If you listened to head coach Pete DeBoer following the devastating loss to the NJ Devils on Monday night, you and anyone with ears would have penciled in Logan Thompson as the starting goaltender for the last 5 games of the season. Under normal circumstances, Pete never throws any of his players under the bus, but he was clear on Monday that he needed more from Robin Lehner and that Logan Thompson was the more consistent goaltender. So it was a logical conclusion that Thompson would face the Washington Capitals last night in a game that Vegas had to win, which they did, by a score of 4-3 in overtime, keeping their playoff hopes, alive even if they’re slim.
But to the dismay of 18,240 and the entire press row of media, as the team entered the ice through the tunnel, Robin Lehner was at the front of the line. We all turned and looked at one another in amazement and disbelief.
Welcome to the 2021-2022 VGK roller-coaster season. It really has been that, without one iota of embellishment on my part.
If you’re in a situation where you pretty much have to win all 5 of your remaining games, are you really going to go back to Robin Lehner who clearly is struggling in all aspects of his game? His positioning, his lateral movements, his ability to track pucks in a timely manner — all have been a challenge. But lo and behold, PDB tapped Robin as his starting goaltender.
That ol’ roller coaster has peaks and sudden drops that make you leave your stomach behind. When the team took the ice for the second period with the score tied at 1-1, Robin Lehner was left behind and leading the team was Logan Thompson. Once again, the 18,240 looked on in disbelief. Do you really replace a goaltender who isn’t injured and gave up only one goal?
We found out in the post-game press conference that DeBoer was attempting to motivate the team.
When asked why he started Lehner after the Devils game, he said, “Robin Lehner is paid to start games here.”
I say, “Pete DeBoer, you’re paid to win games here. So if you’re serious about winning or at least trying to run the table on the last 5 games, you start Logan Thompson. Logan won 5 in a row between from March 24 and April 14, giving up only 8 goals.
But PDB rolled the dice in his attempt to get Robin’s confidence back, a gutsy gamble considering that there’s zero room for error. As much as he said he was trying to motivate the team, it seemed more that he didn’t like what he saw from Robin, who once again didn’t look comfortable in the first 20 minutes.
Post-game, Alec Martinez said, “We had some adversity throughout the game.” What adversity was that, Alec? Did he unintentionally reveal locker-room uproar when Lehner was told he wasn’t playing the rest of the game? We’ll never know, but it make sense, being to pull a goaltender in a 1-1 game after 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, all 18,240 in attendance witnessed NHL history last night when the Great One, Alex Ovechkin, scored his 49th and 50th goals of the season for the 9th time in his career, tying the Real Great One, Wayne Gretzky, and Mike Bossy, who unfortunately passed away the other day.
Years from now, 182,000 people will claim to have been at T-Mobile last night. Ovechkin seems to excel in Vegas. He won his only Stanley Cup at T-Mobile in June 2018 and tied a record last night that has stood for a very long time.
Robin Lehner and Logan Thompson combined for 25 saves Lehner (12) Thompson (13). Dadonov who was traded and returned to the VGK, tied the game with his goal 2:05 into the 3rd period. Since returning to the VGK, Dadonov has scored 5 goals in 4 games and has 17 points in this span. Last season, Dodonov had 13 goals and 7 assists for 20 points in 55 games with the Ottawa Senators. This season he has 20 goals and 21 assists for 41 points in 74 games.
Just 49 seconds after Dadonov’s goal, Chandler Stephenson scored a power-play goal to give Vegas the 3-2 lead.
Ovechkin wasn’t going away quietly and with 6:24 left in the game, he fired a slap shot that was recorded at 101 MPH past LT to tie the game. LT and Ovi had a personal contest going on with a few 10-bell saves by LT on Ovi. But Ovi is the most prolific goal scorer in the game and it’s almost impossible to keep him off the scoresheet. He did get 2 by LT, but LT got the win when Shea Theodore once again performed his OT heroics with the GWG, skating through and around a few Capitals and deked TJ Oshie before putting a backhander past Ilya Samsonov, who stopped 26 of the 30 shots he faced. Theodore’s goal was his 3rd game-winner in overtime this season, and his 14th overall, a career high; his 48 points this season are also a career best.
