SALT LAKE CITY — The Vegas Golden Knights could’ve used one, or more, power play goals in Game 3.
The sixth-ranked power play during the regular season went 0-for-4 in the 4-2 loss to the Utah Mammoth on Friday.
It was hardly a factor. Only one opportunity seemed dangerous — when they hit the post twice in the second period.
The Knights are 2-for-9 entering Monday’s Game 4 at Delta Center, where they trail the Mammoth 2-1 in the best-of-seven series.
If there’s an area where the Knights need to get going in coach John Tortorella’s mind, it’s special teams.
“I think our power play is too deliberate,” Tortorella said Saturday. “I think we’re holding on to pucks too long, and when we make a play, we hold onto it. I think the way teams pre-scout, there are no secrets, especially on special teams. I think there needs to be a different look there.”
It’s unclear what that look actually looks like. Whether that’s a personnel switch from the five-forward unit, or a more direct attack mentality, something needs to be addressed.
Tortorella said that was the focus in his talks with his assistant coaches on Saturday. What that looks like is to be determined when they practice Sunday.
“We’ve got some good people, but … when we get the puck moving, we’re allowing (Utah) to get back right into where they want to be,” Tortorella said. “That’s where I think we’re so good. We’re just holding on to the puck too long and not making the puck work.”
One area Tortorella said could help the power play is getting Jack Eichel to shoot more. Eichel had two shot attempts and one on goal in Game 3.
Eichel scored his first goal of the series while the Knights were down 4-0 in the second period. Tortorella is hopeful that could be a springboard for Eichel to get going in other facets offensively.
“He came off the wall and put some shots (on net),” Tortorella said. “He’s got such a lethal shot. If they give us that space, let’s take it.”
Tortorella said part of the issue is the Knights are too far on the outside. That problem is stemming to their 5-on-5 play, as well.
He called for his players to get to the inside, saying “it’s not a big change. It’s just a little bit of a mindset of just an emphasis on those types of things.”
“I think sometimes it’s just needs to be simplified urgency,” Eichel said. “Get pucks to the net and crash the net. But at the same time, we got to be confident when we have it and make the right play.”
Tortorella doubled down on his stance that there was a lot of good to come out of Game 3. He added that while results matter, it’s also about how they’re playing.
He reaffirmed that the Knights took a step forward in Game 3.
“They will see some of the good things when we show our tape tomorrow,” Tortorella said. “This isn’t about browbeating and going after them. I thought we did some good things.”
Contact Danny Webster at dwebster@reviewjournal.com. Follow @DannyWebster21 on X.
