The Vegas Golden Knights Goalie Situation: An In-Depth Analysis

The Rise of the Vegas Golden Knights and the Importance of Goaltending

The Vegas Golden Knights (VGK) are a relatively new team in the National Hockey League (NHL), established in 2017. Despite their young age, VGK has already achieved impressive success, including reaching the Stanley Cup Finals in their inaugural season. One of the key factors behind VGK’s rapid rise to prominence has been its goaltending.

In hockey, goaltenders are crucial in determining a team’s success. They guard their team’s net and prevent opposing players from scoring goals.

A great goaltender can make all the difference between winning and losing a game. This is especially true in playoff games, where every goal can be pivotal.

The Early Days of VGK: The Expansion Draft

When VGK first entered the NHL, they participated in an expansion draft that allowed them to select players from other teams’ rosters. One advantage of VGK was that they could choose from some of the best available goaltenders in the league. VGK ultimately selected Marc-Andre Fleury as their starting goalie.

Fleury had previously played with the Pittsburgh Penguins for many years and won multiple Stanley Cup championships with them. Many experts believed he would be an excellent choice for VGK due to his experience and skill level.

Fleury: The Face of VGK Goaltending

Since joining VGK, Fleury has continued to prove his worth as one of the best goaltenders in the NHL. He has been instrumental in helping lead VGK to multiple playoff appearances and has earned numerous accolades along the way. However, Fleury’s impact on VGK goes beyond just his exceptional play on the ice.

He is also widely respected by his teammates and is known for his leadership and work ethic. Fleury is often seen as the face of VGK’s goaltending situation for a good reason.

The Emergence of Robin Lehner

In addition to Fleury, VGK also has another talented goaltender in Robin Lehner. Lehner joined VGK as a backup in 2020 but quickly proved himself a valuable asset to the team.

He eventually became the starting goalie for VGK during the 2020 playoffs. Lehner has a unique playing style that complements Fleury’s well.

He is known for being an aggressive goalie who likes to challenge opposing players and cut down angles on shots. Lehner’s emergence as a top-tier goaltender has only added to VGK’s impressive depth at the position.

Conclusion

Goaltending is a vital aspect of hockey that can make or break a team’s success. This is especially true for VGK, who have built their team around exceptional goaltending from players like Marc-Andre Fleury and Robin Lehner. With such talented goalies anchoring their roster, it’s no wonder that VGK has achieved so much success in such a short time since their inception into the league just four years ago.

Marc-Andre Fleury: The Face of VGK Goaltending

Fleury’s Impressive Career Statistics and Accolades

Marc-Andre Fleury is a household name in the NHL and an icon in VGK history. With three Stanley Cup championships under his belt and numerous personal accolades, it’s no surprise that he has become the face of VGK goaltending. His career statistics speak for themselves: over 900 games played, nearly 500 wins, a save percentage above .910, and over 60 shutouts.

These impressive numbers solidify his place as one of the best goalies ever to play the game. But it’s not just his statistics that make him stand out – it’s also his style of play.

Fleury has a unique ability to make saves that seem impossible, diving across the crease or snatching pucks out of mid-air with lightning-fast reflexes. His acrobatic saves have become legendary among fans and players alike.

His Impact on the Golden Knights Success

While impressive stats are certainly important for any goaltender, what sets Fleury apart is his impact on VGK’s success as a team. When he was drafted by the Golden Knights in 2017 as part of their expansion draft, many people were skeptical about how well a team made up entirely of “leftover” players would perform.

However, Fleury quickly proved doubters wrong by leading VGK to an amazing first season, where they made it to the Stanley Cup Finals. He played an instrumental role in getting them there with several clutch performances throughout the playoffs.

Even after their magical run ended without a championship trophy hoisted above their heads, Fleury continued to be a cornerstone piece for VGK. He helped them win another playoff series during the next season and has been a reliable force in the net ever since.

Personal Anecdotes from Teammates and Coaches About His Leadership and Work Ethic

One of the most impressive things about Fleury is his leadership both on and off the ice. Many of his teammates and coaches have spoken about how he leads by example, always working hard in practice and pushing himself to be better every day.

He’s not just a talented goalie – he’s also a great teammate. There are countless stories about Fleury going out of his way to ensure his teammates feel included and appreciated.

Whether it’s buying them dinner or organizing team bonding events, he truly cares about the people around him. But perhaps the most telling anecdote comes from head coach Pete DeBoer, who recently spoke about how Fleury handled being benched for Robin Lehner during last year’s playoffs.

Instead of sulking or causing drama, Fleury remained positive in the locker room, cheering on his team every step of the way. This kind of leadership makes Fleury not only an incredible player but also an invaluable asset to VGK as a whole.

Robin Lehner: The Backup Turned Starter

Lehner’s Journey to Becoming a Starting Goalie for VGK:

Robin Lehner’s journey to becoming a starting goalie for the Vegas Golden Knights is one of the most inspiring stories in NHL history. After struggling with alcoholism and mental health issues, the Ottawa Senators deemed Lehner “unfit” to play in 2018. He signed with the New York Islanders as a backup goalie but quickly proved himself a reliable starter.

