The Vegas Golden Knights are coming off a 5-6 loss to the Anaheim Ducks last night. That loss was not exactly the Knights best game, however, they found a way to get back in it late. Despite that loss, there are some other concerns revolving around the Knights.
The Vegas Golden Knights started the season off pretty rough. After losing multiple players during the first couple games, things were looking rather bleak as to the team we’ll see the rest of the season. Anytime you lose as many players as they did, it’s going to be quite challenging to win.
The Vegas Golden Knights are starting to get their players back after playing in 10-12 games without multiple players. But the question that needs to be asked now is: Why are they still losing to some of these teams?
Since getting some players back over the course of the last couple weeks, the Vegas Golden Knights have actually somehow appeared to get worse. Now, that could be an over exaggeration but I don’t think so. When you get your captain back, and top goal scorer with Max Pacioretty, you’d expect your team to take another step up-but they haven’t.
Since Mark Stone returned to the lineup against the Vancouver Canucks, the Vegas Golden Knights have a record of 4-4. Since Max Pacioretty returned to the lineup against the Nashville Predators, the Vegas Golden Knights have a record of 1-2.
Potential Reasons Why the Vegas Golden Knights are Losing
So there has been some speculation as to why the Vegas Golden Knights are losing more since some of their previously injured players have returned. Given the level of talent on their roster, they should not be a .500 team. The Vegas Golden Knights have built their organization to be a top team in all of the NHL, not just barely scrapping up wins.
There are some people who think that it has to do with the fact that they are trying to get back in hockey shape. With guys like Max Pacioretty, Mark Stone returning from a serious injury and Jonathan Marchessault, Mattias Janmark, Brett Howden, and Michael Amadio dealing with Covid, they have to be able to get back in hockey shape.
Another thought is that line consistency has been a factor in it. After multiple people went out with injuries, guys like Jonathan Marchessault and Chandler Stephenson found success in their roles and lines. However, since people have begun coming back into the lineup, people have found a lack of success because of yet another line change.
Although both of those are probably not wrong, there is one thought that most people feel is most likely. There are multiple reasons to think this thought is too far fetched, but there is definitely some truth to it as well. The thought: Mark Stone’s Captaincy.
There Needs to be a Change in the Vegas Golden Knights Captaincy
Mark Stone, since returning for the Vegas Golden Knights has not actually been the best leader or player. When nominating a captain, you want someone who can produce and help lead your team to victories. According to some people’s articles I’ve read, apparently Stone has been a little bit irritated and frustrated in the locker room. Which, to be fair, it’s understandable. However, at some point or another, you need to be able to lead and be productive.
So, the question needs to be asked is: if he is in fact becoming a burden in the locker room due to the lack of his own production on the ice, should he remain the Vegas Golden Knights captain? We’ll there is both good and bad that comes with it.
First, let’s talk about the good. Mark Stone, although he only has one goal this season, you know that he’ll eventually start finding ways to put the puck in the net. Stone will never go a season with under 10 goals, it’ll simply just never happen. The production will come and when it comes you know that his outbursts won’t happen as much. Not to mention how respected he is by everyone in the locker room.
Now, let’s talk about the bad. Stone, as I mentioned above, only has one goal this season and if you’ve had the chance to watch any of his games, you’d notice that he’s visually shown his frustration. He’s slammed his sticks on the boards or punched the glass simply because he’s not doing enough. Which shows he can be a leader but do you want a locker room where he’s only worried about his production on the ice and is showing outbursts after missed shots? That’s the biggest concern is the lack of production and his outbursts he’s had this season.
In conclusion, as you read above there are both good reasons to relieve him of the captaincy, and there are also bad reasons to do so. However, I want to hear your thoughts. What do you think? Is it an overreaction? Or is it a fair statement?