‘Not Into Excuses’: Cassidy Rips Golden Knights for Poor Starts

On Friday, the Vegas Golden Knights allowed the first goal for the ninth time this season. As a team that has only played eleven games, they’ve allowed the first goal in 81.8% of them.

From the outside looking in, you’d assume that this trend hasn’t hurt them too much. With a record of 6-2-3, the Golden Knights sit atop the Pacific Division. Their 15 points are third in the Western Conference and in the league. 

Indeed, they’ve managed to claw their way back into most of their games. However, their bad habits are starting to catch up to them. On Friday, they never recovered from their slow start and fell 4-2 to the Colorado Avalanche. 

Golden Knights’ head coach Bruce Cassidy has never been one to pull his punches, and yesterday was no exception. 

“I’m not into excuses,” said Cassidy following the loss. “We haven’t played very good to start. This is not the first time this year we haven’t started well. I mean, we’ve been behind in most games.”

The Avalanche scored just 41 seconds into the first period. Cassidy described the play and revealed that he had gone over it with the team right before the game.

“The play they made, we talked about it, showed it,” Cassidy lamented. “Our d didn’t get out in the passing lane; another forward’s stick is in the air. And, I mean, we just went over it nine minutes before the game started. 

“The coach has to prepare his team to play, right? But as players, you have to start on time. And we’re getting to the point here, it’s almost November, and this is a recurring thing. So, veteran group, get yourself ready to play.”