Why the Vegas Golden Knights Should Consider Starting Logan Thompson More Moving Forward
Adin Hill has been reeling in past months. Here's why Bruce Cassidy and the Vegas Golden Knights should start Logan Thompson more.
Once upon a time, Logan Thompson was granted the starting goaltender role for the Vegas Golden Knights. He was an excellent goaltender who was on the NHL All-Rookie 2nd Team last season. With a save percentage of .915, a GAA of 2.65, and an adjusted GAA of 2.68 in 37 games in 2022-2023, how could one not love the guy?
The only problem? Thompson got hurt, being one of many goaltender injuries for the Golden Knights. In comes Adin Hill, who saves the day for the Vegas Golden Knights, as they get their "Happily Ever After" with the Stanley Cup.
However, let's play devil's advocate for Thompson, giving the hottest take of all. It's time to explore the possibility of why the Calgary native should start in net for the Golden Knights more. Before that, let's explore the "here and the now."
1. Where We Stand
Hill is the regular starter for the Golden Knights, kicking butt across the NHL to start the season. That was before he, too, was injured. That left an opportunity for Thompson to enter the fold. The Calgary native is solid until the end of January, with a GAA of 2.72 and a save percentage of .912 for January.
Eventually, Hill returns, establishing himself as the starting goaltender. However, there's a tiny little problem. The other Calgary native has been below-average in the past two months, allowing an average of 3.55 goals in his past 11 games entering Tuesday. The last time Hill allowed less than three goals was on February 27 against the Toronto Maple Leafs (he allowed two in a 6-2 victory). On top of that, his save percentage in that 11-game span heading into Tuesday was .884. That leaves a golden opportunity for Thompson to return to the crease.
2. Why Logan Thompson Should Start More
The Vegas Golden Knights should consider starting Logan Thompson more because Hill regressed to the mean. While Thompson had an absolute dud of a game against the Buffalo Sabres on March 2nd, the 27-year-old has been good for the Golden Knights in his other three starts. That includes a shutout against the San Jose Sharks, where he stopped 29 shots.
Yes, one Logan Thompson hater might say the following:
"It's the San Jose Sharks! They stink!"
Still, when Adin Hill is off his game and the other goaltender has something to prove, it's something to consider. People forget that Logan Thompson had a good month of January. Yes, he was pretty lowly in December. However, the former Brandon Wheat King has rebounded nicely, making incredible saves and winning games for the Vegas Golden Knights.
3. What Will Happen With Adin Hill and Logan Thompson
What will likely happen moving forward is Hill getting the bulk of starts. After all, he's proven himself to be the more viable option to start the season. However, Thompson deserves his time in the spotlight. That's especially true if Adin Hill's dream turns into a nightmare.
Thompson has done better with controlling rebounds and watching the puck. Putting him in the net more can give the Vegas Golden Knights that extra push they needed. The Golden Knights might have another fairy tale ending with Logan Thompson back in net.
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