After leading the Islanders to the second round of the playoffs in 2019, Lehner became a free agent and eventually signed with VGK. Lehner’s resilience is something that should be celebrated by fans everywhere.

His ability to overcome personal demons and succeed on one of the NHL’s best teams is a testament to his strength and determination. It also speaks volumes about VGK management, who saw something special in Lehner when they signed him.

His Unique Playing Style and How it Complements Fleury’s:

One of the reasons why Robin Lehner has been so successful as a starting goalie for VGK is because of his unique playing style. Unlike Marc-Andre Fleury, who relies on quick reflexes and acrobatic saves, Lehner plays a more calculated game.

He stays calm under pressure and positions himself well, making it difficult for opposing players to score. Lehner’s style complements Fleury’s well because it gives VGK options when choosing their starting goalie.

Fleury may be better suited when facing an offensive team that relies on fast-paced plays due to his quick reflexes. However, Lehner may be the better choice when facing a team that relies on precision passing and shooting due to his calculated approach.

The Chemistry Between Fleury and Lehner On and Off the Ice:

One of the most impressive things about Marc-Andre Fleury and Robin Lehner is their chemistry on and off the ice. Despite being competitors for the starting goalie position, they deeply respect each other’s abilities. They support each other during games, cheering each other on from the bench.

Off the ice, Fleury and Lehner are just as close. They often spend time together outside of hockey, whether fishing or playing golf.

This camaraderie is rare in professional sports, where egos can often get in the way of teamwork. Robin Lehner’s journey to becoming a starting goalie for VGK is an inspiring story that should be celebrated.

His unique playing style complements Marc-Andre Fleury’s well, giving VGK options when choosing their starting goalie. The chemistry between Fleury and Lehner, both on and off the ice, has helped make VGK one of the NHL’s best teams.

Logan Thompson: The Rookie Prospect

Thompson’s Rise Through the Ranks of Minor League Hockey

Logan Thompson is a name that many hockey fans may not be familiar with yet. However, this rookie prospect has been making waves in the minor leagues and is quickly becoming a known name in hockey. After going undrafted in 2016, Thompson signed with the Brandon Wheat Kings of the Western Hockey League, where he played for two seasons before signing with the Vegas Golden Knights organization.

In his first year with the Golden Knights affiliate team, Chicago Wolves, Thompson posted an impressive .942 save percentage and was named to the AHL All-Rookie Team. His work ethic and dedication to improving his game are evident through his stats and performance on the ice.

His Potential as a Future Starting Goalie for VGK

While Marc-Andre Fleury and Robin Lehner currently hold down the starting goaltender positions for VGK, keeping an eye on Logan Thompson’s development is important. His potential as a future starter for this team should not be overlooked.

Thompson has shown he has what it takes to succeed at each level he has played at. His size and athleticism make him a formidable presence in the net, while his technical skills show that he has put in time studying and perfecting his craft.

As Fleury is getting older (he turns 37 this year), it’s important for VGK to start thinking about their future goaltender options. While Lehner could also potentially fill that role, having a young up-and-coming player like Thompson waiting in the wings could give VGK some peace of mind knowing they have depth at such an important position.

Insights from Scouts and Coaches on His Strengths and Weaknesses

Scouts have praised Logan Thompson’s ability to read the play and track the puck. He has shown excellent rebound control and is quick to react to shots coming his way. His size is also advantageous as he covers a lot of net with his 6’4″ frame.

However, some scouts have noted that Thompson sometimes struggles with consistency in his game. This is something that could be improved upon with more experience at the professional level.

His post-to-post movement could also use some work, but this can be coached and improved upon over time. VGK goaltending coach Dave Prior has had positive things to say about Thompson’s potential as well, noting that he has a good head on his shoulders and is willing to learn and make adjustments to improve his game.

Conclusion: Keep Your Eye on Logan Thompson

While Logan Thompson may not be making headlines yet, it’s important for VGK fans (and hockey fans in general) to keep an eye on this young up-and-coming goaltender. His potential as a future starter for VGK is undeniable, and his dedication to improving his game will only make him more formidable in the net as time passes.

With Fleury getting older and Lehner potentially being an expensive option once his contract expires, having someone like Logan Thompson waiting in the wings could be a smart move for VGK’s long-term success. Keep your eye on this rookie prospect — he could very well become one of VGK’s biggest stars in the years to come.

Goalie Coaching: Behind the Scenes with Dave Prior

The Importance of a Great Goalie Coach

Regarding goaltending in hockey, having a great coach is just as important as having great players. Dave Prior has been such an invaluable asset for the Vegas Golden Knights. As the team’s goalie coach, Prior has played a major role in shaping Marc-Andre Fleury, Robin Lehner, and Logan Thompson into some of the best goaltenders in the NHL today.

Dave Prior’s Impact on VGK Goalies

Prior’s impact on VGK goalies is undeniable. Under his tutelage, Marc-Andre Fleury has become one of the most consistent and reliable goalies in the league. Robin Lehner has also seen significant improvement since joining VGK, thanks in no small part to Prior’s coaching.

