It's funny how vibes can change after a week. The Golden Knights lost a tough shootout to the Washington Capitals a couple of Saturdays ago, prompting a surprising coaching change from Kelly McCrimmon. Lo and behold, the team has won three straight games.
The team is suddenly back in the Pacific Division race, standing a point behind the Anaheim Ducks and the Edmonton Oilers entering Tuesday. With the hobbled Ducks falling off and the Oilers dealing with goaltending issues of their own, it provides the perfect opportunity for Vegas to *GASP* pull back into the race. Imagine how the other 31 teams must feel after seeing this.
Man, life can be unfair sometimes, eh? One minute, you're getting the champagne bottles for the Golden Knights' downfall. The next? You're watching Vegas win three straight games. Like, how do these guys keep winning despite everything?
Well, guess what? The next "alleged" victims on the menu are the Vancouver Canucks. They're the NHL's worst team and have nothing to play for, making them the perfect target for the Golden Knights. But it's much easier to say that you can beat them by being better. There's strategy involved, you know.
The game plan for the Vegas Golden Knights beating the Vancouver Canucks
As mentioned, you want to keep an eye out for Rasmus Andersson, who's developed a hot streak of late. He's scored four goals and two assists in that span, including a goal on March 30 against... Vancouver. Tuesday provides the perfect place for the Swedish Olympian to continue his blazing stretch.
But let's look at one player who desperately needs a big game. Since March 3, Tomas Hertl has only had a goal and three assists. The Czech Olympian has suddenly disappeared from the Golden Knights' offense, leaving them needing a little more oomph. Yes, that includes the power play, where his last goal was on March 4.
He'll need to get more involved in his usual spot in the slot, making the goaltender's life a living nightmare. That's especially true with the Canucks having the league's worst penalty kill (71.6%), giving him an ample opportunity to do some heavy damage. Combine that with the league's worst goaltending and defense (3.86 team GAA) and you have a player ready to pop off.
That's not all, though. After March 21, Pavel Dorofeyev has played better. The Russian winger has scored a goal and three assists since that game against Nashville, showing signs of life. If he can get a goal or two against the Canucks via—you guessed it—the power play, that'll make life better for the Golden Knights. Heck, why not get some goals at even strength, too?
Tuesday's game will be all about getting dormant players and blazing players alike going. The Golden Knights can put up some massive numbers as they did on Saturday against the Oilers, attacking the net with unrelenting anger. If they're successful, the vibe will be four straight games won. Everyone loves those kinds of vibes.