Tom’s Takeaways: VGK 4 – ARI 2

For the second straight game the Vegas Golden Knights came from behind to win, erasing a 2-0 deficit with four unanswered goals. Reilly Smith scored twice and Chandler Stephenson added a goal and an assist. Robin Lehner secured the win with 30 saves.

Little By Little

Aside from being a great Oasis song, little by little the scorers are getting on the sheet for the Vegas Golden Knights. Reilly Smith is the latest example after picking up a pair Monday night, followed closely by Chandler Stephenson’s two point effort. Stephenson’s goal went in off his back while he wasn’t even holding his stick, but that bounce is an example of what the Golden Knights have been able to generate when they’re on.

Flipping The Switch

For the second straight game Vegas had to erase a deficit to win the game. Monday night the Golden Knights found themselves down two goals before the offense kicked in and scored four straight, one into an empty net. That said, the VGK can’t get away with simply flipping a switch and finding success in every game. At some point they have to start on time. I’m willing to give them some room on this one because it’s early yet, but coming from behind will get old quickly.

Power Play Improvements

Like everything else, the power play is slowing getting it in gear. Monday night the puck movement looked much sharper for the VGK. Two other big keys to a power play – movement away from the puck and utilizing the extra man in puck battles – are rounding into shape as well.

Six D

Nice to see the Golden Knights go back to rolling with six D. I completely understand why they wanted to roll five and then 13 forwards to start. However, in a season where there were no pre-season games, a short camp and not much in the way of real practice time trying to suddenly implement five D and have them playing both side of the ice was probably too much to ask. Maybe this is revisited later this season, but for now it appears things are back to a 6/12/18 setup.

Next Up

The Vegas Golden Knights will once again host the Arizona Coyotes Wednesday night before heading to the Copper State to return the favor. This is the first time in franchise history the Golden Knights have played the same team four straight games.