John Tortorella noticed a particular special teams unit not living up to its standard on Friday. The group went 0-for-4 in Game 3 against the Utah Mammoth, falling hard enough to lead to a 4-2 loss in Salt Lake City. So, what did the new Vegas Golden Knights head coach say about the unit? Well, he had seven words for the media about the unit.
"I think our power play is too deliberate. I think we’re holding on to pucks too long, and when we make a play, we hold onto it. I think the way teams pre-scout, there are no secrets, especially on special teams. I think there needs to be a different look there."John Tortorella to the LVRJ
I mean, going 2-for-9 in the series against the Mammoth isn't anything to sing home about. The unit has done nothing but pass, pass, pass. In fact, this has been an issue for much longer than this postseason. The unit has gone 1-for-8 since Game 1's victory, leaving much to be desired about the team's overall structure and plan.
That came to a head after Game 3's loss on Friday. Some notable players haven't shown up when called upon, leaving the team wondering who else will step up. A deeper dive reveals some players haven't done anything in this regard, particularly two power play leaders. Could that lead to the aforementioned shake-up that Tortorella preluded to?
Who's not carrying the load for the Vegas Golden Knights' power play?
One notable name that has been floated around as being inefficient is Tomas Hertl. He does have one power play assist during the series, yet that's about it. The Czech Olympian hasn't scored a goal since March 4 against the Detroit Red Wings, indicating a drought much more severe than initially thought.
If you remember, he had 13 goals and 12 assists on the power play during the regular season. Those numbers were supposed to carry over to the postseason, yet... they haven't. Speaking of which...
...Where has Pavel Dorofeyev been during this series? During the regular season, he broke the single-season record for most power play goals with 20. Suddenly, he doesn't have a single point?
I understand that he's younger and isn't as seasoned in the postseason department. But the power play needs its sniper back at the most important time. If they don't show up, then it's lights out for the Golden Knights in the first round.
Could the Golden Knights' woes be tied to a particular Mammoth strategy?
I read SinBin.vegas's article about how the Utah Mammoth have dumped the puck for icing numerous times. Like, we're talking about 19 times, which is four more times than any team through two games. While that might be a broader issue that affects more than the power play, it still has some significant ramifications.
First, the Golden Knights haven't done much with this "gift." They didn't score in any of those attempts within 30 seconds of the original stoppage time. Second, it has slowed the pace down, killing off any potential offensive momentum.
Again, there are greater issues at hand that are currently affecting the unit. That includes too many passes and players not stepping up. However, the Golden Knights would be wise to make some form of change in the upcoming days. Otherwise, they're hitting the links in Summerlin, which fans don't want to see.
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