Vegas Golden Knights: Pacioretty’s streak and making the case for Glass

There haven’t been too many bright spots as of late for the slumping Vegas Golden Knights, but it is fair to say that Max Pacioretty has been the diamond in the rough.

While those around him have been slipping into offensive ruts, Pacioretty has embarked on a hot streak and he certainly can’t be faulted for the recent struggles of the Vegas Golden Knights.

An offensive threat all season, Pacioretty had the Midas touch in-front of goal yet again on Sunday after sniping one home against the Detroit Red Wings for his fifth goal in four games.

It was another big moment from the veteran who delivered plenty during the Knights’ ill-fated four-game road trip, but his efforts were ultimately in vain with the rest of his teammates unable to step up to the plate.

Mark Stone, who leads the team in points with 18 (eight goals, 10 assists), has failed to record a point in the last four games while center Paul Stastny is without a single goal or assist in his last six outings.

William Karlsson has also endured a bit of a slump having gone pointless in his last three games, and that sudden lack of offense has been a driving force behind the Knights dropping six of their last eight games and going 1-2-1 on the road trip.

Pacioretty, however, has continued plugging away and the left wing has contributed six goals and 10 assists for 16 points through 19 games, including seven points on the power play.

He’s operating at nearly a point-per-game pace right now and he boasts a 58.8 CF% in 17:50 minutes of total ice time.

Basically, the Golden Knights are getting a player who is at the peak of his powers and he’s displaying tantalizing signs that he could surpass the 40 points he put up for the team last year, and maybe even reach the 50-60 point plateau.

And, what is encouraging is the fact that we know it is only a matter of time until both Mark Stone and Paul Stastny break out of their respective scoring slumps, which means that the Knights will have a potent second line at their disposal.

However, there is a caveat at play here and that leads us on to…

Glass Needs A Promotion

Cody Glass is wasted on the third line. End of. Nothing anyone can say or any stat out there will convince me otherwise.

The third line has been like a poisoned chalice for the Golden Knights so far this year and granted, Alex Tuch‘s injury woes haven’t helped, but it goes much deeper than that.

Brandon Pirri isn’t a consistent performer in the NHL and that has been proven yet again this season with the forward putting up just one measly point in 11 games.

And then there is Cody Eakin. After carving out career-highs in goals (22) and points (41) last year, the two-way forward hasn’t really got going this season with just three points (three assists) through 15 games.

Not only that but Eakin, who is meant to bring defense to the table on that third line, ranks incredibly low in a plethora of key defensive and possession metrics among forwards in the NHL, including Corsi Against (283rd), Shots Against (284th) and Chances Against/60 (212th).

All of the above factors have hindered Glass’ game of late, which is a travesty given the impressive start he’s made to his rookie year with seven points (three goals, four assists) through 19 games.

As such, it is about time the coaching staff and Head Coach Gerard Gallant bumps Glass back up to the second line.

After all, both Mark Stone and Max Pacioretty were extremely productive with Glass as their center, and the trio continue to produce together on the top unit of the power play.

Glass is a natural center and, while he has produced while on the wing at times this year, it isn’t a situation that is conducive to long-term success for the rookie.

He has proven that he’s at his best while playing center and he was showing signs of improvement in the faceoff circle, which had been a weakness.

And, by bumping Glass back up to the second line in order to allow him to play top six minutes, that would allow the Golden Knights the luxury to drop Paul Stastny down to the third line and then plug Cody Eakin in as the fourth line center.

It would ensure that the franchise’ best young prospect is given every opportunity to thrive in his natural position, while spreading the balance of power throughout the lineup.

With the offense sputtering at the moment, it makes perfect sense to change things up and promoting Cody Glass to a top six role would be the ideal place to start.