This season has been challenging, to say the least and March has been a real test of character and resolve for the VGK—players, coaches, front office.
Prior to the last 2 games at T-Mobile, we suffered through a torturous 5-game losing streak to 4 teams with early golf tee times; 4 of them will not be playing in May. These were games that the VGK could have, should have, and needed to win, even with their long list of missing players. But they didn’t and they’re now fighting for their playoff lives. Truthfully, for the first time in their four years, I had them with a very weak pulse rate and very likely not making the playoffs after the road trip.
Back at T-Mobile, many didn’t think they could win the first game against the Florida Panthers. That included yours truly.
Pete DeBoer, who never throws his players under a bus. Pete called out his goaltending tandem of Laurent Brossoit and Logan Thompson with scathing words: “We need people to get in front of pucks.”
Well, Logan Thompson responded with 2 solid performances. In the second game against the L.A. Kings, he stopped a career-high 38 shots of the 39 he faced, with 19 of the 38 saves in the 3rd period alone, notch a 5-1 win on his belt.
In the game against Florida, Logan held the #1 goal-scoring machine to just 3 goals in their 5-3 victory. Yes, the VGK, who were struggling to score goals, have scored 10 in the last 2 games (granted, 2 into an empty net) to the delight of the VGK faithful, who haven’t had a whole lot to cheer about this season.
Wins at T-Mobile have not come with the same frequency as in previous seasons. The penalty-killing unit, which has always been at the top of the league, has had its troubles this season, even with a league-high 9 shorthanded goals. The ninth came yesterday when Mattias Janmark scored his 8th goal of the season with 3:36 left in the 2nd period to regain the 2-goal lead that Vegas held with goals by Dadonov late in the first period and a power-play goal by Chandler Stephenson just 39 seconds into the 2nd period. Dadonov has now scored 4 goals in his last 4 games; this is secondary scoring that Vegas so desperately needs while Stone, Pacioretty, and Smith are sidelined. Chandler Stephenson’s power-play goal was his 15th of the season and a career high. Last season, Stephenson scored 14 goals in 51 games yesterday was his 61st game.
After the Florida game, it appeared that Jack Eichel would be just another body added to the long list of VGK injured players. But to everyone’s surprise, including Pete DeBoer and the 18,136 in attendance at T-Mobile, he played. DeBoer shared with us that it wasn’t until right before the game that he knew Jack would be good to go. Still, it was clear that Eichel was not 100%; he didn’t take a faceoff for the entire game and it showed in the stats as L.A. won the bulk of the faceoffs 65% to 35%. Winning faceoffs is important; it gives teams possession of the puck and that showed up in the shots on goal: L.A. 39, VGK 24. It’s not often teams outshoot Vegas, but with the dominating faceoff percentage, L.A. had the puck more than Vegas.
The flip side to this stat is that without the puck, Vegas took the body more than usual in their attempt to regain control of possession of the puck. Vegas outhit L.A. 44 to 37 in one of the rare games this year that Vegas had more hits than the opposing team.
Has DeBoer lost confidence in Laurent Brossoit? He started Thompson against the high-scoring Florida Panthers, then came right back with him yesterday and commented post-game about putting in the player he believes gives the team the best shot to win.
With Lehner sidelined and no one knowing the extent of his injury, is it possible that this was a test for Thompson to see if he can be the backup for Lehner next season? If so, it will give the VGK the option to move Brossoit on Monday at the trade deadline for a goaltender with playoff history. Two goaltenders may be on the move and if Vegas is indeed looking for a backup for Lehner, there’s Semyon Varlamov of the NY Islanders, who has 60 playoff games in his resume, but also has a $5 million salary, so another contract would need to be moved (Brossoit has a $2.325 million cap hit). The other goaltender rumored to be available is NY Rangers backup Alexandar Georgiev. The only downside to Georgiev is that he has zero playoff experience. But he’s played in 120 NHL games and his salary is only $2.425 million, very close to Brossoit’s. Laurent has only 27 minutes of playoff experience with the Edmonton Oilers where he gave up 2 goals on just 8 shots.
Tomorrow will be interesting. With these last 2 wins, Vegas has crawled back into the playoff picture. How will McCrimmon and McPhee play their hand? Will they take these last 2 wins as a sign there is life in this team and look to make a splash? Or knowing the extent of the injuries, do they become sellers and pack it in till next season?
Game Notes and Quotes
“The more reps I get, the more comfortable I get,” Thompson said. “I was able to get in the game early and I definitely just kept feeding off it. The guys in front were doing a great job. It definitely made my job easier.”
DeBoer on Eichel: “He gutted it out. He’s a guy who can play with some pain. It’s that time of year. I’ve been really impressed with him — his battle level, his will to compete, his willingness to play a 200-foot playoff-type game for us. Now he’s willing to play through some injuries in order to be out there helping us.”
