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Vegas, We Have A Problem: Reducing The Giveaways And More

While the Golden Knights are resting atop the NHL perch, that doesn't mean they're a perfect team. Here's what they need to fix to repeat as Stanley Cup champs.

By Jacob Walters |
Vegas Golden Knights v Carolina Hurricanes
Vegas Golden Knights v Carolina Hurricanes / Jared C. Tilton/GettyImages
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Tuesday's 6-3 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes was demoralizing for the Golden Knights. Behind three second-period goals and going 0-for-4 on the power play, it brought Vegas back to earth. But it also showed a few underlying problems the Knights are facing.

We didn't expect this team to go 82-0-0. That is some crazy talk. There would be some bumps in the road and games like the one on Tuesday show this. However, it doesn't hurt to tinker with a few things to make Vegas better than they are playing.

With that, let's look at where these lil' tinkers are needed. After all, Sin City wants to win another Stanley Cup, which starts with adjusting their play. What needs to change for Vegas to get on the fast track to repeating?

1. No More Free Giveaways

Vegas Golden Knights v Buffalo Sabres
Vegas Golden Knights v Buffalo Sabres / Joshua Bessex/GettyImages

Nobody likes giving up the puck, especially when you're in a groove in your offensive zone. However, that's what's happened to the Golden Knights this year. Currently, they're tied for 13th in the NHL with 247 giveaways. While this isn't awful, it is an alarming trend that hurts Bruce Cassidy's strategy.

It also takes away from your scoring chances and wears you down later on. The Golden Knights can't afford to get trapped in doing laps around the ice rink. After all, a part of Vegas's strategy is to generate pressure on the defensive end.

Remedying this starts with slowing down the pace of play. Of course, it doesn't have to be at a snail's pace. However, you don't want to skate first and ask questions later. Otherwise, you're the other team's Santa Claus that's giving away pucks for free.

2. Injuries

Vegas Golden Knights v Carolina Hurricanes
Vegas Golden Knights v Carolina Hurricanes / Jared C. Tilton/GettyImages

Of course, you're not going to change injuries in any sport. It's part of the competitive nature and adds more unpredictability. However, you can reduce the impact it has with a proper strategy and a "next man up" mentality.

Last season, Vegas dealt with an array of goaltender injuries that tested their depth. It even impacted them during the playoffs, where the eventual hero, Adin Hill, stepped in for Laurent Brossoit. As a result, they persevered and won the Stanley Cup. However, they're dealing with the same test with their current tandem.

Hill is out with an undisclosed injury after Sunday's game against Ottawa and Logan Thompson is day-to-day with an upper-body injury. The Golden Knights must stick to their strategy of a strong forecheck and defensive style to make life easier for the likes of Jiri Patera.

3. Lower The Volume Of Shots On Net

Calgary Flames v Vegas Golden Knights
Calgary Flames v Vegas Golden Knights / Ethan Miller/GettyImages

Another category that Vegas can do better in is the number of shots on goal. They're tied for 13th in most team shots allowed with 974, which has put more pressure on the Golden Knights goaltending. That also won't sit well with Cassidy, who prides himself on taking away shooting lanes.

This goes back to the injury situation for the Golden Knights goaltending, where you don't know what'll happen to Hill and Thompson. In Tuesday's game against Carolina, the Hurricanes had 39 shots on goal. That was because they controlled the offensive tempo and beat Vegas with their speed.

Getting back to basics and taking away these lanes will go a long way in helping the Knights's current goalie situation. This helps the forecheck and generates better opportunities on the other end, putting the ball, er, puck, in Vegas's corner.

(Stats provided by StatMuse)

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