Now before you ask about the headline, understand a few things. First, the Golden Knights had three solid wins against the San Jose Sharks in 2019, winning all three games by more than one goal.
The year after, Vegas handled the Chicago Blackhawks in five games and defeated the Vancouver Canucks in seven. Mind you, the Golden Knights won by more than one goal in all four wins in that series before succumbing to the Dallas Stars.
Even the infamous sleepwalking run where they lost to the Montreal Canadiens in the semifinal had blowout games (see the 5-1 Game 4 over the Colorado Avalanche). The same can be said for last year's first-round exit, where two of the three wins were by more than one goal.
But this time around? This is a different Golden Knights, wrought with endless turnovers, soft goals, and a limp attack that can't enter the offensive zone. You can say this team is as soft as Charmin toilet paper.
Now? The Edmonton Oilers are up, 3-1. Now, Oilers fans are talking trash. The worst part? The Golden Knights have had no response to Edmonton's overwhelming play, mishandling every puck and playing like they just met each other.
This postseason has been the worst showing in Vegas Golden Knights history
Looking at all five postseason wins for the Vegas Golden Knights is akin to pulling teeth from Gary Busey. It's been an absolute struggle and you don't know what to expect from the opposition. Only one Vegas win this postseason has been by more than one goal.
Mind you, that was from Brett Howden in a buzzer-beater and a Game 1 victory over the Minnesota Wild. However, it goes back to a broader point. This postseason, the Golden Knights have, well, sucked.
It took the top unit of Mark Stone, Jack Eichel, and Ivan Barbashev three games to even register a point. Tomas Hertl (three goals and two assists) hasn't scored since Game 4 of the Wild series. He's been one of many disappointing performers for the Golden Knights this postseason.
On top of that, Adin Hill (3.14 GAA and a save percentage of .872) has been vastly underwhelming. While he did have a decent Game 4 performance on Monday against the Edmonton Oilers, he's a big part of why the Golden Knights are down 3-1. Letting in three third-period goals in Game 1 set the tone for the series, leading the Oilers to develop an overwhelming sense of confidence.
What can the Golden Knights do differently?
For starters, Bruce Cassidy shares some blame. He's been outcoached throughout the series and hasn't put out his best lines. For example, the Barbashev-Eichel-Stone line might've had some juice during the regular season. However, the aforementioned group only generated four shots combined in Game 4.
There's also Hill needing to be better. If he doesn't let in soft goals in Games 1 and 2, the Golden Knights are up 3-1. Instead, it's Edmonton and a wave of good feelings with the 3-1 series lead. He must play like the netminder who got the six-year contract in March.
Finally, stop playing like you're expected to win it all. Yeah, you've won it all in 2023. But the most frustrating part of watching Vegas play is how they simply don't care as much. It was apparent in January and parts of February and it rings true now. This team doesn't care enough and hasn't put in an intense effort.
23 shots on Stuart Skinner isn't winning you a hockey game, especially if only six of those come in the first period. This has been a recurring issue throughout the series (i.e. getting only one shot on goal in the second period of Game 1), where the Oilers have outmatched their depth players. Who would've thought Adam Henrique would net two goals instead of Leon Draisaitl? Not me.
This isn't the same Vegas Golden Knights team people are accustomed to seeing. They've had one of the best offensive seasons in franchise history, only to turn out a flat performance. If there's any hope for Vegas to pull off a monumental comeback, the gang better dig deep and find its intestinal fortitude. Otherwise, you better get your driver and putter ready for a long summer.