The Vegas Golden Knights are one of the most disciplined teams in the NHL. In fact, they have the fewest penalty minutes among any team entering Thursday with 169. Sure, people will say that it's because they're Gary Bettman's darlings and the referees love them. But is that really the case?
If so, the referees would fall in love with the New York Islanders, who have the second-fewest penalty minutes with 171. The Islanders aren't doing so hot in the NHL right now, for they're tied for sixth in the Metropolitan Division with 31 points.
Compare that to the Golden Knights, who are in first place in the Pacific Division with 43 points. The Vancouver Canucks wish they could be in that position, for they're tied for third in the division with 38. However, Thursday will provide them the opportunity to catch up with their division rivals.
Therefore, there's one thing William Karlsson and the Golden Knights must watch for in Thursday's matchup. It'll be the key between victory and defeat as they head into an easier stretch of their schedule. After all, this unit has improved since the season started. What's the one thing Golden Knights fans must be careful about heading into Thursday's matchup against the Canucks?
The Vegas Golden Knights must stay out of the penalty box
As easy as it sounds, the Vegas Golden Knights can't commit any penalties against the Vancouver Canucks on Thursday. The Canucks have the ninth-best power play in the NHL at 23.6%, fueled by superstars such as Quinn Hughes (14 power play assists) and Jake DeBrusk (six power play goals).
While the team has underperformed offensively, their power play has remained in the top ten. That's why the Golden Knights must play a clean game on Thursday. William Karlsson and company can neutralize the Canucks defensively, initiating their transition attack and dumping the puck.
The penalty aspect also goes for late-game ordeals like the tripping call against Nicolas Roy on Saturday. Luckily, the Wild aren't as efficient on the power play (19.6%, 19th in the NHL) as one would expect. If the Golden Knights are put in a late-game bind, the Canucks will make them pay. No Alex Pietrangelo diving into the crease or no late-game heroics.
The good news is Vegas has allowed only one power play goal in their last five games. They've been stingy on the penalty kill, with players like Karlsson and Pietrangelo going all-out on the attack. That starts with taking away open spaces and disrupting the passing flow. If the Golden Knights can do that, they'll be set and have the momentum.
The Canucks are a great team despite their various injuries and underperforming players. They've managed to get into playoff positioning with these setbacks, which makes them a potent threat. However, if Bruce Cassidy's club sticks with the game plan and avoids the penalty box, they should continue their hot streak and win. It'll give them the necessary cushion to roll, especially during the successful month of December.