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

The defense has been talked about throughout the 2024-25 season. Where are the biggest strengths and weaknesses for the Vegas Golden Knights?

Vegas Golden Knights v Carolina Hurricanes
Vegas Golden Knights v Carolina Hurricanes | Jared C. Tilton/GettyImages
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Brayden McNabb and Shea Theodore

Strengths:

Familarity breeds many things: Contempt, hatred, you name it. However, those don't apply in this situation because Brayden McNabb and Shea Theodore have played alongside one another since "Day F****** One." They know what each other's moves are, along with their strengths and weaknesses.

They're also experienced veterans who balance each other out. If the Golden Knights need some offense, they can rely on Theodore (32 assists) to carry the load. If they need to clog lanes and create turnovers, McNabb's their guy (98 blocked shots, 70 hits in 2024-25).

Weaknesses:

Sometimes, that balance can be relied upon too much with this pairing. McNabb isn't going to light the lamp much and Theodore is more of an offensive player than a defensive star. Therefore, each guy must cover for each other's blind spots and ensure they're not exploited too much.

There's also the puck control problem with the duo, where each player will give up the puck. Theodore has 70 giveaways while McNabb has 46. Currently, the Golden Knights are in a mini-slump because of said carelessness (16.13 giveaways per game, fourth in the NHL). Changing as a pairing goes a long way in changing this narrative.

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