3 Good Things & 2 Bad Things We Learned In Game 1
The Vegas Golden Knights didn't have the prettiest of victories in Game 1. However, they got the job done. What did we learn from Vegas-Dallas in Game 1?
1. Good Thing: The Vegas Golden Knights Are Scary Offensively
With a returning Mark Stone scoring and the trade deadline acquisitions at full force, the Vegas Golden Knights showed how overwhelming they can be offensively. This was especially true in the first period, where the Golden Knights scored three goals.
Although Jake Oettinger might've had a down year this season, he's still no slouch. That's what makes the Golden Knights's goal onslaught more impressive. If they can take down a strong goaltender like Oettinger with ease, what can they do with, say, Connor Hellebuyck?
2. Bad Thing: More Shots on Goal
While the Vegas Golden Knights showed their offensive capabilities with four goals in Game 1, they could've done more. This is especially true in the third period, with the Dallas Stars generating more offensive pressure in the last five minutes.
Getting outshot 30-15 doesn't make matters easier for the Golden Knights. After the second period, the Stars cranked up the forecheck, creating more turnovers and pushing the puck up the ice. Vegas must avoid getting caught in the speed trap and play to their game.
3. Good Thing: Staying Out of the Box
For the Golden Knights, this has been an easy feat all season. They were the least-penalized team in the NHL, incurring just 248 penalties all season. However, the Dallas Stars can punish teams on the power play. With a power play percentage of 24.2% this season (sixth-best in the NHL), it was wise for the Golden Knights to stay out of the penalty box.
And they did, only drawing two penalties all night. Vegas killed off both penalties, giving Logan Thompson enough material to win the game. If the Golden Knights continue to play smart hockey, they can take Dallas out of their element and win the series.
4. Bad Thing: Takeaways
The Dallas Stars beat the Vegas Golden Knights in the takeaway battle, 15-10. That was a huge part of how the Stars hung around all game, turning those takeaways into scoring opportunities.
Granted, Dallas did score on a breakaway earlier in Game 1 and had a prayer answered on the third goal. However, not taking care of the puck will burn most teams when playing against Dallas. With the forward depth the team carries, they can punish Vegas if they make a mental mistake. Therefore, puck control must become better for the Golden Knights.
5. Good Thing: Solid Defensive Plays
You're not expected to do too well in your first try at anything in life. Whether it's driving a car or riding a bike, it's all a part of learning and becoming better. For Logan Thompson, that was the case. The Calgary native was faced with 30 shots, stopping 27 to propel the Vegas Golden Knights to victory.
However, he couldn't have done it without a little defensive help. The Golden Knights blocked 20 shots in Game 1, taking away any shooting lane they could. It was also the defensive effort by the team that won the game. Whether it's Alex Pietrangelo laying his body out to stop a 2-on-1 or Mark Stone blocking the last shot, the Vegas Golden Knights did everything they could defensively to make life easier for Thompson. They succeeded in that mission, giving Vegas the Game 1 victory.
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