Only one special teams unit has shone for the Vegas Golden Knights this season. It's been the power play, which entered Sunday's game against the Canucks as the NHL's best (30.1%). With prominent names like Tomas Hertl (14 goals on the unit) and Pavel Dorofeyev (13 goals), it's no wonder the group has catapulted to the top.
However, they haven't scored a power play goal in their last four games. Not having Hertl around has stalled the unit, leaving a missing link in front of the net.
The good news? He's expected to return to the lineup soon. Will it be this week? Will it be Game 1 of the first round? That's the mysterious part. However, having your big body in the slot will end the endless passing charade. It's time to restore the unit to its "former" glory (or something close to that).
But there's even better news! The Golden Knights have seen their other special teams unit shine during the three-game road trip. They've done something extraordinary that has gotten them four points. Four points!
Sometimes, the most unexpected sources can help teams overcome the biggest challenges. It doesn't matter if you're competing for the Stanley Cup or the divisional title. Units like this deserve more love, especially from their play in the past two games.
The Vegas Golden Knights have gotten help from... the penalty kill?
It might not say much when the Vancouver Canucks and Calgary Flames don't have incredible power plays like the Vegas Golden Knights. Vancouver was tied for 13th entering Sunday's game at 22.8%. Calgary was 20th at 20.6% before Sunday.
All of this against the 24th-best unit before facing Vancouver (75.8%)? Impossible! However, the group has made it work through various means. How, you ask?
For one, they've killed six penalties in the past two games. That included four penalty kills on Saturday, guiding the Golden Knights to victory. One might point to Reilly Smith's outstanding performance after he scored two goals. However, the special teams unit has done excellent work keeping the team upright.
The Golden Knights have seen a team effort from the penalty kill
It hasn't been just Reilly Smith who's led the charge. In fact, it hasn't even been William Karlsson contributing to the penalty kill, either. Each player has stepped up in the group, making the necessary plays.
Players like Brandon Saad and Zach Whitecloud have gotten their sticks out, disrupting countless pass attempts. Whitecloud has been especially noticeable, blocking shots at every juncture.
The Bemidji State alum has six blocked shots in his last two games, with four coming on Sunday. He's played exceptionally well on the road trip as a blue liner, pokechecking and defending every play. That included a broken-up play on Dakota Joshua that prevented a potential breakaway.
Of course, there are also the occasional exits and blocked passes that help. This has led to opposing teams getting a big fat zero on the power play in the last two games. In turn? It also led to the division lead growing to five games entering Monday.
But there is a massive test coming on Tuesday. It comes a mile high against the Colorado Avalanche, where Karlsson and company will meet Nathan MacKinnon and crew. Their power play was tied for seventh in the NHL entering Sunday (24.8%). There's nothing like rising to the challenge and overcoming those challenges, eh?