Vegas Golden Knights Face Overtime Struggles Amidst Western Conference Pressure

Vegas Golden Knights: Contenders Held Back by Overtime Flaws

The Vegas Golden Knights entered the 2025 NHL season as one of the West’s powerhouses. Their roster is stacked with proven talent, depth across all lines, and a winning pedigree. Yet, as the season’s midpoint approaches, a single flaw is threatening to define their campaign: an inability to close games in overtime.

Overtime Woes: An Achilles’ Heel in a Tight Race

In a Western Conference dominated by juggernauts—the Colorado Avalanche, Dallas Stars, and the surging Anaheim Ducks—every point is precious. The Golden Knights, currently sitting fourth in the Pacific Division, have found themselves on the wrong end of extra-time heartbreaks. According to Sports Illustrated, Vegas has dropped six consecutive overtime games, with their last overtime win dating all the way back to their second game of the season—a 4-3 victory over San Jose, sealed by a rare defensive miscue.

This isn’t just a statistical anomaly; it’s a trend that’s costing Vegas dearly. Four of those overtime losses have come against Western Conference rivals, three within their own division. For a team aiming to stay ahead in a field crowded with contenders, these dropped points could spell the difference between a playoff bye and a wild-card scramble.

League-Wide Overtime Chaos: Opportunity Lost

2025 has seen a historic surge in NHL games going past regulation. Over a quarter of all matchups have required extra time, putting the league on track to shatter previous records. Many teams have seized this chaos to climb the standings. Vegas, however, has struggled to adapt, letting opportunities slip through their fingers while rivals capitalize.

Missing Stars, But Not Missing Fight

Complicating matters, the Golden Knights have played much of the season without two of their most experienced leaders: Mark Stone and Alex Pietrangelo. Still, the team hasn’t crumbled. Instead, they’ve shown resilience, often outplaying opponents for stretches but faltering when it matters most. Head coach Bruce Cassidy has repeatedly pointed to puck management as the root cause, emphasizing that the team isn’t wounded—it’s simply not executing at crunch time.

Tomas Hertl: Diagnosis and Simple Solution

After another gut-wrenching overtime loss to the Anaheim Ducks in November, Tomas Hertl—a recent addition to the Knights and now one of their fastest players to reach 40 goals with the franchise—offered a candid assessment. In his postgame comments, cited by Sports Illustrated, Hertl highlighted the basics of 3-on-3 overtime hockey:

“They mostly had the puck because they made some good changes. We couldn’t change, we maybe forced the puck, didn’t hold enough. In overtime, if it’s not a big chance, we should hold it, let them down, make a couple changes, make them tired. We have to be smarter because we’re losing points in overtime.”

For Hertl, the solution is clear: puck possession and patience. Instead of forcing plays, Vegas needs to control the tempo, manage line changes smartly, and wait for the right opening. The blueprint is simple, but execution has proven elusive.

Coach Cassidy’s Perspective: Frustration Mounts

Bruce Cassidy, in several postgame interviews published by NHL.com, echoed Hertl’s concerns. He has consistently described puck management as the team’s Achilles’ heel during overtime. Cassidy’s frustration is palpable, not just in his comments but in the subtle adjustments he’s made to line combinations and overtime strategy. Still, the Knights have yet to break their streak of overtime defeats.

Recent Performances: A Microcosm of the Problem

Recent games have underscored the pattern. On November 23, the Knights lost 4-3 in overtime to Anaheim, a team just two points ahead in the standings. Flip that result, and Vegas would be atop the Pacific. Days later, they fell 5-1 to the Utah Mammoth, then suffered another shootout loss, 4-3, to the Ottawa Senators. Each game features flashes of brilliance: Mark Stone, Eichel, and Howden have all found the net, but the Knights’ inability to finish games in extra time remains a recurring theme.

What Needs to Change?

The Knights don’t lack firepower. Tomas Hertl, Jack Eichel, and Mark Stone (when healthy) offer offensive punch. The defense, anchored by Theodore and Whitecloud, is capable. The issue is not talent, but tactical discipline and mental toughness under overtime pressure. Possession, smart line changes, and a willingness to be patient are crucial. Hertl’s message—hold the puck, tire the opponent, wait for the right moment—has become a mantra, but translating it onto the ice will determine whether Vegas fulfills its potential.

Looking Ahead: The Clock Is Ticking

With the Western Conference as competitive as ever and the season’s second half looming, the Golden Knights have little room for error. Every overtime loss is magnified in a race this close. If Vegas can address its overtime woes, it has the pieces to not only make the playoffs but go deep. The urgency is real, and the stakes are rising with every game.

For all their strengths, the Vegas Golden Knights’ season may hinge on their ability to fix one glaring weakness. The facts point to a team that is resilient, talented, and well-coached, but unless they transform their overtime approach from chaos to control, they risk being defined not by their potential, but by missed opportunities in the moments that matter most.