LAS VEGAS — The Golden Knights have shown plenty of successful tendencies since coach Bruce Cassidy arrived before the 2022-23 season.
After knocking off the Minnesota Wild, 4-2, in Game 1 of the opening round on Sunday, one of those tendencies comes into play for Game 2.
The Golden Knights have done an excellent job in stepping up on the second leg of a back-to-back against the same opponent.
Whether it’s during the regular season or in Game 2 of a playoff series, the Golden Knights are 8-2 in such situations.
“What the hell were we thinking the other two (losses)?” Cassidy jokingly asked when made aware of the stat. “One of the things I enjoy about coaching, especially this time of year, is the chess match, so to speak.”
today’s vibes 😁
🔊 SOUND UP 🔊 pic.twitter.com/BJIkKh9o5S
— y-Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) April 22, 2025
Cassidy said the waking up the day after a game with an opponent, and just before facing that team again, he enjoys breaking down film and finding the things he and his staff saw that may have changed, and how to tweak to improve.
“For example, against us earlier this year, Minnesota’s D did not pinch very often,” Cassidy explained. “Not many breakouts. (Sunday) night, first period, they’re up on our wingers. So right away we’re going, ‘hey guys, disregard what we talked about for half an hour two days ago. They’re coming.’
“Which is okay, we deal with that all year.”
Cassidy said he’s also cautious in what he throws at his players with a short turnaround, so as not to overburden them with too many things that might send them into a mental overload.
“It’s not about that,” he said. “It’s little tweaks here and there. Or just our players respond well, it’s usually the case with any of these stats. It usually means they’re good players.”
Said veteran defensemen Brayden McNabb: “He’s a great coach, obviously he’s proven that. He can adjust, sees the game very well, look at a game after a game and see what they’re going to do. and what we need to do to counteract that.”
Stay updated with the most interesting Golden Knights stories, analysis, breaking news and more! Tap the star to add us to your favourites on Google News to never miss a story.
Read the full article here
