3 takeaways from the Vegas Golden Knights game against the Los Angeles Kings
While the Vegas Golden Knights lost to the Los Angeles Kings on Wednesday, 3-2, there are some lessons to be learned. Here are three takeaways from the game.
The Vegas Golden Knights and Los Angeles Kings have battled in many wars against each other over the years. That included a playoff stint in 2018, where the Golden Knights swept the Kings in the first round. It's a classic battle of California values versus the power of Nevada, where one prevails in a fight for justice (and royalty). This year, the war features names such as Drew Doughty, Brendan Brisson, and... Tanner Laczynski.
Now, hold on for a second. There's a reason why the former Philadelphia Flyer is making his name known in this rivalry. He's trying out for the Golden Knights, hoping to crack the regular season roster. Alongside names like former Kings player Tanner Pearson and Zach Aston-Reese, these forwards yearn for another shot at glory in Las Vegas.
But this battle was won by the Kings, 3-2, with goals scored by Tanner Jeannot, Warren Foegele, and Alex Laferriere. But Hollywood's hockey team saw a freak accident happen when defenseman Drew Doughty collided with each other into the boards with Pearson early in the first period. It was unappealing to watch, especially with Doughty being one of the longer-tenured players for Los Angeles. Here's hoping he has a full recovery if he is sidelined.
In the meantime, there are some lessons to be learned from this preseason loss. Some players must improve their play or risk not making the main roster. Others have a realistic shot at making their positional groups, especially with how they're playing in these warmups. That will prompt Bruce Cassidy to further evaluate his roster and see who can fit in which spots in the lineup.
So who stood out in the loss? Which players are... skating on thin ice?
Let's break down the three takeaways from Wednesday's preseason tilt and see who shined brightest. Let's also see who has room to improve and the bizarre night at T-Mobile Arena for Golden Knights fans.
Plenty of mysteries for the Vegas Golden Knights
Fans were wondering where Nicolas Hague was to start the second period. It wasn't until halfway through the period that he showed up. Was he injured? Did he have to use the bathroom badly? It's something that will boggle the minds of many fans, leaving them worried for a short period. Luckily, nothing was wrong as he returned to the game.
However, it was a cavalcade of poor decisions and plays for the Golden Knights. For example, Alexander Holtz took some interesting penalties during the game, putting Vegas in compromising spots. First, there was tripping Tanner Jeannot halfway through the first period setting up a power play opportunity (and goal). Then, he was called for interference on Mikey Anderson in the third period.
There was also the Los Angeles Kings scoring two goals in 20 seconds in the first period. They capitalized on defensive collapses and errors, helping them win the game. The Kings outshot Vegas, 15-3, in the first period, displaying full-blown dominance by the road team. Little mistakes like this will cost the Golden Knights throughout the season, leaving them short of their Stanley Cup dreams. If they want to return to the top, that means cleaning up the penalties, turnovers, and bad decisions. Speaking of penalties...
Brendan Brisson continues to take bad penalties and play poorly
If there's one word that defines the Brendan Brisson experience with the Vegas Golden Knights this preseason, it's 'penalties'. Lots and lots of penalties. First, he tripped up Macklin Celebrini one minute into the preseason tilt against the San Jose Sharks. Next, he's called for a delay of game penalty for a puck over the glass in the first period. Then comes the cross-checking penalty on Kyle Burroughs... to defend Tomas Hertl from a previous cross-check from Burroughs... while the Vegas Golden Knights were about to go on the power play.
It's safe to say his rash decision-making has been a part of why he's currently not projected to make the 12-forward group. Penalties like these can haunt the Golden Knights in a crucial playoff series, whether against the Los Angeles Kings or Edmonton Oilers. You don't want to swing the momentum in your opponent's favor, which was what the former first-round pick did with these decisions.
The good news is the young forward has time to learn from his mistakes. The 22-year-old will likely spend his season with the Henderson Silver Knights again, polishing his game and keeping his temperament even-keel. It could also help him find his skating stroke and become a better player. However, he should take this as a learning lesson, where he can help the Golden Knights as a scoring option later.
Watch for Tanner Laczynski during the preseason
While the Los Angeles Kings left little good news for the Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena, there was one bright spot: Tanner Laczynski. He fired a blistering shot past Carter George in the third period to pull the Golden Knights within one, doing plenty of goal-scoring himself. His shot has impressed everyone within the organization so far, where he's a dark horse for a roster spot.
What has made the former Flyer impressive so far? For one, it's his shot release. He's shown he can fire off fast shots from anywhere in the offensive zone, whether it's in the slot or mid-range. He's also shown the offensive instinct needed to properly function within the Golden Knights offense, making him a valuable asset. If he continues down this path, he'll find himself in a regular role with the team.
Tanner Laczynski has impressed me with the release on his shot all camp long, and he just ripped one by Carter George to make it 3-2.
— Jesse Granger (@JesseGranger_) September 26, 2024
He intercepted a pass right in the slot, and immediately fired it past George's glove.
Fans should be excited about what Laczynski brings to the table. He also added an assist during Wednesday's game, showcasing his ability to act as a complementary piece. The forward's wrist shot could be an underrated problem for opponents, giving the bottom lines more goal-scoring and firepower.
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