Other Game Notes and Quotes
“We know the reality of the situation right now,” Vegas defenseman Alec Martinez said. “Our back is against the wall. These are must-win hockey games. Obviously, to get a win tonight and get those two points is huge, but the job isn’t done yet. We can enjoy this one for tonight, but we all know what the task at hand is.”
“As a goalie partner, you don’t want to be in that situation,” Thompson said. “Robin is a massive part of our team. He loves everyone, so you never want to see that.”
“The tying goal by Dadonov was huge,” Vegas coach Peter DeBoer said. “It lit up the building. That was a huge momentum swing for us.”
“He’s one of the most incredible talents of all time,” Martinez said about Ovechkin. “He’s a generational player. What he’s done on the ice is incredible. A guy like that really grows the game and gets people involved. People want to watch him play. It’s an honor to play against him.”
My 3 Stars of the Game: Shea Theodore (GWG, 1 assist, 3 SOG), Alex Ovechkin (2G, 1A, 6 SOG), Evgenii Dadonov (1G, 1A)
Next game is Sunday vs. the San Jose Sharks 7 p.m. Pacific Time at T-Mobile
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.
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Great article,Joe 🙏 Hopefully I will get to watch on TV one of the rest (4).and they keep winning as they have too.?🤞🏾🤞🏾🤞🏾🏒🥅🖤🧡🇨🇦#goknightsgo#!
Judy
Thank you once again for you continued support and kind words about my articles.
I hope you know that you can see all NHL games on your computer at this website.
I use it when I’m on the road
nhl66.ir
It was already 1-0 when we got to our seats. Surprised to see Lehner in net. When LT led the team out of the locker room you could feel the surge of excitement in the crowd! The Knights also responded, like they knew they had a shot to win it. What a great game to be at!
And maybe the GM should be on the chopping block? Good thing Dadonov had the no trade clause because without him the playoffs would already be in the rear view mirror.
Joe thanks for the great articles and your podcast with Eddie!!!
Gene you and most of the 18,000 + were surprised by Lehner starting. He once again didn’t look comfortable. Once has to wonder if the GM pressured DeBoer to start Lehner to save face as their goaltending choice has not aged well for them. With the understanding if he didn’t look good you can yank him. Yes, Dadonov as I said with tongue in cheek that he was a good trade deadline pickup 🙂
Joe P.
What an exciting game to witness in person. I am gravel voice today from screaming encouragement to our guys. It was clear Robin was starting goalie even though we all thought it was Logan. Huge surprise to see Logan out there to start the 2nd period, but made the crowd and me very happy. Felt bad for Robin to sit through two periods, but something about Logan seems to get our guys in gear. Still don’t think Robin is 100%, we know he is a better goalie than how he has been playing so much of this year. Let’s go with Logan for now to close out our regular season please.
Darcy
So true about the atmosphere at T-Mobile last night. Between the VGK having to win and being behind and the switching of the goaltenders and all while watching Alex Ovechkin tie a record held by just 2 players in the history of the game.
I was glad i was there. Robin has had a tough few weeks, since returning from his injury. We all know he can play better than he has so it makes you wonder what is going on with him.
Joe P.
Marianne Coninx had this opinion of why Lehner got the start.
I think maybe he was “told” to start Lehner.
Marianne Coninx that is something that was discussed in the press box because what he said after the NJ does not mesh well with starting Robin in a must win game. The quick hook 🪝 leads me to believe you are spot on.
Joe P.
Marianne Coninx responded
Joe Pane, it seems McCrimmon told Deboer to start Lehner “that’s what we pay him to do” and Deboer told McCrimmon one sign of issue he is getting pulled and he did just that.
Yes, I concur
Marianne Coninx also added this
Joe Pane I can see the team rattled. After that first goal Theodores’ whole-body language was like “REALLY”.