Stephenson on his power-play goal that was assisted by Eichel: “I didn’t have to do anything, just put my stick there,” Stephenson said. “That’s the kind of player [Eichel] is. He’s an All-Star. You can be anywhere. Even if there are three or four guys in front of you, he seems to find you. His game seems to keep getting better and better. It’s fun to watch.”
Thompson’s previous NHL high was 35 saves in a 4-1 win at the San Jose Sharks on Feb. 20.
My 3 Stars Of The Game: Logan Thompson (38 saves on 37 shots for his 2nd win in a row), Chandler Stephenson (PPG and the GWG), Mattias Janmark (shorthanded goal for the league-high 9th; they are tied with Florida for the most shorties)
Next game is tomorrow at Minnesota 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.
Stephenson PPG off of a sweet pass from Eichel
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Kathy Swanson put her answer in
Never lost hope!
Steve Novell shared his thoughts on my question
Yes! Finally playing with the energy we need. 4 points back of the kings. Catching up to Dallas who has a busy schedule… I think Edmonton bumps up to 2. We sneak in at 3rd, and kings get a wildcard with Nashville
Frederick Achimist Jr. added this
Keep workin on it.👏
Hey Joe.
Great recap.
To begin with Thompson, he was good but as opponent teams begin to scout him they will find out that he’s overly aggressive to the shooter.
He’s not square to the shooter and he’s spinning around uncontrolled after the shot.
That’s the only criticism I have against his style of goaltending.
The good thing is his tendensy to save almost every shot. 😀
The D-men never stops surprising me. All of them, even the best passer, Pietrangelo, shoots the puck to icing without any pressure on them.
Poulliot is a positive surprise.
Theodore and Coghlan should be able to bet on how early in the game they’ll make the first mistake.
I wonder if they’ve got it all wrong when they asked the guy who’s in charge of the material “Give us the gaffe-tape, we need it to fix our sticks”.🤣😂
Dadonov scored again but that’s all he does to help the team.
Janmark works hard every shift and gives Vegas depth scoring.
Vegas is riding on the “luck of the irish” that began in the game against Florida.
I’m waiting for news about trades coming into the trade deadline.
It’s gonna be interresting, or not!
Kenneth
Theodore’s stick has been broken all year. It’s amazing how many times he loses the puck especially at the blue line on the power play. Thompson’s aggressive style reminds me a lot of how Fleury would challenge the shooter and sometimes have to make an acrobatic save to recover his position once the puck was passed to another player. That was how Washington was able to adjust to his style and win 4 games in a row after VGK won game 1 in the SCF. Monday should be interesting in light of these 2 wins the first being a surprise against Florida.
Joe P.
Hey Joe.
Remember how “good” Khudobin (Dallas) were against Vegas in the bubble 2020.
The Knights couldn`t find out how to score on him. That cost Vegas a place in the finals.
In the finals Tampa knew exactly how to score on him, probably thank`s to video-scouting.
Interresting to know how or if Vegas scouted Khudobin before the semifinals.
As an amateur scout, I`ve found out his shortcomings in the quarterfinals.
It´s interresting to know the opponents flaws and weaknesses.
If Vegas think-tank hasn`t found out the same facts and sort of giving away a place in the finals, make me scream.
That doesn`t help but it makes me cool off until the next time it appears.
All this says something about the history of The Vegas Golden Knights.
It doesn`t matter who they trade for, it`s the coach, the GM or the owner who`s responsible for how VGK play on the ice.
Therefore I would like to be a fly on the wall in those rooms were the decisions are made.
On the other hand, they would be shocked when they see an slightly overweight, old swedish guy on the wall at the office.
Fingers crossed 🤞🏾!!Keep up the good work!! Get more players healthy!!🏒🥅🧡🖤🇨🇦🍁#goKnightsgo #
Judy, very true if they play like they have in these last 2 games even with all of their key players missing they will catch LA who has injuries issues of their own.
Joe P.
Drew Thrasher sent this comment in
Don’t know what was said, but they’re starting to look like last year’s team again.
Drew Thrasher, it makes no sense that they go from playing poorly to how they have played these last 2 games. I guess they followed Stephenson’s advice and DUG DEEP and grab their nuts. 🙂
Joe P.
Drew Thrasher responded
Joe Pane idk man I know they got like two guys back, but they look completely different
Drew Thrasher the real question is do they have enough games left to make up the difference to catch either Edmonton or LA Kings for the last playoff spot in the Pacific. I think the wild card spots will come from 2 teams from the Central division.
Joe P.
Drew Thrasher responded
Joe Pane as long as we still get some people back, they should at least get a wild card spot if they keep playing like this
Drew Thrasher the 2 Wild Card spots will be difficult as both Dallas and Nashville have better numbers. I believe the team’s best shot is to get 2nd or 3rd place in the Pacific Division that is an easier road to the playoffs for them.
