Golden Knights’ defensive investment makes immediate impression in season opener

The Vegas Golden Knights made a major investment in their defensive core during the offseason, locking up Rasmus Andersson and Jeremy Lauzon to six- and seven-year contracts, respectively, worth a combined $12.5 million annually.

They joined Shea Theodore, Braden McNabb and Noah Hanifin, who have all signed deals to extend their time in Las Vegas, contributing to the Knights’ league-leading spending on defense.

It’s safe to say the combined $41 million investment paid off — at least through Game 1.

Two of the original Misfits on the blue line, McNabb and Theodore, combined for four assists, while Hanifin added the Knights’ fourth goal of the night in Las Vegas’ 5-2 season-opening win over the Chicago Blackhawks.

Hanifin joined the rush before finishing a pass from Nic Dowd in the slot for his first goal of the season.

Hanifin scored three goals last season and is looking for a bounce-back year after scoring 10 goals in his first full season with the Knights, when he played 80 games.

McNabb said the defensive pairings were able to jump into the rush and contribute offensively when opportunities presented themselves.

“We were able to jump in at the right times,” McNabb said. “I think (Hanifin’s) goal was the perfect example. He had a good opportunity and he was able to finish, which is awesome.

“Just taking the chances when they’re there and not overdoing it, but taking it when it is available.”

For first-year coach Ryan Craig, the expectation is for the defense to contribute on both ends of the ice, and Tuesday’s performance was an example of the group executing within the system.

“We want to be a 200-foot team in the sense that we can touch the puck or break out of our end from below the goal line,” Craig said. “We want to look to get going, we want to make a good touch that allows us to attack.

“We have talked a lot about support and how we can put teams in trouble off of that, and we were able to do that a couple of times with the defense joining and supporting the rush.”

All three defensive pairings finished with a relatively similar time on ice, with a four-minute gap between the least minutes played by Lauzon (17:20) and the most by Theodore (21:22).

According to Craig, that was by design as the Knights continue to feel out their defensive scheme early in the season.

“We are aware of it,” Craig said regarding the ice-time allocation. “I would say tonight that is part of what we’re trying to do is have those three pairs. We have three very good pairs in the sense that they can all defend.

“I think they all got used as the game went on and we were fresh by the end. John Stevens does a great job back there managing those guys and communicating with them, and we will continue to use it that way.”

The Knights’ defensemen totaled 147 points last season as Las Vegas advanced to its third Stanley Cup Final since the franchise’s inception.

That group was led by Theodore, who finished with 39 points in 70 regular-season games, including 10 goals and 29 assists.

As one of the franchise’s longest-tenured players, Theodore acknowledged that the group’s individual playing styles should allow the defense to contribute offensively throughout the season.

“We’re just an offensive group,” Theodore said. “(McNabb) did a great job tonight and obviously (Hanifin) with a big goal. It’s good to see guys getting on the board early.”

Up Next

Who: Golden Knights vs. Ducks

When: 7 p.m. Friday PT

Where: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas

Radio: KVGS-FM (107.9) with Dan D'Uva and Gary Lawless; KOAS-FM (105.7) in Spanish, with Jesus Lopez and Alex Romo.