Marianne
Like I told Gene here in this comment section I firmly believe DeBoer was instructed, or it was suggested to him to start Lehner and then he could make the choice on how far to go with him. The GM and GMGM made a decision last off season that they could live without Fleury and put all their chips on Lehner. Starting the AHL goalie over Lehner does not bold well for their evaluation of which goaltender they chose to ride off into the sunset with.
Joe P.
Jeffrey Venuto has this opinion
Deboer need to go the team is not playing for him at all!
Christine Balz responded to Jeffrey opinion
Jeffrey Venuto he’s too laid back – he wants to see urgency from the team meanwhile Mr. Montone isn’t getting no hype going himself…
Christine Balz then added this
Something just isn’t clicking with Lehner and the team – or should I say, Fans….I don’t care how professional you are if every game you play you aren’t welcomed that’s gonna weigh on ya! He didn’t stand a chance being the replacement for Fleury 🙄 no goalie would with these Fleury people…. this fan base is a different breed 🤪🤣🤣🤣
Christine Balz they are unique that’s for sure.
Joe P.
Christopher Couch sent this opinion in
I was getting off the fire PDB train for a while, but after his recent acts I think I’m getting back on it.
I mentioned last time that I couldn’t put my finger what I thought VGKs issues were this year, but I think I know now. It’s coach DeBoer. His messaging is consistently unclear inconsistent with his actions, and which leads to players not trusting him. Which leads them to over thinking their game and causing bone head mistakes.
I think DeBoer took the talent on this team for granted and just assumed that they would pull it together and make the playoffs. His lack of urgency rubbed off on the players and it showed in many many games.
I don’t think Vegas let’s him go in the off season, but I can see him wearing a very short leash to start the season and if things go sideways, he will end up like Gallant did.
Just my 2 pennies worth.
Christopher Couch I could not agree with you more. His job is safe even if he doesn’t make the playoffs. And that is only because of the injuries. Still having a shot this late in the season granted it’s a long shot but having one bolds well for his tenure here in Las Vegas.
Joe P.
Derrick Stewart sent this comment in
The definition of insanity is doing the same exact thing over and over and expecting different results. Thank God he finally pulled the plug on RL last night! Let’s hope it stays that way! LT brings athleticism, charisma and a positive ora RL lacks!
Derrick he may have pulled him just in time. I think LT has earned the net, but I also thought he would be in the net last night and I was shocked to see Robin starting.
Joe P.
Derrick Stewart responded
Joe Pane totally agree! I am no expert. But every expert I listen to can NOT figure out what PDB was thinking when LT was on a five game hot streak, and he sticks RL back in!
Vickie Webb sent these opinions and thoughts in
As always, I can depend on you for an honest assessment of the game! Like everyone else couldn’t believe I saw Lehner in the goal to start the game. We are just lucky the second goal was called offside because that would have been the game. Both of those goals Lehner should have saved! I hope they start Thompson on Saturday and the remaining games. He is young and quick! We also need to work on our line consistence! We have all these high paid players that don’t seem to make decent pass.
Vickie Webb thank you, yes, the 2nd goal he looked slow to react on. The team caught a break that it was offsides. Also, so you don’t arrange your schedule wrong their next game is on Sunday and not Saturday.
Joe P.
Marsha Blevins Thrash wrote
Monday night you can’t find 3 ⭐️s. Two days later (last night) you’ve got 3 solid—Theo, Daddy & Ovi. Well written as always, Joe
Marsha Blevins Thrash thank you the 3 stars were easy to locate last night they were the ones shining bright in the desert sky.
Joe P.
Marsha Blevins Thrash responded
Joe Pane It was a very exciting game
Marsha
It’s about time we haven’t had many this season at T-Mobile.
Joe P.
Marsha Blevins Thrash responded
Joe Pane True. Calgary comes to mind. 🔥
Marsha Blevins Thrash that was on the road I was talking about exciting games in front of the hometown crowd Calgary was a HUGE win. I wonder who was in nets that night. 🙂
Joe P.
