Some Vegas Golden Knights fans have some sour memories of the 2024 Stanley Cup playoffs. They remember winning the first two road games against the Dallas Stars, only to lose the series in seven games. That included the infamous goaltender switch where Bruce Cassidy went to his ol' buddy, Adin Hill.
Granted, the goaltender switch wasn't the problem. Both Hill and Thompson were phenomenal during that series. But the main issue at hand was the offensive output, with the Golden Knights watching their forwards failing to put out many goals.
We're talking about Tomas Hertl only getting one goal in seven games. We're also looking at Shea Theodore not getting a single point during the series. Heck, even noteworthy clutch player Brett Howden only had a goal and an assist during that series.
While the Golden Knights aren't having that problem during this season's Stanley Cup run, there's one small thing that's plaguing the team. It's nothing new and has been hurting the team throughout the 2025-26 season. That's right. This problem has haunted the Golden Knights even when Bruce Cassidy was around. Now, John Tortorella is trying to find a solution quickly.
The Vegas Golden Knights must get off to a hot start against the Colorado Avalanche
Yes, this has been a massive problem for the Golden Knights this season. They haven't gotten it going in the first period, leaving themselves behind in numerous games. But did you know that this problem carried over into the Western Conference Final?
Luckily, the Avalanche have only outscored the Golden Knights by a count of... 1-0. Chalk it up to Cale Makar being missing in action or the neutral zone being clogged. Still, the Golden Knights must do better in getting some scoring chances going.
If there's one thing that Vegas has struggled with throughout the season, it's getting a consistent forecheck going early. They've struggled to attack north and south to start the game, nor have they gotten anything past Scott Wedgewood.
The Golden Knights need an absolute statement game to grab a stranglehold on the series. Watch for Jack Eichel to build off a strong Game 2 and attack the net more. Also watch for Pavel Dorofeyev to also attack more, whether it's high-danger chances or from the point. Regardless, Tortorella is throwing everything but the kitchen sink at this problem.
If the Golden Knights can snap their first period scoring drought on Sunday, it'll go a long way in getting said stranglehold on the series. The Avalanche are frustrated and haven't found many answers for Vegas offensively. The Golden Knights' attack must respond in kind and early, ensuring that Sunday's game becomes a laugher in the end. Otherwise, those thoughts and memories from 2024 will start to creep in.
Add us as a preferred source on Google