Breaking down Golden Knights's defensive pairings: Strengths and weaknesses

You know, I was sitting on the toilet, taking my morning bowel movement when I saw the Vegas Golden Knights score from last night. It was another disappointing loss to a tough Eastern Conference team that had fans worried.

"Oh no! Will they ever beat a tough Eastern Conference team this season?"

"When will this five-game slump end??"

"Oh my god, Shea Theodore scored a power play goal?"

That's right, dear reader. The paid defenseman added a power play goal in a 3-2 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes. I did a double-look before letting out a fart so loud that it scared my cat to her hiding spot underneath the sink.

On a side note, the Golden Knights power play is starting to get hot. It's so hot that it'd make Las Vegas summers feel like you're in an icebox. I'm talking about five power play goals in the past four games. That's hot enough to make Sydney Sweeney look like Tilda Swinton.

But let's focus on the defensive pairings for a second (based on their last game against the Hurricanes). This position has faced the brunt of anger from fans, only to be adored by them the next. It's been a wild roller coaster ride that makes you feel like you're at Six Flags, only you're not on the kiddie ride. What have been the strengths and weaknesses of each pairing?

Noah Hanifin and Alex Pietrangelo

Strengths

The duo has the capacity to be the best offensive-minded defensive pair in the NHL. The duo has combined for nine goals and 34 assists this season, making them one of the most underrated pairs in the NHL. With the game moving toward a more offensive style, they'll feel at home with the change and become more threatening.

There's also plenty of size to go around between both players (Noah Hanifin is 6'3" and weighs 206 lbs., while Alex Pietrangelo is 6'3" and weighs 215 lbs.). They can use their big bodies to deter defenders from stripping the puck away, setting up their teammates for solid scoring opportunities.

Weaknesses

Well, there are nights like Friday where the team isn't all there. Of course, the pair was to blame for the loss, specifically with Hanifin's own goal being the difference-maker.

The pair is a boom-or-bust grouping, where they can either get you two points or break your game completely. In this case, they were at the bottom rungs, meaning they were as good as Boogie2988 is at hockey (he'd be perfect for San Jose).

On that note, the pair relies heavily on Pietrangelo to deliver defensively. Sure, Hanifin has the size and makings to be a solid defender. However, that's not in his game. Therefore, it's up to Pietrangelo to block shots and forecheck, leaving opponents to constantly attack the Boston native.