It's no secret the Vegas Golden Knights have stunk in the last six games. They've won only one game in that span, giving numerous duds to fans around the world. Suddenly, the Edmonton Oilers are tied for the Pacific Division lead with 61 points. Now, fans are sweating bullets.
While there are some silver linings to the team's current position (i.e. being firmly in playoff position), the team's current funk reeks. It's leaving the fanbase wondering when Tomas Hertl and the boys will win another hockey game.
"Will it be after the 4 Nations Face-Off? Will it come in the middle of March?"
It's been a hard coping session for everyone, leaving them down in the dumps. But let's go back to that silver lining for a second. One particular positive has given inspiration and hope to Golden Knights fans everywhere. What's more, it's something they wouldn't conventionally expect from the team.
This unit is tied for fifth in the NHL with a success rate of 26.6%, which would be a franchise record for the Golden Knights if the season ended. You probably know what this unit is if you've followed the team through every game this season. However, fans since "Day F****** One" will (and should) be shocked by how this unit's thriving in 2024-25... and the last five games.
The power play has provided the offense for the Vegas Golden Knights
Tomas Hertl, Victor Olofsson, and crew have gotten their goals from the power play unit, making it one of the league's best groups. The Vegas Golden Knights have scored six goals on the man advantage in the last five games (16 opportunities) as a result. How have they done it?
For one, setting up has been a big part of the game. The Golden Knights have done an excellent job finding solid scoring opportunities and sniping them for goals. They've also recovered from blunders and turned them into gold... literally. Take this set-up to Pavel Dorofeyev as a prime example against the Minnesota Wild last Sunday.
Another power play goal for Pavel Dorofeyev. ✌️ pic.twitter.com/rHQegnuPs4
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) January 13, 2025
The Golden Knights almost suffered a setback on a turnover on this play. However, they recovered in time to see Mark Stone set up Dorofeyev for a wrist shot and exclamation point. Such opportunities have been a gold mine for Vegas, keeping them in the game.
However, they must do more away from the power play
The team can't rely on the power play to generate goals, though. The Golden Knights have scored seven goals away from the man advantage, leaving them without much bite. Players like Jack Eichel, Mark Stone, and Ivan Barbashev must step up when it's five-on-five. Otherwise, the slump will continue.
Still, seeing a historically bad unit thrive in 2024-25 is promising. That's especially true when the best season for the man advantage came in 2019-20 in a shortened season (22%). Additions like Victor Olofsson (six power play goals) have solidified the unit, giving them sniping options.
That unit could get the Golden Knights out of their current funk. Sometimes, it takes a spark from an unconventional source to return a team to winning. If Vegas can continue generating pressure and sniping pucks with ease, they'll make a strong run and return to prominence. Edmonton (and the NHL) better beware.