Heading into February 6's game against the New Jersey Devils, the Vegas Golden Knights were 3-8-3 in their previous 14 games. Things were bad for the franchise. How bad? They let Connor McMcDonald's and the Edmonton Oilers get back into the Pacific Division race. Things were as bad as having an anvil dropped on your head.
Going into that game, there was hopelessness and angst among the fanbase. The Devils were sitting pretty in the Eastern Conference playoff race. Big names like Jack Hughes (27 goals, 69 points) and Jesper Bratt (17 goals, 68 points) were imposing threats. Imagine stopping those players in a hockey game.
But a funny thing happened on that fateful day. The Golden Knights got a win at Prudential Center. It was a Grade-A shocker for a team limping into the 4 Nations Face-Off.
"How did they do this?"
"Don't they know Jesper Bratt is the best player in the world?"
One can imagine the shock people had when that happened. Still, a 3-1 victory kickstarted a winning stretch for the Golden Knights (much deserved, too). Now? They're back in first place in the Pacific Division while Connor McHappymeal and the Edmonton Oilers are four points back (entering Friday). Winning four of your last five sounds pretty good, doesn't it?
But one strategy (okay, there are actually two things) stuck out from that game. It's something that'll benefit Vegas in the rematch on Sunday. It's also something that'll have Lil' Jon bursting into song with LMFAO. Yeah, it's been a while since we heard about the latter since we know Lil' Jon's doing good. But what's the main strategy for Bruce Cassidy's team on Sunday?
The Vegas Golden Knights must win the shot battle
Cue the song.
Yes, it's something of a cliche. But winning the shot battle is paramount to the Golden Knights walking away with two points on Sunday. Looking back at February 6, that's how they won. How, you ask?
It was by outshooting the Devils, 40-15. It was also by an aggressive forecheck that created five takeaways, causing trouble for the home team. In turn, it gave Adin Hill an easy ride as he stopped 14 of 15 shots. Ivan Barbashv got an assist and four shots out of that game, combining for 10 with his linemate, Jack Eichel.
He'll be the focus of Sunday's game as well. He was on a new line in Thursday's contest against the Chicago Blackhawks, scoring two goals and two assists. The Russian winger has suddenly turned on the burners after the 4 Nations Face-Off, discovering the scoring touch that previously eluded him. Will he continue his run, get another goal, and be on the same line? Stay tuned.
Don't forget to stay out of the penalty box!
One other thing to consider is that New Jersey had 10 penalty minutes in that game. That included a double-minor on Jack Hughes, who was called for high sticking against Victor Olofsson. While the Golden Knights didn't have a power play goal that game, it left the Devils on their heels throughout the game.
It's easy to imagine this happening again considering they have the ninth-most penalty minutes entering Saturday (530). That could open up the floodgates for more shots, leaving the defensive front exhausted. Therefore, it's on Barbashev and company to continue drawing penalties throughout the game.
Who knows? They might get a power play goal this time around. Maybe they get two. Regardless of what happens, controlling the offensive zone is a must. The Devils could get Jacob Markstrom back this weekend, making life tougher for Sunday's matchup. Maybe they should bring in Lil' Jon for more shots.