Vegas Golden Knights’ Overtime Curse Threatens Playoff Hopes in Tight West

The Vegas Golden Knights are locked in a frustrating pattern. The team has lost six consecutive games decided in overtime this season. This flaw is undermining their status as a Western Conference contender. The issue is costing them crucial points in an incredibly tight playoff race.

Despite battling injuries to key players, the Knights remain competitive in regulation. Their consistent failure in the 3-on-3 extra period, however, is a glaring weakness. It is a trend that could define their season if not corrected quickly.

A Costly Trend in a Historic Season for Overtime

According to Sports Illustrated, the Knights’ last overtime win was in their second game. Since then, every game requiring extra time has ended in defeat. This includes critical losses to direct division rivals like the Anaheim Ducks.

Each lost point is magnified in the standings. The Western Conference is packed with powerhouse teams like Colorado and Dallas. Falling short in overtime could force Vegas into a difficult wild-card position instead of securing home-ice advantage.

The problem is especially acute because more games are going to overtime than ever before. Over a quarter of all NHL games in 2025 have extended past regulation time. This league-wide shift makes mastering overtime more important than ever.

Leadership Identifies the Core Problem: Puck Management

Head coach Bruce Cassidy has been blunt in his assessment. He repeatedly identifies poor puck management as the team’s primary overtime flaw. The coach insists the team is not wounded but is simply failing to execute under pressure.

Forward Tomas Hertl, who recently scored his 40th goal as a Knight, offered a detailed critique after a November loss. He noted the team forces plays instead of showing patience. His solution, reported by Sports Illustrated, is straightforward but difficult to implement in the moment.

Hertl emphasized the need to hold the puck, make smart line changes, and tire out the opponent. This strategy requires discipline that has so far been missing. The Knights are giving away possessions and chances in the frantic overtime format.

The Impact of Absent Stars and the Path Forward

The team has played significant stretches without captain Mark Stone and defenseman Alex Pietrangelo. Their absence is felt most in high-pressure situations where experience is key. Their eventual returns should provide a stabilizing influence.

The Knights possess undeniable talent with players like Jack Eichel and a solid defensive corps. The issue is not a lack of skill. It is a need for smarter, more controlled play when the game is on the line.

Transforming their overtime approach from chaotic to calculated is now the urgent task. The clock is ticking on the regular season. How Vegas addresses this single flaw will likely determine how deep their playoff run can go.

The Vegas Golden Knights’ overtime curse is a solvable problem rooted in execution, not talent. Fixing their 3-on-3 strategy is the essential step to converting their contender potential into tangible success before the playoffs arrive.

Thought you’d like to know

How many overtime games have the Golden Knights lost?

The Vegas Golden Knights have lost six straight games that went to overtime this season. Their last overtime victory was the second game of the year.

What is the main reason for the Knights’ overtime struggles?

Coach Bruce Cassidy and players point directly to puck management. Forcing plays and failing to control possession has led to costly turnovers and chances against.

Have injuries contributed to the problem?

Yes. Playing without leaders Mark Stone and Alex Pietrangelo has hurt. Their experience and composure are particularly missed in high-pressure, 3-on-3 situations.

What is Tomas Hertl’s suggested fix?

Tomas Hertl advocates for more patience. He says the Knights should hold the puck, make smart line changes to tire opponents, and wait for a clear scoring chance instead of forcing a risky play.

Why are overtime wins so important this season?

More NHL games are going to overtime than ever before. In a tightly contested Western Conference, every available point is critical for playoff seeding and home-ice advantage.

Can the Knights still be considered contenders?

Absolutely. Their roster talent and regulation play keep them in the hunt. However, fixing their overtime performance is essential to fulfilling their potential as a true Stanley Cup threat.