Watch: Cassidy says Golden Knights played well defensively

Vegas Golden Knights coach Bruce Cassidy thought his team played well defensively despite losing 4-0 to the New York Islanders at T-Mobile Arena on Thursday.

“We didn’t execute offensively very well. Our defensive game, I thought, was actually very good,”  Cassidy said. “Our goals against came from starting on our sticks. So now you’re in a bit of a scramble mode. So we’ll talk about the offensive side of things and what’s got to be better against the [New York] Rangers. I’m surprised [about our lack of offense], but listen, it’s the NHL. They have a desperate team right now.”

The Golden Knights shot 30 times but generated only six high-danger chances, according to Natural Stat Trick. Cassidy mentioned the team didn’t manage the puck well in spurts, including some of the goals the Golden Knights surrendered.

The team is set to practice on Friday, preparing for Saturday’s game against the New York Rangers, who will offer a different look from the Islanders.

“We’ll worry about New York [Rangers] because typically their coaches play the 1-3-1 in the neutral zone, which is a little bit different,” Cassidy said. “It’s the neutral zone stuff we’re revisiting. We’ll go on the ice [Friday]. We’ll look at the guys first, see where their health’s at, make a decision … Then work on some of that stuff so we can get through the neutral zone, cleaner. Hopefully [that will] help us beat the Rangers.”

Paul Delos Santos is the Las Vegas sports insider for Dice City Sports. Follow him on X at @PaulDelos_.