How Can Vegas Address Its Third Period Woes?

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For the Vegas Golden Knights, they've had a script for the past three games (I know this sounds like an NFL conspiracy theory, but bear with me). It goes a little something like this:

The first period: Vegas scores between one and three goals and gets off to a good start. Vegas is either leading or tied.

The second period: The opponent scores a goal or neither team scores at all. Vegas has a smaller lead or the game is tied.

The third period: The opponent scores again, even scoring up to three goals. The Golden Knights barely escape or lose the game altogether.

While this is just a microtrend for the black and gold, it's something that's become problematic. With the Vegas Golden Knights, there needs to be a change. How can the Knights change this trend? What adjustments must be made?

1. Key Guys Stepping Up

Seattle Kraken v Vegas Golden Knights / Candice Ward/GettyImages

So you have two hot hands in Jonathan Marchessault and Nicolas Roy. You reward them by putting them on the top line, where they continue to flourish. Ivan Barbashev has been good as well, scoring four goals and nine assists since January 15.

However, the other lines haven't had as much luck. Where has Paul Cotter been, aside from bodying people on the ice? He's scored one goal and three assists since the Winter Classic. What about Brett Howden, whose last recorded point(s) came a month ago?

While the top line has carried the load for the Vegas Golden Knights, the other groups need to be shuffled around a bit. Maybe see a line combination with Karlsson and Mark Stone playing together. Maybe give Chandler Stephenson some reps on the third line. Whatever the case, Bruce Cassidy mustn't hesitate to shake things up to get the other guys rolling (which he's known to do, mind you).

2. Getting Key Pieces Back

Montreal Canadiens v Vegas Golden Knights / Ethan Miller/GettyImages

The good news for the Knights is Shea Theodore is coming back soon. The defenseman brings some offensive utility to the mix, boosting Vegas's special teams. That's vital for a team that's historically been average at best on this front.

Case in point? The short-handed goal scored by Seth Jarvis of Carolina on Saturday. It was the go-ahead goal that won it for the Hurricanes, with poor puck handling being the main culprit. Plays like this have doomed the Golden Knights in many ways, with Saturday's blunder being another example. By the way, that goal happened... in the third period.

While the power play hasn't been a strong point historically, it bears repeating that getting key players back will help the unit. That's especially true with Karlsson returning to the lineup this month, with Theodore not far behind. Plus, you have a big piece of the puzzle that should make his return later in the season...

3. Or Maybe They've Run Into Some Good Competition

Minnesota Wild v Vegas Golden Knights / Ethan Miller/GettyImages

Carolina has won seven of their last nine games. They've been on a roll, getting ready for a playoff run in the Metropolitan Division. The Minnesota Wild have won five straight road games, which included Monday's victory over the Vegas Golden Knights.

Perhaps the Golden Knights have run into some teams that are picking up steam as the game goes on. In that case, it's best to adjust your play and get back to your strengths. If the Golden Knights can create turnovers and showcase their scoring depth, they'll be back in good hands.

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1. Key Guys Stepping Up

2. Getting Key Pieces Back

3. Or Maybe They've Run Into Some Good Competition

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