e. Putin) with false allegiations of rape.
In the world of haters it could be an distraction Vegas don`t need.
Douglas Carle said the following to my question
One thing I love about you Joe is your diplomacy. However, to read between your lines I would offer that anyone who has watched the team for the last five years (not to mention as season-ticket holders) know exactly when this team went off the rails and what needs to be done. When they fired Gallant after his first four game losing streak (although the team was solidly in a playoff spot and riding high in the league) and replaced him with Deboer actually marked the absolute starting point of the demise of the Golden Knights. Another writer in his article today said “Deboer simply isn’t a good fit with Vegas”. Once again diplomatic but incredibly accurate. He simply is not the coach for this team. He has turned a team of thoroughbreds into a team of plow horses.
Don’t let him gaslight the fans about injuries. We all remember last year and last playoffs when everyone was healthy, and his team couldn’t put the puck in the ocean from the pier. The power place sucked then just like it does now. Nothing has changed from last year other than the faces on the team. He simply hast to go (and frankly, if you want to actually get to the source of the problem, McCrimmon would go as well).
Enough is Enough
Linda J Moncrief-Campbell had this to say about Douglas comments
Douglas Carle boom!! facts
Brenda Hickman Darlow also responded to Douglas
Douglas. Thank you for your insight. You are absolutely Correct 💯
Kat Neely wrote
I agree.
Damien Garrett sent his comment in
Yes, finding it frustrating. Can name a couple of things. Fire Steve Spott which needs to happen, Bring in a hard nose enforcer. Which we need badly.
Ellajean Gerhardt wrote this
I will watch, cheer for, and support the VGK, win or lose, they’re our team!! All teams in every sport go through tough stretches, guess it’s our turn now. ❤💛🖤
Ellajean Gerhardt as a lifelong NY Ranger fan I know exactly how you feel and what you are going through. The Rangers for the most part would always make the playoffs but that was about it till the amazing summer of 1994. I have always bled BLUE and still do bit now I also have the VGK to quench my hockey thirst which they have for the first 4 years. This season is challenging but not the end of the world. The injuries have rattled this team and the fallout among the fans is somewhat interesting seeing how some are ready to throw the towel in. I have learned in my years following the NY Rangers you live and die with your team, and you ride the rollercoaster along with them.
Joe P.
Ellajean Gerhardt responded to me
Joe Pane you’re exactly right! People need to look at the entire picture, not just wins and “loses”, all of these injuries to top players, would have an effect on any team.
Bill Dickerson wrote
This may be an interesting deadline as nobody knows what they will do. Buy, sell who knows right now.
Bill Dickerson It will be very interesting and the secret to what they will do will only depend on the status of the injured players. If they know they will be back in May, they may only make one move if the injuries are long term beyond this season, then you may see a lot of movement on March 21st or before.
Joe P.
Bill Dickerson responded
Joe Pane my better judgment wants them to sell, get under cap and try to make some moves for next year but part of me always wants them to go for it
Tom Robertson sent this comment in
I haven’t seen anyone say anything except that the results have been poor. Maybe they’ve just had bad luck.
Terrilyn Krueger had this opinion.
This has been the worst year for VGK injuries. Almost every game we lose a player to an injury. I say this year is a wash. Get the team healthy and hit next season running. We have a lot of talent on our team. They haven’t been able to play enough of our regular players to mesh together a good line. 🖤💛
Jacqueline Claire wrote
Well, we finally became the team we were predicted to be in Season 1.
Samael Vinny A Roundpoint responded to Jacquelin
Jacqueline Claire, we have regressed to meet expectations lol
Barb Sinatra Burdo
I think we have been blessed with the team we’ve had since day 1. I mean how many other teams were contenders in their first year???? We just have to be patient and accept the hand we are dealt. I’ll admit it’s been hard watching games recently, but I still love out KNIGHTS
Connie Dallas has this opinion
Yes, it is sad what’s happened…….but really not their fault with so many injuries and sickness that they have had this year. In all fairness with that being said those left had not had a chance to ‘gel’ before another one ‘bites the dust’. I don’t know/think they’ll make the PO this year…….they sank without a ‘stone’. Pull up the hockey socks and hope things are better next year. Just my 2 cents! Still love em…….Go Knights, Go!
Brian Mishefske responded to Connie
Connie Dallas very good!! All of it Go Knight’s
Darcy A. Dougherty said this
Ouch
Brian Mishefske wrote
Joe, I forgot to say what a great written article and thanks.
Brian Mishefske thank you again for your loyal support of my articles.
Joe P.
Brian Mishefske responded
Joe Pane same for my comments and treating me with respect and my thoughts.
Brian Mishefske always your feedback is always spot on.
Joe P.
