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Why Pavel Dorofeyev Should Be On the Playoff Roster

A surprising omission from the playoff lineup was the uprising forward, Pavel Dorofeyev. Why should he be on the roster?

By Jacob Walters |
Chicago Blackhawks v Vegas Golden Knights
Chicago Blackhawks v Vegas Golden Knights / Candice Ward/GettyImages
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Pavel Dorofeyev has had an incredible season. The Vegas Golden Knights forward scored 13 goals in the regular season, establishing himself as a growing left winger. Such growth should warrant a playoff roster spot, right?

Sadly, that's not the case, for he was left out of the starting 12 for the Golden Knights. Granted, Vegas won Game 1 against the Dallas Stars. However, the Russian winger should be rewarded for his productivity this season.

Let's explore why Dorofeyev should be on the roster for the playoff run. What makes the winger worthy of helping the Golden Knights seek a repeat? How does he make Vegas better?

1. He's An Offensive Juggernaut

Minnesota Wild v Vegas Golden Knights
Minnesota Wild v Vegas Golden Knights / Candice Ward/GettyImages

Scoring 13 goals in a season, let alone, 47 games, doesn't happen by accident. Throw in the fact he averaged 13:16 TOI/G this season and the feat is even more impressive. The Russian winger has given the Vegas Golden Knights more punch in their offense.

How so? By having insane moves and controlling the puck well. His dekes are second to none, making him tougher to defend. In essence, Dorofeyev is a player opponents should watch for. They won't know what they're getting with the Russian forward.

Compare him to a player like Brett Howden, who's played 72 games this season and only scored eight goals and 11 assists. Howden accumulated the same amount of ice time as well (13:13 TOI/G), which would make Dorofeyev the more reasonable pick.

2. Does Playoff Experience Honestly Matter? Ask Logan Thompson

Vegas Golden Knights v Dallas Stars - Game One
Vegas Golden Knights v Dallas Stars - Game One / Sam Hodde/GettyImages

While the argument can be made that Brett Howden is more experienced in the playoffs than Dorofeyev, there's another peculiar case that says otherwise. Take Logan Thompson as a perfect example. The goaltender got his first playoff start on Monday and stopped 90% of his shots, winning the game for Vegas.

Granted, the Calgary native wasn't perfect, specifically with the third goal he allowed. However, he did enough for the Golden Knights to steal a road playoff game. That's all you can ask from a goaltender new to the playoff experience.

So what does this have to do with Pavel Dorofeyev? For one, playoff experience doesn't matter in certain aspects. If that were the case, Adin Hill would've started for the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 1. Sometimes, it's best to go with the hot hand. It made sense for Logan Thompson and it should make sense for Dorofeyev.

3. The Vegas Golden Knights Would Become More Elusive

Vegas Golden Knights v St Louis Blues
Vegas Golden Knights v St Louis Blues / Dilip Vishwanat/GettyImages

Pavel Dorofeyev's offensive abilities are well-known. He's able to protect the puck and make plays for the Vegas Golden Knights. However, the Russian winger is shifty on the ice, making him a tough match-up. Overall, the Golden Knights move at a faster pace while he's on the ice, making them a dangerous rush team.

Granted, things can change in the playoffs. If the unexpected happens, it could provide the forward with the opportunity to prove himself. That way, the legend of Dorofeyev would continue to grow.

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