The Vegas Golden Knights have the fifth most points by defensemen. Golden Knights coach Bruce Cassidy credits the blue line’s experience and chemistry as the big reason for this.
“I feel right now that our blue line has continuity and has for a while now,” Cassidy said. “They’re the same six guys every night, same pairs. It’s a pretty clear understanding of what they can do, their abilities, what they can get away with, and how they can create offense.”
The Golden Knights have 93 points by their defensemen, trailing only the Winnipeg Jets (99), Washington Capitals (101), Columbus Blue Jackets (103), and Colorado Avalanche (107).
Shea Theodore leads the D-core with 31 points, while Noah Hanifin and Alex Pietrangelo each has 21 points.
“We’ve been getting a lot of chances off. I love the rush and that just comes from good transition hockey, which is something we’ve been really good at lately,” Hanifin said. “Our forwards are so good at making those plays to us late, and I think that’s what’s been giving us a lot of offense.”
It has been more noticeable recently. The team continues to build toward its optimal game. Five defensemen scored a point against the Flyers. The one who didn’t (Zach Whitecloud) chipped in with an assist against the Sabres.
“We’ve tried to build more offensive zone play, like space, and that involves all five guys, and maybe that’s helped them with the rush part too,” Cassidy said. “But we do want them up the ice on their toes.”
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Paul Delos Santos is the Las Vegas sports insider for Dice City Sports. Follow him on X at @PaulDelos_.
