The Vegas Golden Knights haven't been on a win binge as of late. Entering Tuesday's game against the New York Rangers, the Golden Knights have lost five of their last six games. Their only win was a massive 4-1 blowout against the St. Louis Blues, led by Reilly Smith, Brandon Saad, and a young Braeden Bowman.
Still, the Golden Knights want to get on the winning side of things. That way, they can be everyone's favorite team... to hate. But in all seriousness, the Golden Knights are searching for respect, and that starts with winning a few games.
However, there's a small problem. They're facing off against the Rangers, who are great at preventing goals. In fact, they've allowed the second-fewest heading into Tuesday's matchup (2.45). Of course, you know the man responsible for this.
His name? Igor Shesterkin (the man who takes the turducken out of the oven). He's been his usual self this season, posting a GAA of 2.39 and a save percentage of .912. However, the Russian netminder hasn't been the only effective Rangers goaltender.
Former Golden Knight Jonathan Quick has also been great in five games this season. He has a GAA of 1.42 and a save percentage of .951, giving the Rangers one of the best goaltending tandems in the NHL.
How can the Vegas Golden Knights break through against the New York Rangers on Tuesday?
I know I've mentioned depth scoring a gazillion times on here. However, it bears repeating, especially against a solid goaltending team like the Rangers. The Golden Knights need their depth scoring to shine against New York and take over the game.
Fans have seen Reilly Smith go on a burner in his last three games, scoring four points. He's helped the even-strength attack and has even bolstered the power play. What was a slumbering giant has woken up to attack the village. Shea Theodore has also emerged, scoring a goal and two assists in his last four games.
Heck, even Brandon Saad (one goal and one assist in his last three games) has found his groove. Suddenly, the secondary scoring is coming for the Golden Knights, which is as promising as a solid poker hand that you'd go all-in on.
But what about Colton Sissons (one assist)? What about Brayden McNabb, whose offense (one assist) has been silenced by his excellent stay-at-home defense? If these players can get a point or two on Tuesday, the Golden Knights will have no issue cracking the goaltending.
Who should Golden Knights fans watch for on Tuesday?
Speaking of McNabb, let's focus on the Original Misfit. He got his first point of the season last week against the Florida Panthers, dishing out an assist. While he's not accustomed to putting up many points, he's projected to score five assists this season.
In fact, he hasn't done much with his shot selection. While McNabb only has 13 shots heading into Tuesday's contest, his Corsi (45%) and Fenwick (47%) indicate that a better selection will help him here.
Sure, the impending goaltending tandem will be problematic. However, the defenseman can rely on his more offensively apt weapons to carry the load. That includes Jack Eichel and Shea Theodore, players who know how to set their teammates up for success.