3 Takeaways From Game 5's Loss for the Vegas Golden Knights
1. Should the Vegas Golden Knights Have Started Logan Thompson?
Logan Thompson has played incredibly well for the Vegas Golden Knights this series. The Calgary native has a save percentage of .921 and a GA/G of 2.35. That includes a fantastic 43-save performance in Game 3, where Thompson kept the Golden Knights in the game. In fact, the game went to overtime thanks to the goaltender, who had no problem stopping breakaways with ease.
So why did Bruce Cassidy pull Thompson in favor of Adin Hill? Apparently, it was due to Hill's "playoff experience," with Hill being the more seasoned veteran. It led to numerous fans scratching their heads about the decision, with some questioning Cassidy's cognitive ways.
Bruce Cassidy confirms Adin Hill is in.
— Jesse Granger (@JesseGranger_) May 1, 2024
Said Thompson played well and got the team in a good spot, but ultimately the decision came down to Hill’s playoff experience. He said Hill has been here before and that played a role.
While that sounds dandy and all, experience isn't going to win hockey games for teams all the time. Sometimes, it'll be the hot hand that prevails, which would be Logan Thompson. Hill made 22 saves in the Game 5 loss, which wasn't overwhelmingly awful. However, it was a deciding factor that has now put the team in a tough position.
Some will say that Wyatt Johnston's Game 3 overtime winner was the straw that broke the Golden Knights's back. Some will point at the next play as having that designation. However, there's an argument to be made that taking out the hot goaltender who posted a save percentage of .880 in March (.845 in April, too) isn't the right move.