Marsha Blevins Thrash responded
Joe Pane I was thinking as we were leaving the Fortress last night that it felt like playoffs last year when we’d win and scream all the way down the escalators to outside. Everyone was so excited. Who knew all the shit this season would bring, starting with the loss of Fleury.
Marsha Blevins Thrash it’s has been a strange season to say the least.
Joe P.
Steve Onorato wrote this
Like I said on my last post, he has no clue what he is doing at this point. He did one good thing last night, took out loser Lehner, give Thompson more of a chance against the top-notch teams. Let Lehner sit the bench for a while, he is a total waste of 5M dollars.
Bryan Sandrock wrote
Good one Joe!
Nick Steffen wrote this
Joe Pane, I liked your comments as usual. I am still baffled by the decision to start Lehner, then pull him after one period. I watched DeBoer’s post game comments. To me they didn’t quite ring true. I could understand it if he wanted to give Lehner a chance to redeem himself if this was an early season game or we had clinched a playoff spot but not when the Knights are hanging on by their fingernails. This isn’t peewee hockey where one tries to support a struggling kid. This is a “what have you done for me lately” league. I wonder if there isn’t something more going on here. Front office pressure?
Nick Steffen front office pressure is something that was actually discussed in the press box last night.
staring LT is admitting that their choice of Robin is not aging well.
Joe P.
Nick Steffen responded to my comment.
Joe Pane, that’s pretty much what I was thinking. It’s difficult for some people to admit that they made a mistake.
Marianne Coninx wrote
Joe Pane 100% and McCrimmon doesn’t want to answer the truth and proven wrong when he rushed with the trade for Lehner. Once McCrimmon traded for Lehner, the die was already cast for Fleury. If it weren’t for the shortened and compact season prior, I think Fleury would have been gone sooner. A part of me, wonders if a side agreement with that Lehner trade with Chicago gave them “rights” to Fleury. Hence the reason he was traded for “nothing”
Frederick Achimist Jr. wrote
He is the Coach.
Nick Steffen responded to Frederick
Frederick Achimist Jr., I am well aware of that.
Susan Vail wrote this
How about that save by Thompson with twelve minutes to go in the third? You think Lehner could have done that? NOT. Logan moves around a lot like Fleury did. Should be the goalie of choice from now on
Susan
That save was impressive to say the least. Logan is very athletic and is quick to react to pucks.
Joe P.
Johnny Lawless sent this comment in
Ovechkin got 1 past Lehner and 2 past LT.
Doesn’t make sense that Lehner is somehow awful and pulled for letting a 101-mph shot from Ovi past him, but LT is just aw shucks for doing the same. We all know there is more to the why.
Johnny Lawless actually Ovechkin both of his goals were scored against LT. One in the second period and one in the 3rd that tied the game at 3-3
Joe P.
Johnny Lawless responded to my comment
Joe Pane rewatch the goal against Lehner in case you’ve forgot or didn’t watch. Ovechkin shot the puck past Lehner, and it was going in. Then Kutzenov just helped it over the line and got official credit.
Johnny Lawless I know who shot the puck, but you said he scored once against Lehner and twice against LT. That would make 3 goals and a Hat Trick.
Joe P.
Johnny Lawless responded
Joe Pane reread what I said. Not what you thought I said. 😀
Johnny Lawless here is what you said and not what I thought you said.
“Ovechkin got 1 past Lehner and 2 past LT”.
Looks pretty clear to me that you said got 1 past Lehner and 2 past LT
If the NHL starts awarding guys with goal if they took the shot that was touched by another player before it crossed the goal line, we would have a lot of players scoring 50 goals a season 🙂
Johnny Lawless somehow believes he saw this
Joe Pane and that’s 100% correct.
Johnny Lawless do you see unicorns dancing across the sky also? Because if you do then I can understand you seeing Ovi getting 1 by Lehner and 2 by LT. :):):)
Joe P.
