The Vegas Golden Knights have a formula for success that has made them one of the best NHL teams in recent history: They've dominated the league by unearthing gems in the rough (think Chandler Stephenson and William Karlsson) and making bold moves (like trading for Jack Eichel). But their advantage goes beyond just having a talented front office that understands the rules.
Tactically, Bill Foley and company are at the top of their game. Over the years, they have built a balanced team with depth at the forward line. With guys like Jonathan Marchessault and Mark Stone, they are scoring threats on every line. They were also helped by the draft acquisition of Marc-Andre Fleury, whose goaltender won the Vezina Trophy in 2021.
But that's not the only thing that has made them such a formidable opponent since their inception. They have specialized in a specific strategy to challenge other teams: the forecheck in hockey, and it's what they've made their money on. So what does this concept mean in this great game? How have the Golden Knights developed into a powerhouse through this incredible strategy?
Forechecking in hockey is one of the most underrated concepts in the game. Forechecking occurs when the defensive team fights to regain possession of the puck in the opponent's defense or neutral zone. Forechecking can involve applying pressure with a variety of tactics, such as stun checks or taking away shooting lanes, to create turnovers.
This strategy has been a focus of the Vegas Golden Knights since their inception, whether under Gerard Gallant or Bruce Cassidy. But Cassidy has put more of an emphasis on blocking more shots and taking away shooting lanes. It also helps that the Golden Knights are one of the biggest teams in hockey and had the most players last season. As a result, they're harder to score on and opponents have a harder time finding alternative ways to score.
It doesn't matter if it's at even strength or the penalty kill. This strategy has made the Golden Knights one of the best teams in the NHL in recent memory. They generate a ton of turnovers, with Mark Stone (1.22 per game since 2019) leading the way. It's all part of a bigger plan the team hopes will work out this season. After all, this strategy has gotten them to the playoffs in six of their first seven seasons.