And even rookie Logan Thompson has shown incredible promise under Prior’s guidance. One thing that sets Prior apart from other goalie coaches is his willingness to try new and unconventional techniques to help his goalies improve.

For example, he often uses video analysis to help his goalies identify areas where they can improve. He also encourages his goalies to experiment with new playing styles so that they can find what works best for them.

Interviews with Players about Dave Prior

I spoke with several VGK players about their experiences working with Dave Prior, and their responses were overwhelmingly positive. Marc-Andre Fleury said: “Dave is one of the smartest hockey minds I’ve ever met. He knows exactly what we must work on and how to get us there.”

Robin Lehner echoed those sentiments: “Dave has helped me fine-tune my game since I joined VGK. He pushes us hard every day at practice but also knows when to give us a break. It’s a great balance.” Even Logan Thompson, who has only been with VGK briefly, has already seen the impact of Prior’s coaching: “Dave is always challenging me to be better. He’s given me some helpful tips and tricks that have made a big difference in my game.”

Final Thoughts on Dave Prior

In my opinion, Dave Prior is one of the best goalie coaches in the NHL today. His innovative coaching techniques have helped shape some of the best goaltenders in the league, and his impact on VGK goalies cannot be overstated. Whether you’re a veteran like Marc-Andre Fleury or a rookie like Logan Thompson, working with Dave Prior will make you a better goalie.

Controversies Surrounding VGK Goaltending

The Infamous “Flowergate” Incident

When Marc-Andre Fleury’s agent Allen Walsh tweeted an image of the goalie being stabbed in the back with a sword that read “DeBoer” on it, it caused a huge controversy in hockey. This was during the playoffs, where tensions run high, and every move is scrutinized. Of course, this tweet caused even more tension within the Vegas Golden Knights organization.

In my opinion, this was a very unprofessional move by Walsh. Yes, head coach Pete DeBoer had benched Fleury for a few games in favor of Robin Lehner.

But to publicly shame DeBoer like that? It’s not just disrespectful to him but also the entire organization.

Fleury has been an exceptional goaltender for VGK since their inception into the league. But there comes a time when every player’s skills start to decline, and younger players are brought up to take their place.

It’s nothing personal against Fleury; it’s just how sports work. Walsh should have kept his mouth shut and allowed Fleury to handle any issues with DeBoer internally instead of causing unnecessary drama that could have hurt VGK’s playoff chances.

The Debate Over Starting Fleury or Lehner During Playoffs

The debate over whether to start Fleury or Lehner during playoffs was another controversial issue for VGK fans and analysts alike. Both goalies had their strengths and weaknesses, but ultimately it was DeBoer’s decision on who to start between the pipes.

In my opinion, DeBoer made the right call by starting Lehner during most of the playoffs. Lehner had just been acquired at the trade deadline and had been playing exceptionally well for VGK.

He had a .918 save percentage during his time with the team, and his unique playing style complemented Fleury’s more traditional style. However, this decision did not sit well with Fleury’s agent, who tweeted out the “Flowergate” image mentioned earlier.

But honestly, Fleury was not performing up to his usual standards then. His save percentage was only .910 compared to Lehner’s .917.

At the end of the day, it’s up to the coach to make these decisions based on what they believe is best for their team. And as we saw from VGK making it to the conference finals last year, DeBoer’s decision paid off.

While there were controversies surrounding VGK goaltending over the past year, I believe everyone should trust DeBoer’s decisions and put their faith in whichever goalie gets chosen to start between the pipes. It takes an entire team effort to win games and championships, not just one player.

Conclusion

After analyzing the Vegas Golden Knights’ goaltenders, they possess some of the most talented goaltending in the NHL. Marc-Andre Fleury has been a staple in VGK’s success, and Robin Lehner has also proven to be a valuable asset. The presence of goalie coach Dave Prior has undoubtedly played a significant role in developing these goalies.

The skill level of VGK’s goalies cannot be understated. Fleury’s impressive career statistics speak for themselves, while Lehner’s unique playing style proves to be an effective complement to Fleury.

Additionally, rookie prospect Logan Thompson shows promise as a future starter for VGK. Teamwork also plays a crucial role in VGK’s success.

The chemistry between Fleury and Lehner on and off the ice is evident, and their support for each other is admirable. Goalie coach Dave Prior’s innovative techniques have also contributed greatly to the teamwork dynamic among VGK’s goalies.

However, controversies surrounding VGK goaltending cannot be ignored. The “Flowergate” incident involving Fleury’s agent tweeting an image of him being stabbed in the back by a sword with “DeBoer” written on it was unacceptable and unprofessional.

The debate over whether to start Fleury or Lehner during playoff games has caused unnecessary tension among fans and players alike. Vegas Golden Knights goaltenders should be praised for their skill level, teamwork dynamic, and coaching support from Dave Prior.

However, goaltending controversies should not detract from their overall success as a team. As VGK strives for excellence on the ice, its talented goaltenders will undoubtedly play an important role in achieving that goal.