Fred R Gutierrez responded to Johnny
Johnny Lawless no two pucks got by Lehner, one was removed for offsides, but the fact remains!!! 2
Keith Westergaard responded to Fred
Fred R Gutierrez and 2 got by LT… but you just want to hate Lehner 😒
Jon Misterek wrote this
Capitals have a ticket to the ‘ship. Gallant wanted to style the VGK after the Cap’s. Question still plaguing me is wtf with devils, coyotes and other shitty teams VGK rolls over for?!??!
Dave Schweiger wrote
If that huge hug at the end of the game doesn’t tell you who needs to be starting for our team…….
Bill Dickerson wrote this
I don’t like the 1 goal narrative. Yes, the score was 1-1 but just cause the goal was taken back by offsides doesn’t mean debeor just forgets about it. He saw 2 goals go in and one was particularly bad and a second that was tougher but savable. He made a move based on those facts plus you have to believe Lehner was on a short leash after the devil’s game. The biggest question is where it goes from here. He said Lehner was healthy, so gonna be hard to use the injury excuse, does Thompson have a chance to win the goal. I didn’t think he could, but I’m saying yeah, he does
Drew Thrasher added this
This is the strangest player management I’ve ever seen
Scottie Maiello wrote this
I agree with DeBoer Lenny gets paid a lot of money to play so step up, but he hasn’t so glad he put LT in I feel better when he is in the net, he reminds me of 🌸
Brenda Hickman Darlow wrote this
He doesn’t really have a good plan
Richard Santomauro sent this comment in to the Vegas Hockey Guy Facebook Page
Logan actually got his glove on that tying blast from Ovi last night. Had he snagged it that would have been a career memory! Stonewalling him on the breakaway was magnificent. I don’t think Lehner would have been able to. Lehner admits that he is not very good on breakaway situations. Logan has earned the right to start all 4 remaining games.
Richard Santomauro I could not agree more with you.
Joe P.
Richard Santomauro responded
I liked the acquisition of Lehner when it happened, but not for the price and term. Lehner’s a decent 1B/2A goalie. He’s not “the guy” who is going to win a cup. I was fine with his performance, but thought it was a huge mistake to keep him and ship Fleury out. Sure, they also overpaid for Fleury at $7 million. I also take into account the fact that Fleury was struggling a bit when his father passed away. But, going into this season I kept an open mind, a let’s see how Robin does attitude. I said, on Sin Bin, back in September that we should know more about the Panda by mid-January. In mid-January Robin had posted a subpar <.900 GAA between 1 Dec and 15 January. Depending on the games you select, his GAA was about .870, which is putrid for a starting goaltender. He's slow, and especially lacks lateral mobility. His glove is inconsistent and at times looks as if he's totally disinterested and disconnected from the team in front of him. Sure, he's had some great moments, but too few and far between. As a fan, I have moved on from Lehner. You won't hear it from his teammates, but I believe they've lost confidence in him. And apparently PDB himself decided enough was enough after Robin let in another softie shot from the blue line that he failed to handle with no screen. The net now belongs to Logan, or should, for the remaining 4 games, including the back-to-back. The goaltender situation can be revisited once and if we get into the playoffs.
Ron Smith wrote this
Thanks Joe. I was wondering what happened there. I was at game and was shocked that Lehner was starting and again when he got benched. Glad he got pulled though
Pat Rudder Robertson wrote this opinion
Joe, I always enjoy your articles.
Pat Rudder Robertson thank you Pat. I appreciate your continued support.
Joe P.
Brian Thorp wrote this
I still agree with this statement.
Gerard Gallant calls Peter DeBoer “a clown” in response to chirping comments
Brian Thorp this will last forever won’t it.
Joe P.
Crazee Chaingang wrote this about PDB
PDB is a 🍆 and he 🍼 donkey 🍆🍆🍆🍆. If I wasn’t being monitored by ChuckyZuck, I’d go raging lunatic on 👨🏻🦲
Crazee Chaingang ChuckyZuck has his hands full that’s for sure.
Joe P.