Joe P.
Drew Thrasher added this
Joe Pane hopefully the kings will hit their losing streak.
Drew Thrasher the LA Kings are also dealing with a lot of injuries.
Joe P.
Vickie Webb asked this question and made this comment
If I am not mistaken, they just signed Thompson to a 2-year contract. I hope that means they have faith in him. If we ever get all our defensive lines back, I think he will only get better. I am still unsure about the playoffs, but at least our guys haven’t given up! What I would like to know is, are our high-priced players out because they still need to be or are they out till we playoffs when the salary cap is lifted?
Vickie you are correct Logan Thompson signed a contract extension that runs to the end of the 2024-25 season at 766,667 which will be a steal of a contract if he continues to play, the way he has especially these last 2 games. He was the AHL goalie of the year last season, so it is a good inexpensive contract on a team that is up against the cap going forward. Now as far as the injured players specifically the high-priced ones there are only 3 people who know the answer to this question. The team doctor the front office and the player. My opinion is that if it was playoff time Stone and Pacioretty would be on the ice and playing with less than 100% capability. Because these 2 players less than 100% are still better than filling their spots with an AHL player.
Joe P.
Eric Haugland had this difference of opinion to my interpretation of DeBoer’s remarks about getting in front of shots
I would beg to differ slightly with you when it comes to DeBoer’s statement regarding “guys need to get in front of pucks”. The team block stat has tanked with the loss of McNabb. Jack Eichel leads forwards with blocked shots over the last 10 games. That is not where you want your All Star. In front blocking shots off his now injured wrist. Amadio has a amassed a grand total of 1 damn block in last 5. This is ridiculous. Hits and Blocks win hockey games. This team needs to step up quickly.
Eric Haugland, I agree that without McNabb and Martinez the shot blocking has gone MIA. But i also do believe that on the road trip he was calling on his goaltenders also to get in front of the pucks as they were caught numerous times out of position. He even said I’m not a goaltending expert BUT.
Joe P.
Kobe Hollenbeck responded
I thought they were going to lose against Florida…They proved me wrong, I honestly didn’t know what to expect with LA…and a 5-1 win…which makes me happy…Before I was making comments on YouTube saying that the Knights have no chance to make the playoffs…am I still concerned? Yes…BUT…the last 2 games we saw the fire that the Knights have needed all season long. And they finally got a result, and from what I saw in the highlights, Thompson was on fire. So I am still concerned, but I do have some hope now, and I do believe that they can turn it around if they keep this up. That’s where I stand
Eric Haugland wrote
Eichel is playing gritty amazing hockey. This guy is showing up and playing hurt. Highly effective in the LA game. Blocking shots like mad. Passing to the tape. It is a joy to watch this guy work
Eric Haugland It sure is even with a bad wrist/hand he made a perfect pass to Stephenson for the power-play goal the game winner BTW.
Joe P.
Richard Santomauro wrote this
I think Logan Thompson is a diamond in the rough. So yeah, stick with him because it could pay off huge. I am surprised that they played as well defensively as they have the past two games with McNabb and Martinez still sidelined. Part of that was improved play by Coghlan and Martinez defensively.
Marie Archuletta-Nabit wrote this
Joe you always gotta have hope never see the glass as Half empty but half full!! Keep the faith!! On the other side of the coin, I wish they would get rid of Lehner, but nobody wants him too bad for us lol!
Marie Archuletta-Nabit I’m trying but it becomes so frustrating losing to teams you should not lose to 4 to be exact,and then beating a team like the Florida Panthers who based upon their recent play had no chance to win the game and they did. Makes no sense how they just turn the switch on and off like that?
Joe P.
Rob N Jaye Amirault sent this response in to my question
We never lost the hope 🙂
All year, we have been playing with a broken team with injuries, covid etc., and we have always been in the fight!
Might not have been the prettiest seasons, but others have stepped up and now we must dig deep and finish strong!
Rob N Jaye Amirault so true that they even still have a shot of getting to the playoffs. Speaks volumes for the depth of the organization and the coaching of DeBoer. Now if he only would pick up some SPOT remover from the grocery store things may be even better. 🙂
Joe P.
Judy Devitt Horvath wrote this
We have a great deal of talent! Unfortunately, we are overwhelmed with serious and numerous injuries! I don’t have hope— I have FAITH that our guys will rally! GKG 🏒🥅⚔️🛡💛🖤
Judy on paper they may be one of the most talented team, but it’s played on ice and not on paper and there are injuries to contend with. This season has been strange to say the least with not just the number of injuries but who is getting injured. Their “BIG GUNS” seem to be on the hit list.
Joe P.
