Have you read something that made your head scratch and you had to do a second take? Were the words so absurd or coded that you wondered what that person meant? Sometimes, people can say things that make people what they were thinking. It happens to the best of us, even on this platform. However, this occurred with one former Vegas Golden Knights goaltender on Friday.
Logan Thompson was asked what adjustments he needed to make after spending four seasons with the Golden Knights. It brought a stark contrast between Vegas's system and what his new team, the Washington Capitals, have. Here's his quote:
Logan Thompson on what adjustments he needs to make going from playing in Vegas' system to the Capitals:
— Tom Gulitti (@TomGulittiNHL) September 20, 2024
"I guess Vegas takes all the credit for goaltending over there. I'm curious to see how different it will be and if I can even play in the League. So, we'll see."
It was a quote straight from left field as fans thought he left the team on good terms. Apparently, that doesn't seem like that's the case, as fans might interpret it as Thompson bashing his former organization. After all, former flames and fan favorites are quick to turn on their old love interests and employers.
However, there's a deeper meaning to what the former Golden Knights netminder is saying. It might not be as dismissing as one thinks. In fact, it could be a compliment to how his former organization runs, specifically with the creativity surrounding the position. What does Logan Thompson mean by his latest quote?
Deciphering Logan Thompson's quote about the Vegas Golden Knights
Fans might think a quote means something bad when said by a former player. They'll assume the former player's throwing shade and is holding grudges. However, that doesn't appear to be the case in this scenario.
"But how," you might ask?
The quote is a testament to the system the Vegas Golden Knights have in place. Adin Hill played in the same system as Logan Thompson and also benefited from it. His GAA of 2.60 and save percentage of .912 were the best he's had with any team during his career. Thompson got plenty from the system as well, posting a GAA of 2.67 and a save percentage of .912 in four seasons.
Bruce Cassidy's system consists of pressuring the opponent on the forecheck and clogging any shooting/passing lanes. That means having two-way players like Tomas Hertl, Mark Stone, and William Karlsson make plays on both ends. Thompson might not have the same system with the Washington Capitals, where they have an older projected roster (average age of 28.9). Therefore, he might struggle to put up the same stats he had in Vegas.
Perhaps it's Thompson betting on himself with the Washington Capitals
Logan Thompson's quote might be perceived as a compliment to how the Vegas Golden Knights run their forecheck. Bruce Cassidy's known to emphasize generating turnovers, which makes him a great fit within the organization. But the former Vegas netminder could also be betting on himself for the upcoming season.
Thompson will have an older roster in front of him, where he'll be tested every night. However, Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery focuses on outpacing the opponent. His emphasis on this could benefit the forecheck, giving the Calgary native more help later in the game. In turn, he could prove himself right and continue his solid goaltending.
The one question is can the Washington Capitals do this with an older roster? Part of what makes the Vegas Golden Knights tough defensively is their ability to play a 200-ft. game. Each player can race up and down the ice effortlessly, creating odd-man rushes. Combine that with the Golden Knights's size and it makes life tougher for said opponents. The same can't be said for Washington who's older and smaller.
Fans shouldn't look too much into Thompson's comments and focus on the upcoming season. The only thing that matters is the logo on the front of the jersey, after all. It's time to prepare for 2024-25 and focus on the positives. That includes having superstars and young studs playing on the team. As for Logan Thompson, here's hoping he'll have an incredible season in his new home. Thank you for everything you've done and you'll always have a home in Las Vegas!