The Toronto Maple Leafs’ disappointing first-round playoff loss fits into a worrying trend. Unfortunate events and circumstances led to the first round evacuation of the Vegas Golden Knights.
That would be the simplest explanation for why, eleven months after winning a Stanley Cup, nobody in the Golden Knights organization is freaking out over losing a Game 7 to the Dallas Stars. The Golden Knights will continue to be a Stanley Cup contender for the following five reasons:
dependable goal-setting
Adin Hill and Logan Thompson’s combined save percentage of.907 and goals-against average of 2.96 were equal for eleventh place.
After the next season, both goalies will be free agents without restrictions. That is a small worry. However, Vegas’ goaltending should once again be ranked in the top three in the NHL next season.
Better Than Before Special Teams
Tomas Hertl and Noah Hanifin should theoretically improve the power play of the Golden Knights in the upcoming campaign. Vegas will have more time to incorporate Hanifin’s point play ability and Hertl’s net-front presence into their lineup with a full training camp and preseason.
Given their roster, the Golden Knights ought to be among the top 10 power play teams in the upcoming campaign. Last season, they finished 20th with a 20.2% efficacy.
Maintaining the health of Mark Stone and Jack Eichel will also aid the power play the following season. Stone omitted 26
Cassidy Effect
When you heard Cassidy speak following Vegas’s dismissal, it sounded a lot like a coach reaffirming their commitment to return to the level of play they demonstrated during the championship season.
I would venture to imagine that Cassidy will be mentally adjusting lines throughout the summer, especially after he finds out if the team will be able to retain Chandler Stephenson and Jonathan Marchessault.
This season, the Golden Knights’ penalty killing percentage (79.5%) was average, and they think Cassidy will improve it at training camp. Cassidy will receive more from this club in the autumn, given his past.
Eichel Spike
Eichel may be starting the third or fourth finest season of his career at the age of 27. He looks primed for a season with 40 goals and 90 points.
He has demonstrated the ability, perseverance, and consistency of effort needed to have an incredible season. Naturally, everything hinges on his capacity to maintain his health. In his nine seasons in the NHL, Eichel has missed 23.2% of his games.
Tiny Deviation
It seems as though the Golden Knights took a big step backwards because they finished fourth. However, they were only six points behind second place and one point behind third. It appears to be more of a poor two weeks than a significant break.
The Golden Knights will have one of the best defensive units in the league if Hanifin plays the entire season.
By the upcoming season, the San Jose Sharks, Anaheim Ducks, Seattle Kraken, and Calgary Flames won’t be able to catch Vegas.