(Photo Credit: SinBin.vegas Photographer Brandon Andreasen)

The Golden Knights are on a streak. This season, they’ve yet to allow 30 shots or more in a single game. They are the only team in the league to boast that distinction.

We’ve always wanted to sacrifice outside shot volume for taking care of quality shots on the inside so we’ll always be that way. This year we’ve seemed to be able to do both. -Bruce Cassidy

The number is a bit misleading, though, because shot volume around the league is not only down from a year ago, it’s way down from when the Golden Knights first entered the league.

Average Shots Per Game In NHL
25-26: 27.5
24-25: 28.3
23-24: 30.3
22-23: 31.2
21-22: 31.6
20-21: 30.0
19-20: 31.3
18-19: 31.4
17-18: 31.9

This year, about 1 in every 2.47 team games (meaning both teams are counted in each game) sees a team register 30 or more shots on goal. In 2017-18, that number was 1 in 1.60.

Just three teams average more than 30 shots per game this season. Carolina paces the league at 34.2, Colorado is right behind them with 33.8, and Columbus is barely above the line at 30.5. Every other one of the 29 teams in the league falls below 30 a night. On the flip side, two teams have allowed exactly 30 shots per night (ANA & MIN), while six others are above, with Buffalo in dead last at 32.0.

VGK’s head coach has taken notice.

I feel like this year the shot clock is a lot more detailed in terms of what’s on net and what isn’t. I’ve noticed that around the league. -Cassidy

The game is certainly changing as teams are prioritizing higher-quality shots, but the correct accounting of shots has had a much larger impact. The best explanation for this is the growing importance of accurate statistics due to sports gambling. Stat keepers have been asked to be much more meticulous in judging which shots are actually on goal, so player and team props are graded correctly.

During games, and especially intermissions, shots are constantly being taken off the board as the video is reviewed to ensure accuracy. Thus, the number of 30+ shot games has taken a massive dip.

That’s why Cassidy and his staff have been focused on a different area, something much more impactful.

The number that has improved this year is that we’re recovering more pucks in our slot area. Those are where the second-chance goals come in. -Cassidy

He says there are a few areas that have contributed to this. First, he believes the comfort level of the players in the system has continued to grow, which allows them to anticipate plays faster. Next, he says the rebound control of the goalies has played a factor, and finally, he believes they’ve been better at limiting long, sustained shifts in the defensive zone.

Add it all up, and the Golden Knights are 9th in the league in goals against per game and 5th best over the last week.

Limiting shots is good and well, and streaks are fun to keep an eye on, but keeping the puck out of the net is the name of the game. The number of shots on the board is not a great reflection of whether or not they are succeeding in that area. Limiting chances, especially dangerous chances is what keeps the puck out of the net.

Through 20 games, the Golden Knights are 2nd in the league in expected goals against per 60. That’s a number to be really proud of.