(Photo Credit: SinBin.vegas Photographer Brandon Andreasen)

It’s nothing new, but the 9-4-6 Golden Knights have established themselves as a strong possession team. It’s been a constant under the Bruce Cassidy era and has continued into this season. NHL EDGE statistics currently rank the Golden Knights 1st in neutral zone possession. Vegas is a full point above league average.

(Credit: NHL EDGE)

The Golden Knights spend 18.6% of their time in the neutral zone with the puck. This is an attribute they do better than 31 other NHL clubs. Controlling the game around center ice has become a staple for the Golden Knights’ success since Cassidy’s arrival. The team’s strategy interrupts an opponent’s rush and can create offensive opportunities for VGK’s most dangerous weapons.

When I say goaltender-friendly, we want to protect the high danger and slot chances that are more difficult stops. So, we’re going to try to minimize those opportunities. Some of those are odd-man rushes, breakaways, two-on-ones. We’ll take less risk in our game through the neutral zone. -Bruce Cassidy, September 2022

Not only is Vegas stingy in the neutral zone, but they tend to hold the puck in their own end longer than 23 other rosters. In the group of contenders, only Los Angeles has better possession percentages in the defensive and offensive zones. Each team began today with 24 points.

(Credit: NHL EDGE)

Compared to President’s Trophy favorite Colorado Avalanche, the Golden Knights are in their zone with the puck more but trail in offensive zone possession. It’s a major reason why the Avalanche are leading the league with 78 goals scored. Whereas Vegas is ranked 18th with 60 goals scored.

(Credit: NHL EDGE)

Overall, Vegas compares well with the Pacific’s and Western Conference’s heavyweight opponents. The Golden Knights lead the Anaheim Ducks in all three zones and edge out the Edmonton Oilers in both the neutral and offensive zones. Those two divisional rivals could be what stands in the way of the first or the third seed in the Pacific.

Now, it’s time for VGK to improve their rankings for goals scored, shots on goal, and time spent attacking. Sounds easy right?