Saturday night was another showcase for Pavel Dorofeyev with the Vegas Golden Knights. The Russian winger lit up the scoreboard with two power play goals, pushing his season total to 34. That’s just one shy of his career-high of 35, but there’s more at stake here than personal bests.
Dorofeyev is closing in on a cherished team record held by his teammate William Karlsson. Back in the Knights' inaugural season, Karlsson set the bar with 43 goals, a performance that helped propel Vegas to a Pacific Division title and a Stanley Cup Final appearance. Now, Dorofeyev has a shot at eclipsing that mark, especially if he continues to capitalize on his power play prowess.
Let’s break down how Dorofeyev might just pull this off. Currently, he’s on pace for 42 goals this season, tantalizingly close to Karlsson’s record.
He’s already broken the single-season power play goals record for the team with 18. A key factor in this chase is the return of Captain Mark Stone, who assisted on both of Dorofeyev’s goals Saturday.
Stone’s vision and playmaking, particularly on the power play, are crucial. His ability to dissect penalty kills creates prime scoring opportunities for Dorofeyev.
Keeping Stone healthy is paramount. His presence not only boosts Dorofeyev’s chances on the power play but also enhances the overall offensive structure. Stone’s knack for creating rebounds and setting up plays allows Dorofeyev to thrive, especially when the power play is clicking at a 25.1% success rate, tied for fourth in the league with Montreal.
But Dorofeyev isn’t just a power play specialist. The line featuring Tomas Hertl, Dorofeyev, and Mitch Marner has been a revelation.
This trio has unlocked new dimensions for Marner, providing him with multiple scoring outlets. The chemistry on this line has been a game-changer for Dorofeyev, leading to numerous goal-scoring opportunities.
Their synergy is evident, with Marner often setting up Dorofeyev for prime even-strength chances.
Dorofeyev is in a prime position to surpass Karlsson’s 2017-18 record. With one of the team’s most dynamic lines and the return of a key playmaker in Stone, the stars seem aligned for him to make history.
As Dorofeyev quietly inches toward this Golden Knights milestone, he’s not just chasing records-he’s potentially setting the stage for a significant contract discussion. Keep an eye on this rising star as he aims to etch his name in Vegas lore.