The Democrats are in a tough spot right now. They saw Kamala Harris lose in a landslide election to Donald Trump and the Republicans. Emotions are high and everyone is heartbroken, as they were let down by the election results. It's unfortunate for them to come up short, especially when you've anticipated a big night for months.
But enough about politics since the election's over. The Vegas Golden Knights can understand this emotion, especially after losing to the Dallas Stars in seven games last May. The Edmonton Oilers lost to those same Golden Knights the season prior, being eliminated in the second round. When you come up short in the big moment, it hurts when you fall after working hard to get to the stage.
In fact, the Oilers fell short of a miraculous comeback last season, losing to the Florida Panthers in seven games. They were down 3-0 before winning three straight. Unfortunately, they lost the finale, 2-1, despite Connor McDavid winning the Conn Smythe.
That happened on Wednesday night, with the Golden Knights doubling the Oilers, 4-2. Edmonton blew a 2-1 lead as Vegas scored three straight goals to win their first road game. So what lessons can be learned from losing a big game? How can sports teams rebound and try again for the next season?
How to rebound from a tough loss, Vegas Golden Knights style
Last Wednesday, the Vegas Golden Knights were doubled up by the Los Angeles Kings, 6-3. Six different Kings players scored goals, with Anze Kopitar leading the way (one goal, two assists). The Golden Knights lost their fourth straight road game, leaving fans wondering whether their fortunes would turn away from T-Mobile Arena.
Where would the Golden Knights find the answers?
What needed to change?
It turns out Bruce Cassidy wasn't afraid to be aggressive. Even after trailing to start the third period, 2-1, the Golden Knights cranked up the offensive pressure. It led to Noah Hanifin scoring two key goals to win the game. People don't give Cassidy enough credit for sticking with his game plan.
However, he didn't cave and stuck to his strategy. When the Oilers brought out Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl to close the game, Cassidy countered with his own lineup.
Good read by Cassidy knowing the clock and understanding that McDavid and Draisaitl would come out together. He goes with Karlsson, Stone, Eichel, Pietrangelo, and Hanifin, and the Oilers don't get a shot off.
— SinBin.vegas (@SinBinVegas) November 7, 2024
The best NHL coaches adjust their lineups and put out their best players. They learn lessons from the loss before and apply them in big situations. That's what happened on Wednesday, resulting in the Golden Knights walkin' away with two points.
So remember. Whether your side's lost the big election or big game, you must come up with a bold strategy to prevent the same mistakes from happening. The Golden Knights applied that and continued their winning ways. This also goes for any practice in life. Failure doesn't mean the end, for it's used as a lesson for success.