LAS VEGAS — The Vegas Golden Knights entered the 2026-27 NHL season looking like one of the most dangerous offensive teams in hockey. But after an explosive start, the defending Pacific Division contenders suddenly find themselves searching for answers.
Vegas has lost four of its last five games, including a disappointing 5-2 defeat to the New Jersey Devils on Friday night, as an unexpected scoring drought threatens to derail the team’s early-season momentum.
The Golden Knights have managed just 11 goals during that five-game stretch, with only six coming during five-on-five play.
For a roster featuring offensive stars Jack Eichel, Mitch Marner and Mark Stone, the lack of production has become one of the team’s most pressing concerns.
Now, with a challenging four-game road trip approaching, Vegas must rediscover the offensive chemistry that helped establish the franchise as an early Pacific Division leader.
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Golden Knights Go From Offensive Powerhouse to Scoring Slump
The Golden Knights couldn’t have asked for a much better start to the season. Vegas opened its campaign with an impressive 8-2 record, scoring 41 goals through its first 10 games.
Of those 41 goals, 29 came at even strength, demonstrating the team’s ability to generate offense without relying heavily on special teams. However, that offensive production has declined dramatically.
Over their last five contests, the Golden Knights have struggled to consistently generate quality scoring opportunities and capitalize on the chances they create.m Even Tuesday’s 4-1 victory over the Ottawa Senators offered little evidence that the team’s five-on-five scoring problems had been solved.
Only one of Vegas’ four goals came during five-on-five action. Two were scored into an empty net, while another came on the power play. Remove that victory from the equation, and the Golden Knights have scored just seven goals across their four recent losses. For a team built around elite offensive talent, those numbers are difficult to ignore.
Ryan Craig Believes Vegas Will Find Its Scoring Touch
Despite the recent struggles, Golden Knights head coach Ryan Craig isn’t ready to sound the alarm. Craig believes the team is still creating opportunities but has struggled with execution and finishing around the net.
“We are creating some opportunities,” Craig said. “We haven’t finished as well. We haven’t played with a lead as much as we did earlier.”
The Golden Knights coach suggested that the lack of early scoring has created additional pressure on his players, potentially affecting their confidence when opportunities arise.
However, Craig remains convinced that improved puck management and defensive responsibility will eventually lead to better offensive results.
“We shouldn’t be concerned about that part of our game because when we do manage the puck and we do check, we create enough (opportunities), they’re going to go in,” Craig said.
The message from the coaching staff is clear: Vegas doesn’t need to reinvent its offensive system. It needs to execute more consistently.
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Robert LaMar is a Deputy Editor for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X via @RobertLaMar26