Brian Mishefske responded
Joe Pane thanks brother. I just love talking hockey it never gets old. Have a blessed Knight my friend. Go Knights 🥃
Well Brain you have come to the right place, Las Vegas Advisor has given me the opportunity to talk hockey just about every day I could not be happier. Thanks to Anthony Curtis the head honcho at LVA, who entertained my crazy idea at a July 4th BBQ back in 2016.
Joe P.
Brian Mishefske asked this question
Joe Pane nothing like having your dream job talking hockey and especially in beautiful Las Vegas. Do you cover the Raiders?
Brian Mishefske, no I cannot find my handcuffs 🙂
This of course is a JOKE
BTW I love that the Raiders are here in Las Vegas. Not happy about having to drive by the stadium on a game day, the traffic is just like driving in LA.
Brian Mishefske wrote back about my handcuff joke
Joe Pane I’m a lifetime Raiders fan for 49 wonderful crazy sad years. Lol yes, the handcuff joke is right on point. I’m sure traffic is hell!
Hey Joe.
Thank`s for a great recap. as usual I must say.
DeBoer must read what we post on your blog. 😎
After the game against Pittsburgh I wrote that William should be playing with Eichel and Marchy.
They started the game as hungry dogs, and an relentless forechecking resulted in a nice goal by Marchy.
I also wrote that Thompson should have a try as a starter in goal.
He was a bit shaky, but he`s in the beginning of his learning curve.
He`ll be better.
All of my suggestions to solve Vegas problems is to begin with some trades which help them the next season.
The Mc`s has to be good chessplayers to deal with players for the 22/23 season.
Maybe I should take a plane to LV and together with you start an palace revolution.😎😎
Richard Santomauro sent this opinion in
Let’s lay out the problems. (1) Goaltending is not good enough, (2) Defense is awful with both McNabb and Martinez out. A case can be made that Martinez would have made a huge difference in the standings. (3) Scoring has been an issue going all the way back to last year. In fact, you might say that the Deboer-ing game plan is not conducive to tipping the ice and high scoring. Lastly, too many new faces, too fast. The Fun Committee has been reduced to 1, Marchy. Face it, the chemistry of this team, the drive, the attitude was generated by Fleury, Reaves, Schmidt…. This new team has to find its identity and that isn’t going to happen with 9 or 10 players on the injury list.
Mario Ilario wrote
We ‘gave away the farm’, just to try to win the Stanley cup. It’s backfiring bigtime.
Ronald Vormwald wrote
Its hockey, we don’t play games on paper. If we make the playoffs, we have the same odds as every other team in the playoffs. The team has absorbed the highest injury rate of any team. yes, it is a critical issue when every segment of the team is decimated. Relax and enjoy some Proper 12. The boys are still fighting, Debor will figure something out and either way we still have the best fan base in hockey, Whine away, Pahrump will make more.
Francine Campagna sent this comment in
Trust Me This Will Change After A Few Years You All In Vegas Nation Could Have It All ! My Home Town😎
Audrey Graham Frazee had this to say
I think the management sent the team in the wrong direction—- hopefully they will play more “team” like soon. I will always be their fan. I waited a long time for this team!
Diane Blank-Booker Hartley wrote this about the VGK
I also am a ride or die with this team. The problem is not just injuries. This team is barely recognizable because it’s admin has dismantled it. Yes, there are always trades – I know it is a business. I believe when you start a team that takes you to the Stanley Cup finals in the first year it is not good business to destroy it. Conception of this team was genius and it showed that the first years. Why would you then fire the coach and start trading all the players and in turn destroy the concept that took this team to playoffs every year? I don’t understand how they could look at where we are now and think that those were good decisions. I am sure that these guys are in fear everyday wondering who is going next because there is a lot of salary to be cut. My heart breaks for them right now and I don’t know how they will ever come back to the team they once were.
Ellajean Gerhardt replied to Diane
Diane Blank-Booker Hartley totally agree with you, heartbreaking 😏
Astrid Clemmons wrote this
I know fleury is never coming back, but i really wish Lehner was shipped off somewhere. Not a fan, he is not that good, injury prone, and the way he was acquired really made it so that most vgk fans won’t support him. maybe through no fault of his own, but we need a fresh start and a solid goalie. unfortunate but true is a lot of our wins were fleury saving our asses through shitty defense, we no longer have that safety net. love broiss and thomp but they need more development. just my opinion.
Larry Loik asked this question
Missing Flower yet? Get rid of Mcfly
Karen Belieu had this opinion
Flower was the heart ❤…
Karen Belieu isn’t that the truth.
Joe P.
Kookoo Carlisle wrote
I don’t think it is Pete’s fault. He didn’t cause all of the injuries.