In recent weeks, the Vegas Golden Knights (VGK) have struggled significantly. Following their latest defeat in Utah, the team’s performance has been disappointing, with results showing only five wins in the last 15 games. Their overall record during this stretch stands at 5-5-5.
VGK’s Troubling Patterns Emerge
The last 15 games have exposed several issues for VGK. While the team has not pinpointed a singular problem, trends indicate multiple areas of concern, including puck management, goaltending, and finishing ability. A closer look reveals the following alarming statistics:
Scoring Challenges
- VGK has not scored more than four goals in any of the last 12 games after accomplishing this feat four times in the first ten.
- The team’s shooting percentage dropped to 7.61%, ranking as the seventh worst in the league since October 30th.
Player Contributions and Ratings
Pavel Dorofeyev has not scored a single even-strength goal throughout November. Furthermore, only three players—Saad, Korczak, and Lauzon—have maintained a positive rating over the last 12 games.
Special Teams Ineffectiveness
- VGK has drawn 50 penalties while only taking 39 in the last 13 games.
- Despite this advantage, they have managed just one more goal than their opponents on special teams.
Defensive Struggles
The VGK fourth line has yet to contribute a goal during the last 15 games. Defenseman Noah Hanifin currently holds a -6 rating and has been on the ice for ten goals against at even strength since returning from injury.
Goalie Performance
The team’s goalies have faced challenges as well. Only three out of the last 13 games featured a goaltender with a save percentage above .900.
Individual Highlights and Concerns
- Mitch Marner has achieved 11 points in the last 15 games, maintaining a pace consistent with a 60-point season.
- Meanwhile, Jack Eichel has been involved in 19 of the 37 goals allowed by VGK, leading the league with 44 giveaways in just 22 games.
Including Keegan Kolesar, who has a rating of -6 and has been involved in eight goals against over 120 minutes of five-on-five play, the team faces hurdles on multiple fronts.
As the VGK look to improve, addressing these critical issues will be crucial in reversing their current trajectory.
