LAS VEGAS — Vegas finds itself in familiar territory from earlier playoff rounds, but this time the circumstances are far more challenging for the Golden Knights.
While Vegas previously enjoyed home-ice advantage against Utah and Anaheim, claiming both series in six games after being tied 2-2, the team now faces a tougher road. The Golden Knights must capture two victories in their final three Stanley Cup Final matchups, with potentially two games taking place in Carolina, including a possible decisive Game 7.
Thursday night brings Game 5 in Carolina.
However, Vegas confronts multiple challenges beyond simply securing a victory in one of the league’s most intimidating venues. How well the Golden Knights tackle these problems will largely decide whether they claim their second championship in four years or reflect on what might have been.
Jack Eichel leads the team with 20 playoff points, trailing only teammate Mitch Marner’s 29 for the NHL lead.
Yet Eichel has managed only two goals throughout the postseason and hasn’t scored in his last six contests dating to the Western Conference Final against Colorado. While he’s traditionally favored passing over shooting, Eichel has contributed just two assists in the series against Carolina.
With star players expected to elevate their performance during playoff runs, Vegas desperately needs Eichel to return to the scoresheet. He nearly broke through during Tuesday’s 5-3 defeat, sending the puck just above the crossbar on what could have been a game-tying goal late in the final period. Had that shot found the net, Vegas might be traveling to Carolina with a chance to clinch the series.
“I know Jack doesn’t have the goals,” Golden Knights coach John Tortorella said after the game. “He was close tonight. He had the game on his stick on the faceoff there, just missed, hit the crossbar, one-timer. I think they’re developing chances, but we do need to finish when we have some opportunities.”
Goaltender Carter Hart, who excelled through the first three rounds, cannot shoulder all the blame. He’s faced numerous defensive lapses in front of the net.
Nevertheless, the statistics tell a concerning story.
Hart posted a 12-4 record with a .924 save percentage and 2.22 goals-against average entering the final series. He was considered a candidate for the Conn Smythe Trophy awarded to the playoffs’ top performer before surrendering four goals in each of the opening four final games.
In the Carolina series, his save percentage has dropped to .861 with a 3.60 goals-against average.
Hart has delivered clutch moments, particularly his double-overtime performance in Game 3 when he stopped several dangerous scoring chances to help Vegas secure the victory. However, he’s also allowed goals in clusters during moments when his team needed a crucial save to limit damage.
Defensive support would prove valuable as well. Vegas managed only 12 blocked shots Tuesday, matching their postseason low.
“Just trust our system, trust each other to step up, block shots, make plays and win our battles,” center Colton Sissons said. “Hartsy will be there when we need him.”
Vegas entered the final series with a 23.9% power-play conversion rate, anchored by special teams that were instrumental in capturing the Western Conference. Against Carolina, that percentage has plummeted to 8.3%.
During one Tuesday power play, the Golden Knights spent ninety seconds in the attacking zone cycling the puck while searching for an ideal scoring opportunity that never materialized. This approach essentially aided Carolina’s defensive efforts.
The penalty kill presents similar struggles. Carolina began this series converting 12.5% of its power-play opportunities, but has succeeded on 36.4% against Vegas.
This decline appears especially surprising given the Golden Knights’ penalty kill was operating effectively before facing Carolina, succeeding at an 87.5% rate while scoring a league-leading four short-handed goals.
Carolina officially recorded one power-play goal in Game 4, though another came immediately after time had expired.
