In the current NHL season, the Vegas Golden Knights (VGK) have displayed resilience and determination, particularly when faced with a scoreboard deficit. Over 57 games, they have found themselves trailing for an impressive total of 1,349 minutes and 12 seconds, ranking fifth in the league. Despite this challenging statistic, they remain in playoff contention, alongside only one other team in the top 10.
Impressive Comeback Victories
This season, the Golden Knights have achieved remarkable comebacks, winning 13 games after falling behind, with eight victories coming in the third period alone. This performance ties them for the league lead, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure.
Pavel Dorofeyev: A Standout Player
Pavel Dorofeyev has emerged as a crucial player for the Golden Knights. He leads the NHL in goals scored while the team is trailing, with a remarkable tally of 18 goals, significantly outpacing other star players like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. Notably, 75% of Dorofeyev’s goals have been scored when the Golden Knights are behind on the scoreboard.
- Dorofeyev’s trailing goals breakdown:
- 18 goals total when trailing
- 11 goals scored on the power play
- 2 goals with the goalie pulled
- Comparison of trailing goal percentages:
- McDavid: 38%
- Draisaitl: 45%
- Geekie: 41%
With 26 total goals this season, Dorofeyev’s ability to score in high-pressure situations highlights his offensive prowess. He has scored an impressive 13 goals in just 123 minutes while the team is down, emphasizing his critical role in their comeback strategy.
Supporting Players Shine
Other players have also excelled in similar situations. Mitch Marner has contributed significantly, netting seven goals and accumulating 30 points while his team is trailing. This demonstrates that a substantial portion of his scoring productivity occurs during these crucial moments, with 44% of his goals scored in just 40% of the game time.
- Tomas Hertl’s stats while trailing:
- 4 goals and 6 points in 28:40 with an empty net
- Rate of 8.37 goals and 12.56 points per 60 minutes
Indeed, both Mark Stone and Tomas Hertl rank within the top 10 for points scored while trailing, while Jack Eichel is sixth in assists during these situations. This consistent performance from VGK’s top players emphasizes their collective determination to mount successful comebacks.
Conclusion
The Golden Knights’ ability to rally when behind showcases their skill and fighting spirit. With players like Dorofeyev leading the scoring when trailing, along with contributions from Marner, Stone, and Eichel, the team remains a formidable contender as they strive for success throughout the season.
