Hubris is a funny thing, isn't it? You go into something expecting it to be the easiest thing in the world. It looks harmless, so why not take a load off before the next round?
That was the mindset the Vegas Golden Knights had against the Minnesota Wild entering the series. Game 1 was a victory, albeit a hard-earned one. Brett Howden got two goals, while Tomas Hertl had fun (like always). The vibes were good. Then, something funny happened. Matt Boldy and Kirill Kaprizov exploded.
The duo has combined for eight goals and five assists, running ragged all over Adin Hill and company. Of course, it doesn't help when you consistently turn the puck over in the defensive zone. However, it's led to large leads that the Golden Knights couldn't claw back from.
That has been the norm for the past two games, leading fans to panic. Golden Knights Twitter is losing its collective minds, with more fans revolting by the day.
"IT'S OVER!!"
"They don't want to win another Stanley Cup!"
All this can be frustrating to see. So let's look at this side of the argument and see why fans should be concerned. After winning the Pacific Division, getting 110 points, and 50 wins, it might not be enough for a team expecting to cruise. In fact, let's come up with three reasons why Vegas Golden Knights fans should worry about where this series is headed.
1.) The dynamic duo of Kirill Kaprizov and Matt Boldy
As mentioned, Matt Boldy and Kirill Kaprizov have been a thorn in the Golden Knights' side. They've skated past the defense and made incredible plays. The Wild top liners force Vegas to play a perfect game with the puck. If not? They'll pounce on a loose puck for a goal.
At this rate, they'll take over the series and lead Minnesota to the second round. Teams ride the hot hand to the Stanley Cup and it would be no different here. Just look at the 2012 Los Angeles Kings with Jonathan Quick. But on the note of puck control...
2.) The Vegas Golden Knights can't take care of the puck
Giveaways have been a problem for the Golden Knights throughout the series. They have 30 giveaways in three games, averaging 10 per game. This is nothing new, considering they had the fifth-most giveaways this season (1,304).
There's no worse time for this problem to rear its ugly head than now. That's especially true when it's in the defensive zone. Given that Kaprizov and Boldy are hoping on virtually every puck imaginable, it makes life more complicated for Vegas. It puts more pressure on Hill to make the necessary save, leaving him to fend for himself.
Of course, that's not saying that Hill's exempt from the ordeal. He's part of the problem, too. Giving up eight goals in two games isn't a good look, you know. But getting back into the series starts with taking care of the puck. Considering the Golden Knights have struggled here, who knows if that changes?
3.) Filip Gustavsson has been a brick wall
The Swedish goaltender has been nothing short of challenging for the Vegas Golden Knights. He's stopped every shot heading his way, winning the Minnesota Wild two games. The 26-year-old has a GAA of 2.52 and a save percentage of .922. But his advanced stats have been eye-opening, too (stats are through two games; courtesy of MoneyPuck).
Goaltender | Goals Allowed | Expected Goals Against | Goals Saved Above Expected | Goals Saved Above Expected Per 60 | Save Percentage On Unblocked Shots | Save Percentage Above Expected |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Filip Gustavsson | 5 | 5.58 | 0.6 | .302 | .968 | 0.0038 |
Adin Hill | 6 | 4.58 | -2.2 | -1.12 | .890 | -0.0118 |
The night-and-day difference between the two netminders is astonishing. Gustavsson has endured a barrage of shots and losing his stick, standing tall in the end. As for Hill? He's marred by turnovers in the defensive zone and defenders leaving men open. You can't say the same thing about the Wild, who huddle around the 26-year-old to take away shooting lanes.