Last season was the absolute worst for the Henderson Silver Knights. The AHL club for the Vegas Golden Knights finished dead last in the Pacific Division with 63 points, marking a franchise low.
Imagine being the black sheep in your hockey family while the Golden Knights compete for a Stanley Cup. Not only that, but you're watching the ECHL expansion team, the Tahoe Knight Monsters, thrive and go on a deep Kelly Cup run. Add in UNLV men's hockey winning a national championship and you're feeling like Shohei Ohtani and his interpreter when hearing that the FBI's investigating sports betting.
But in all seriousness, the Silver Knights seem to be turning things around. The AHL club is off to a 3-1-1 start and has seven points. They've won their last three games, beating the Ontario Reign along the way. That's good for an AHL team that hasn't done much since making the Pacific Division Final a few years ago.
One question remains from the squad, though: Is this team legitimate? Or is the fast start a mirage (not like the ol' casino)? Let's look at the Silver Knights and see what's working. After all, it's time the AHL boys got some love on here.
What's causing the Henderson Silver Knights to kick arse all of the sudden?
First, the Silver Knights are playing a cleaner version of hockey than in years prior. Last season, they had the second-most penalty minutes in the Pacific Division (1,017 entering Saturday), only finishing ahead of the Tucson Roadrunners (1,075). Currently, they have the second-fewest penalty minutes (46), only behind the San Diego Gulls (22).
Disciplined hockey has been the new norm for Henderson this season, leaving them to focus more on the even-strength aspect. It also helps to have experienced penalty killers like Jonas Rondbjerg when you're in those situations.
However, it isn't just discipline that has helped the Silver Knights. It's also a balanced attack. Henderson only has eight players without points to start the season, with two being goaltenders.
Taking a page from the Knight Monsters' playbook, Henderson has relied on a balanced attack to lead the way. That includes Tanner Laczynski (three goals and one assist), Braednen Bowman (three goals), and Raphael Lavoie (two goals and two assists).
Do the Silver Knights have staying power like the Vegas Golden Knights and the Tahoe Knight Monsters?
If there's one concerning trend with the Silver Knights, it's the power play. Henderson only has two power play goals to start the season (Lavoie and Bowman), marking an alarming trend for the AHL club. If Henderson can right this unit, they'll have legitimate staying power.
Still, you must like where the beleaguered club is to start the season. They've learned harsh lessons from being in the Pacific Division cellar, putting themselves ahead of the curve. That could mean greater things, like a deep Calder Cup run.
Hey, crazier things have happened in hockey. That includes an expansion team making the Stanley Cup Final. Don't count out these Silver Knights now.