Three Takeaways From Game 2 for the Golden Knights
The Vegas Golden Knights took a commanding 2-0 lead against the Dallas Stars. But what are the three main takeaways from their big victory?
Some things in life aren't meant to be easy. Whether it's taking that big test at school or defending the Stanley Cup, life is meant to test the average person's mettle almost every day. Even something as simple as a traffic jam can break a person. For the Vegas Golden Knights, this has been the story all season.
While the defending champions got off to a scorching 11-0-1 start, they've endured numerous ups and downs throughout the season, whether it's losing key players like Jack Eichel or simply losing games, the Golden Knights have dealt with almost every kind of adversity a team could name.
Yet, here they are, holding a commanding 2-0 series lead over the Dallas Stars. With a decisive 3-1 victory over the Western Conference's best regular season team, it showcased what a loaded Golden Knights roster can do. It doesn't matter if they get 15 shots on goal or 26; the Vegas Golden Knights are ready for their title defense.
Granted, it hasn't been that easy in the series. With the Stars keeping up the pressure in Game 1, it felt like the dam was about to burst. However, the Golden Knights kept their composure, persevering for the first series's first victory.
But they were faced with this same situation again in Game 2. Jake Oettinger gets pulled for the extra skater with just under three minutes left and Dallas is on the attack again. Only this time, it ends with Jack Eichel getting the feed from Jonathan Marchessault for the empty net goal. Sometimes, it feels like time is in a constant loop.
With Vegas's huge Game 2 victory, here are three big takeaways from their decisive victory. Who stood out for the Vegas Golden Knights? What are some things the Golden Knights should watch for as they head back to the fortress?
1. Logan Thompson Is Settling In Nicely
Any preconceived notion of Logan Thompson getting playoff jitters were quickly erased in Game 2. The Calgary native started in net for the Golden Knights once again, putting the team on his back and delivering a stellar goaltending performance. In turn, the Golden Knights won by a score of 3-1, taking a commanding 2-0 lead against the Dallas Stars.
After Thompson allowed a power play goal from Jason Robertson, it seemed like the Golden Knights goalie was in for a long night. However, he managed to hang in there, making key stops and making Noah Hanifin's second-period goal the game winner.
"Right to the net Johnston he shoots, pad save!"
— Golden Knights Radio (@VGKRadioNetwork) April 25, 2024
"Logan Thompson with the left leg!"
🎙 @Dan_DUva
Thompson denies Wyatt Johnston to keep things even in Game 2. pic.twitter.com/09wVenb5sh
While being put in a goaltender-friendly system like Bruce Cassidy's always helps, Thompson still made the most of his opportunities. With the Golden Knights chipping 15 blocked shots in during a physical battle, having the starting goaltender step up was a pleasant surprise. Of course, it helps to stop 20 shots.
Both Jake Oettinger and Logan Thompson put on a goaltender clinic for Game 2. They kept their teams in the game with breathtaking stops, leaving fans to wonder who'd be the first to blink. However, it was the Calgary native who stood tall, persevering and coming through in the clutch. It seems like he's built for this kind of thing, eh?
2. The Vegas Golden Knights Have an Elite Top Line
Tonight's game proved one thing to be true; low-scoring games are won by your best line. It's a testament to handling adversity, especially when goals come at a premium. The Dallas Stars came out more physical, taking out the Golden Knights early on. However, the top line led the charge, helping the team regroup and win.
It always starts with Jack Eichel, whose offensive creativity is second to none. His breakaway pass to Jonathan Marchessault for the game-tying goal in the first helped the team respond in kind to Dallas's first goal. Such clutch play makes playoff legends grow, with Eichel being no different.
As for Jonathan Marchessault, the cries for him to get a nice contract extension continue to grow. The defending Conn Smythe winner added a goal and assist of his own, establishing himself as a clutch hockey player. It's no secret Vegas Golden Knights fans want him to get paid. If the Quebec native continues his scorching pace, Kelly McCrimmon and the Golden Knights will have no choice but to bring him back.
Overall, the Golden Knights top line is proving to be overwhelming, dictating the pace of play against their opponents. If Vegas has their top line performing well, that bodes well for the other three. That way, the boys can rally around the top guns and make life miserable for their opponents.
3. The Vegas Golden Knights Look Smart for Bringing Bruce Cassidy In
On June 14, 2022, the Vegas Golden Knights hired Bruce Cassidy from the Boston Bruins. Fresh off letting Pete DeBoer go after missing the playoffs in 2021-22, it was clear the team needed a new direction. The Golden Knights had all this talent on their team, yet many players weren't reaching their full potential.
Yet, Cassidy changed everything, putting in a more disciplined forecheck and a goaltender-friendly system that took shooting lanes away. It's a tried-and-true formula that won Vegas their first Stanley Cup last season, adding more bite to the team defensively.
Compare that to Pete DeBoer's shoot and pray method, which allows his team to push the puck up the ice. Considering how deep the Dallas Stars are at forward, the strategy should make sense. However, the Vegas Golden Knights proved that theory wrong, constricting the Stars out of their own offensive zone.
The Golden Knights did not allow a single shot on goal in the last 5:38 of the game.
— SinBin.vegas (@SinBinVegas) April 25, 2024
Holding a 1 goal lead... on the road... in the playoffs... against a team that averages 3.59 goals per game... having already taken away home ice advantage in Game 1.
Cassidy's system wins.
Not allowing a single shot in the last 5:38 against one of the NHL's best offenses is a testament to Cassidy's system. Here, the players are more disciplined, fighting for more pucks and keeping their opponents frustrated in the slot and middle. If the Vegas Golden Knights are to repeat as the Stanley Cup champions, it starts with keeping their opponents in check. They're certainly doing that against the Stars this series.
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