By Alan Snel, LVSportsBiz.com Publisher-Writer
The Vegas Golden Knights packed their gear at team HQ in Summerlin to say goodbye to the 2023-24 season, knowing their first-round, seven-game loss to the Dallas Stars two days ago was a “missed opportunity” to make a run at repeating as NHL title holders.
Fans formed a line to get the signature of VGK center Jack Eichel on their favorite piece of memorabilia. Eichel, in his big pickup truck, obliged.
What could have been.
That was the message by Cassidy, the friendly, thoughtful coach who provided professional, straight-forward answers throughout the season.
LVSportsBiz.com asked Cassidy what area did the Knights underperform and if the team has any speed or aging issues.
Cassidy said the Knights were a first-place team, so the VGK underperformed in that regard. Here’s more of the coach’s answer:
Cassidy said he wished the team had more time to blend in the new players like Toms Hertl to create better chemistry on ice.
General Manager Kelly McCrimmon said the first round against top-seeded Dallas seemed like a Western Conference Final.
“We need to use this time to our advantage,” McCrimmon said.
Will the Golden Knights re-sign Jonathan Marchessault, who scored a career high 42 goals?
Big unanswered question.
“I love it here,” Marchessault said.
“I want to be in an organization that wants me,” the original VGK Misfit said.
We shall see.
“We all hope Jon’s back,” fellow Misfit Brayden McNabb said.