Not a big hockey fan but for those who are, how did an expansion team buck the trend of awful expansion teams and become so good so fast? Coaching? Compilation of talent? Other?
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A lot of factors, but a big one was the expansion draft rules. Hockey teams use 12 forwards, 6 defensemen and 2 goalies, and teams could only protect 7 forwards, 3 defensemen and 1 goalie, so LV got a lot of solid players, not team’s garbage. In addition, the NHL hard salary cap meant they were able to select some better players that were left exposed because of their contracts (which LV could easily absorb).Not a big hockey fan but for those who are, how did an expansion team buck the trend of awful expansion teams and become so good so fast? Coaching? Compilation of talent? Other?
Damn, Florida has been hot. Right on our heels with a game in hand.All explanations already given here .
Man I love hockey.
Speaking of which, Devils game tonight! Playoff race is a nail biter for sure .
The Flyers seem to be cursed since Lindbergh died in that car crash to never have the goaltending they need. Even Mrazek looks worse just from having been traded there.Hockey is awesome to watch especially in person...just wish the Flyers weren't garbage. Even if they make the playoffs the Penguins will slaughter them.
It makes some sense that some of the players they got would show more than they did on their previous team. As 3rd and 4th liners, they weren’t getting a huge amount of ice time, weren’t on either PP unit, etc. Now on LV they are getting that chance and some are proving worthy.The Flyers aren't garbage per say, but some of Hakstol's coaching decisions leave a lot to be desired.
As for Vegas, some good info for their success above, especially in regards to the way the expansion draft works, but don't forget about good old fashioned luck. Several of their players have career/break out/comeback seasons at the same time.
Damn, Florida has been hot. Right on our heels with a game in hand.
I think it's too early to make an accurate judgment on their long-term viability. The novelty hasn't worn off yet, and they are in first place. Once the team starts struggling and they've been around for 5-10 years, we'll see how much of their fanbase is committed. With that said, I hope they do prove to be a stable franchise.Thought the Knights would be a major flop in the desert like the Phoenix Coyotes, but I couldn't have been more wrong. They score a ton, are fun to watch, and have created a lot of local support. They've got some great young talent in Wild Bill, Marchessault, Haula, and even the younger Subban brother in net. They have the best twitter presence of the league already, they've done everything right.
I think this is a big part of it. Yeah the expansion rules were more favorable for them than they were for previous expansion teams, but I don't think too many people looked at their roster after the expansion draft and considered them to be a playoff team, let alone leading the division. They are definitely doing way better than anyone expected.It makes some sense that some of the players they got would show more than they did on their previous team. As 3rd and 4th liners, they weren’t getting a huge amount of ice time, weren’t on either PP unit, etc. Now on LV they are getting that chance and some are proving worthy.
Why's that?
They are 21-12-5 on the road. The home record has them in first place, but if their home record was the same as their road record they would still be solidly in 2nd.I think the salary cap has a LOT to do with it.....
but, you can not discount the Vegas Flu's influence...........
Vegas deserves a s**tload of credit for how they drafted and how they have performed.I think this is a big part of it. Yeah the expansion rules were more favorable for them than they were for previous expansion teams, but I don't think too many people looked at their roster after the expansion draft and considered them to be a playoff team, let alone leading the division. They are definitely doing way better than anyone expected.
Probably because a f-cking expansion team has no business being the top team in a conference. Imagine the ‘62 Mets winning the the pennant. I don’t hate them but think they need to pay their dues like the Devils of the early 80s
You forget the Carolina Panthers? They did well right away.Probably because a f-cking expansion team has no business being the top team in a conference. Imagine the ‘62 Mets winning the the pennant. I don’t hate them but think they need to pay their dues like the Devils of the early 80s