Offensive structural changes ahead for VGK

The Golden Knights made another round of cuts as they look to get down to the league roster size of 23 by opening day.  VGK sent all of the players in this round to Henderson of the AHL.  VGK did release two goalies Jesper Vikman and Cameron Whitehead.  Carl Lindbom remains in camp with Adin Hill and Akira Schmid.  Chris evaluates Mitch Marner's role on Marner Monday.  And, we noticed Golden Knights defensemen have been shooting more in the preseason. 

VGK got its first preseason win but they had to rally from a 2-0 deficit to beat the visiting Utah Mammoth 3-2 in overtime.  It was the first time Mitch Marner appeared for the Golden Knights and we had a glimpse of what it will be like with two superstars - Marner and Eichel - skating on the same line.  Marner made an elite backhanded pass through traffic that found Eichel and he put the puck home.  Marner put a lot of pucks on or near the net. Eichel later scored the equalizer then also had an assist on the breakaway Shea Theodore game-winner.  We also talk about reports that VGK is the frontrunner for contraversial goalie Carter Hart.  And it's WTF Day with comments about VGK. 

We hopefully will see the anticipated debut of Mitch Marner tonight at T-Mobile Arena, along with his camp linemates Jack Eichel and Ivan Barbeshev as the Golden Knights meet the Utah Mammoth.  We could also see the Theodore-McNabb defensive pairing seeing its first action. We preview tonight's contest and we talk about fan concern over lack of scoring in the preseason.

VGK had several opportunities last night,  but only scored once on a goal by defenseman Villiam Kmek. The Kings won the game 3-1, but there was concern for the team's leading goal scorer Pavel Dorofeyev, who left the game with a muscle strain or pull in the first period, according to Bruce Cassidy. Jack Eichel and Jeremy Lauzon have had similiar injuries in camp.  The Golden Knights had several chances, but couldn't capitalize.  Mark Stone and Reilly Smith hit the post. It was encouraging to see VGK put 10 shots on net on four power plays. We talk about Jack Eichel's contract extension, and an NHL Insider says the cost could be going up.  And, VGK has shown interest in goalie Carter Hart according to one report.

Alex Pietrangelo met with the media Monday to talk about his current injury condition. He didn't rule out a return to the ice some day, but said he hasnt had surgery and is rehabbing his injured hips with the team doctors.  Pietrangelo is still in Las Vegas and has been doing a lot of activities with his family.  He said he has been at the facility, misses hockey and has been a "sounding board" for the younger players.  VGK looks to take a step forward in tonight's preseason game against the Kings.  We could see a more veteran lineup for VGK in tonight's contest.  And, we tell you who was in the first round of cuts for the Golden Knights.

The Golden Knights lost the preseason opener 3-0 in San Jose Sunday night.  VGK played a lot of younger, inexperienced players against a lineup of primarily veterans in the game. The VGK goaltenders played well - Carl Lindbom and Jesper Vikman shared the net.  The Golden Knights gave up a power play goal, but Cassidy said the team hasn't worked on special teams in camp yet.  We also talk about some minor injuries in camp.  And, it's our weekly Marner Monday feature. 

Jack Eichel didn't come out to skate for the second session Thursday on opening day of camp at City National.  Eichel tweaked something according to Bruce Cassidy and he sat out as a precautionary measure.  Earlier, Eichel and Mitch Marner were linemates on the top line.  We look at all the line combinations from opening day.   Kelly McCrimmon addressed the media.  And, it's WTF Day!

A roster of 64 players will take the ice Thursday on the first day of VGK's preseason camp.  There are three sessions, including one for seaso ticket holders.  One of the surprise players on the roster is RFA Alexander Holtz, who hasn't signed an offer sheet.  But there are a lot of talented players, including some who made an impression in Rookie camp.  There are also six goaltenders in camp and there could be a strong competition for the backup goalie position.  We talk about some of the young players that can make an impression.  And, Conner McDavid says he will take his time on a new deal, which could delay Jack Eichel signing an extension. 

With VGK's training camp opening Thursday, we give some insight into what offensive changes could be ahead as Bruce Cassidy said after last season that the team will change its structure to put more pucks on net.  We also talk about the correlation to scoring more with drawing more penalties.  And, Cale Makar told ESPN most players favor the 1 to 8 playoff format, which was changed over 11 years ago.

There could be a number of position battles in VGK camp, which begins Thursday.  We will see battles for playing time in the D corps with Ben Hutton, Jeremy Lauzon and Kaeden Korczak.  We can even add Zach Whitecloud to the mix.  There are other battles such as the backup goalie competition between Carl Lindbom and Akira Schmid.  We highlight other battles as well.  Nic Hague tells the Review-Journal VGK reneged on a contract extension.  And Pete DeBoer surfaces for the first time since getting fired in Dallas.