Original source (on modern site) | Article images: [1]
(Photo Credit: SinBin.vegas Photographer Brandon Andreasen) We heard it way back after the 2017-18 Stanley Cup finals, the Golden Knights needed to get bigger and stronger. Or in hockey lexicon, Vegas needed to get heavier. So, they did. They traded for Ryan Reaves (6'2″, 225) around the 2018 deadline, completed a late offseason deal for Max Pacioretty (6'2″, 217), and they traded and signed Mark Stone (6'3″, 217) minutes before the 2019 trade deadline expired. So, the organization did what they said they, get heavier. And it didn't stop there. Size matters, especially at this time of year. They lean on you all night and they wear teams down because they lean on you. It's impressive because there are times when they get a lead where they're not trying to score. They're controlling the territory of the game, and you don't get any second chances. Every puck is confronted in your own zone and there's no free ice anywhere. There's got to be tactic changes when you play that team because of their weight and size. It's fun to watch that team play that type of playoff hockey. - Ken Hitchcock, former NHL coach on Bob McCown Podcast Over the years Vegas introduced Nic Hague (6'6″, 230) to their lineup, took a chance on monster goaltender Adin Hill (6'6″, 215), picked up Nick Holden (6'4″, 210), added depth with Ben Hutton (6'3″, 201), brought in Nic Roy (6'4″, 202), signed a mega-deal with Alex Pietrangelo (6'3″, 215), and are currently starting large Logan Thompson (6'4″, 205) in net. Easy to say, the Golden Knights set out to be heavy, and they were rewarded with a Stanley Cup trophy last year. Noah Hanifin nets the go-ahead goal! 🎰 Watch Game 2: Vegas 🆚 Dallas on Sportsnet 360 or stream on Sportsnet+. pic.twitter.com/lsEshKQ072 — Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) April 25, 2024 Up 2-0 in their seven-game series with Dallas, Vegas is up to their old tricks. The Golden Knights are leading the opening round by defending, frustrating, and suffocating the Stars, who are the second heaviest team in the NHL. However, they haven't been able to clear Vegas from in front of the net or win board battles in either zone. It's been the Golden Knights that are successfully using their size, just like they did all last season. Top 5 Heaviest NHL Playoff Teams (Average height and weight) At this season's deadline the Golden Knights once again added high-level skill with enormous size. Additions Anthony Mantha (6'5″, 234), Noah Hanifin (6'3″, 207) and Tomas Hertl (6'3″, 215) all fit Vegas' blueprint and are currently contributing through two playoff games. In fact, the reigning Stanely Cup champions were the heaviest team last season and are again this year. Heck, if it worked before so why not attack the playoffs the same way in 2024. They're the best team at controlling the blue lines. Whoever controls the blue line is the winner in the NHL playoffs. If you're great at getting it out and you're great at getting it in, you're going to have a lot of success. Vegas has no problem in not trying to force the puck in the offensive blue line. They control the territory part of the game. They look more than comfortable. You look at the way Vegas confronts pucks in both net fronts and it's impressive. They hold position and I think that's been the small difference in these first two games. -Hitchcock on Bob McCown Podcast Obviously, the Golden Knights would prefer to sweep the Stars and rest up for a potentially grueling second round series against the Colorado Avalanche or Winnipeg Jets. However, this is the postseason, and teams can rip away or steal momentum with one win. Leaning on, frustrating, and wearing down opponents is critical to ensure a chance at securing a playoff victory or advancing to the next round. Unsurprisingly, that's when Vegas is most confident. Unfortunately for Dallas, size doesn't matter if you don't use it.
![[1]](image.php?loc=CL&i=https://sinbin.vegas/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/STLvVGK0780.jpg){kind=link}