Jacqueline Claire sent this comment in
Cautiously hopeful. LT looking very good in net the last 2 games. Definitely more synchronicity with passing and setting up plays, and perseverance. I hope they all continue this type of play. 😎
Jacqueline
The team we have witnessed these last 2 games was not the team we watched on the road trip from hell. Not sure what happened or what was said but take this improved play and move on and up in the Pacific Division. Because we all know get in and you just never know what can happen especially if all of the injured players are able to return for the games starting in May.
Joe P.
Kristi Scott Smith answered my question
A little …..Real hope will comeback if they go .500 for the road trip.
Kristi Scott Smith I’m hoping than can get both games. That’s real hope.
Joe P.
Crazee Chaingang voiced her opinion on if she has hope
Uuuuhhh no. 🤪
Christine Balz echoed Crazee opinion
Crazee Chaingang me neither!! I’m just enjoying the party atmosphere while we can, been a pretty dry season! 🤣🤣
Bill Jenkins added this opinion
They now have a pulse with a goalie that found his game and confidence to build on.
Bill Jenkins it all starts from the goal line out that is a proven fact.
Joe P.
Bill Jenkins responded
Joe Pane yup
Laura Simone wrote
Great article
Judy Billman Grech wrote this
Good read. Some fans were ready to let Dadanov go not so long ago.
Judy, he has stepped up with 4 goals in his last 4 games. The team needs secondary scoring with all of their top guns sidelined.
Joe P.
Dave Campoverde wrote this
This team confuses me. Get beat by some of the worst teams. Then step up the against good teams. Thompson definitely doing his part to earn a spot. Great job kid.
Joe Pane
Dave Campoverde so true yet so confusing. I feel your pain.
Joe P.
Kathy Swanson wrote
It’s gonna happen believe, show your love.
Damien Garrett wrote
Playing better hopefully this is a sign of the boys playing hard hockey.
Charlene Ono a LA Kings fan contributed her comments to the topic.
They played a really great game tonight, tough for me to watch against my KINGS. Congrats
Christine Balz added this response to Charlene
Well, everyone except KARLSSON! 👀🤣🤣
Andrew Lunsford is of the opinion that its
Too little to late
Kevin Logan sent a thumbs up in
👍🏽
Kevin Logan It may not be a lot right now, but it is a good start to getting back into the playoff picture.
Joe P.
Kevin Logan responded
Joe Pane Oh , definitely, your take is always right on Q.
Kevin Logan thank you
Joe P.
Here is something to make you ponder. as I mentioned in the above article The VGK are rumored to be interested in finding a backup to Robin Lehner. One of the names that keeps on entering the conversation is NY Ranger goaltender Alexandar Georgiev. Well, he just shutout the Carolian Hurricanes in Carolina just now. Could he be a VGK come Monday afternoon?
Damien Garrett responded
Wouldn’t mind if we got Alexander from the Rangers. Would be a good pick up and back up for Panda
Steve Novell added this about Alexander
Wouldn’t be playing tonight if going to be traded I would think. but who knows?
Steve Novell they could be showcasing him.
Joe P.
Steve Novell responded
rental or long term? fits 1a 1b. LT trade bait next year then? I know LT not quite ready for full time goalie… next year could get 30 starts as back up.
Marianne Coninx added this news
Well, they just did places fragilleeeee Pacioretty on IR
Marianne
So true he has been injured multiple times since coming over from Montreal.
Joe P.
Marianne Coninx responded
Joe Pane it’s getting tiresome really at his cost to us.
Marianne Coninx to say the least.
Joe P.
Damien Garrett added this to the Pacioretty injury conversation.
Joe Pane will add frustrating as well. seeing Patches leaving the game with a injury
Damien Garrett, it happens so much they should just keep it on a video loop and play it back.
Joe P.
Marianne Coninx responded
Joe Pane agree. One season (aka stone) ok pass but it has been every flippen season with him. Always near playoffs and this season has been even worse.
Crazee Chaingang had this about the news/rumor on a backup for Lehner
🤔
Sure you ain’t pitching and wishing this because it’s a Rangers dude?
Crazee Chaingang absolutely not. But if he does come over, will you stay for the entire game?
Joe P.
Cori Fincken added to the likelihood of Crazee staying for the entire game
Joe Pane she will stay if you glue her ass to the chair… 🤪🤪🤣🤣
Cori Fincken will we need SUPER GLUE she is always in motion?
Joe P.
Crazee Chaingang responded
Joe Pane awww bless your heart
Crazee Chaingang I know you are not serious about blessing my heart. But it could use some blessing 🙂
Joe P.
Johnny Lawless sent this in
Funny how goalies look great when the team scores 5 for them. Not sure we could have done that against either team #1 goalie.
Did you notice the Stephenson line is actually starting #1 last 2 games now?