Vegas Golden Knights: Takeaways Against the Hurricanes
By Evan Mead
Jonathan Marchessault Was Missed
Prior to the loss against the Carolina Hurricanes, the Vegas Golden Knights had a three game win streak in this home stretch. With 14 goals in just three games, it’s safe to say that the production was there each and every game. Offensive production sets you up to win games, but you still have to be a all-around team in order to win.
Over the course of a three game win streak there is one person who really stands out in each of those three games. With three goals and two assists in just three games, he’s helped carry the Vegas Golden Knights to three back-to-back-to-back wins. His name: Jonathan Marchessault.
Marchessault was at the Las Vegas Raiders game on Sunday night as they took on AFC West competitor, the Kansas City Chiefs. Marchessault was there with teammates: Robin Lehner and William Karlsson. Which, unfortunately, wasn’t the smartest move by Jonathan Marchessault.
It was reported earlier this morning by multiple insiders that winger, Jonathan Marchessault, tested positive for COVID-19. That positive test is going to leave the Vegas Golden Knights without him for the next 10 days at least.
Now, hockey is a team sport. There isn’t a single player in this league that can go out there and win every game simply by himself–It’s just not realistic. But, Jonathan Marchessault was the closest the Vegas Golden Knights had to that. Since the turnaround struck, Marchessault has easily been one of the best players on the ice, and one of the most productive players.
He was able to keep applying offensive pressure throughout the whole game. He’d take pressure of Reilly Smith in order to create more opportunities, he’d help create chances with his play making, and was a threat on the power play. Now, the power play isn’t great, but Marchessault was the most impactful player on the power play unit.
Without him on the ice, the Knights were lacking a lot of pressure in the offensive zone. There weren’t many grade-A chance for the Knights, and they were outplayed in that aspect which lead to a Carolina win. Without Marchessault it was clear that he really does help this team more than we all think.