The Golden Knights don't respect John Carlson.
I'm not talking about cross-checks to his back -- one uncalled that led to a goal, another called that led to a goal -- or implications that Carlson is going down easy.
I'm talking about Carlson breaking out on the power play.
Just look how the Vegas penalty kill swarms him:
Compare this to how they gave Dustin Byfuglien wide berth in the Western Conference Final:
So okay, instead of saying that the Vegas PK doesn't respect Carlson, I should say they don't respect him as much as Byfuglien on the breakout.
While not speaking specifically of Carlson, both Pierre-Edouard Bellemare and Cody Eakin admitted that they're pressuring Washington's breakout more than Winnipeg's.
"We're trying to dictate the play even though we're short a man," noted Eakin.
That makes sense, considering the Capitals' all-world power play. Naturally, you'd do your best to prevent them from setting up.
But Byfuglien dictated time and time again on his equally all-world power play:
"They have a different kind of breakout," stressed Bellemare. That's true. Usually, Byfuglien carries up for the Jets, while his wingers swing up for the stretch pass. There isn't a lot of trickery here.
Whereas for the Caps, Carlson carries but will often look for drop options. It's not unusual to send a forechecker down to contend with the drop.
These are clips from various Knights-Capitals tilts from this season.
But even without drop options, Vegas, more often than not, will not cede Carlson the blueline easily:
Byfuglien comes and goes as he pleases; Carlson does not warrant the same recognition.
Now let's not take too much credit away from Carlson -- he finished second in power play points among defensemen this season -- but on an all-world power play, it's clear that he's considered a weaker link. He's a pressure point, at least according to the Golden Knights. Not so for Byfuglien.
Speaking of weak, Byfuglien, of course, is the complete opposite of that, which is one of the reasons why he's not even approached on the breakout.
Eakin could definitely get up on the slower Byfuglien, but once Big Buff shrugs you off, you're behind the play and a 5v4 becomes a 5v3. Instead, Eakin wisely tries to contain.
Anyway, between Byfuglien and Carlson, it's a fascinating contrast. The Vegas PK certainly respects Carlson -- they just respect Byfuglien more.
Bellemare reminded us, comparing the Caps and the Jets, "They have a different PP. Even if it looks similar."
***
++++I AM CURRENTLY LOOKING FOR ADVERTISERS! If you, or anyone you know would be interested in placing an ad here at HockeyBuzz, then send me a PM!++++