Vegas' Two-Pronged Forecheck

Previewing the Stanley Cup finals (2026 Playoff Playbook Part 18)

The Vegas Golden Knights are a deep, veteran team with a well-established playing style.

In 2023, VGK won the Stanley Cup by sitting back and hurting teams off neutral-zone counters.

This year, we’ve seen the team add a new dimension to their forechecking.

Vegas stifled the Colorado Avalanche’s speed by either falling into a familiar four-man NZ box, or by taking the action right to Colorado Ds.

The Old Approach

VGK NZ FC 1-2-2 Passive

F1 orients the play up-ice

Defensemen back up to form a wall

F2 & F3 apply heavy back pressure on the puck carrier

The New Approach