VGK and Bruce Cassidy Face Unexpected Challenges After 15 Games
The Vegas Golden Knights (VGK) are facing unexpected challenges this NHL season after 15 games. Historically, the franchise has started strong, winning at least nine of their first 15 games in each of the last five seasons. This year, however, the team holds a record of 7-4-4, marking their first losing record at this point since the 2018-2019 season.
VGK’s Record Breakdown
Here’s a look at VGK’s performance in their prior seasons compared to this year:
| Season | Record After 15 Games | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 2025-26 | 7-4-4 | 18 |
| 2024-25 | 9-4-2 | 20 |
| 2023-24 | 12-2-1 | 25 |
| 2022-23 | 13-2-0 | 26 |
| 2021-22 | 9-6-0 | 18 |
| 2020-21 | 10-4-1 | 21 |
| 2019-20 | 8-5-2 | 18 |
| 2018-19 | 6-8-1 | 13 |
| 2017-18 | 9-5-1 | 19 |
Home Performance Issues
The team’s struggles extend to their home games, where they have accumulated a record of 1-3-1 during their recent homestand. Their current home record of 4-3-2 ties the 2019-20 season for their worst start at home.
Home Record Highlights
- 2025-26: 4-3-2
- 2024-25: 8-1-0
- 2023-24: 7-1-1
- 2022-23: 6-3-0
- 2021-22: 5-4-0
Bruce Cassidy’s Situation
Head Coach Bruce Cassidy is also experiencing these challenges for the first time with VGK. Historically, Cassidy’s teams have had strong starts, rarely finishing with fewer wins than losses in their first 15 games. His past teams reached the playoffs for nine consecutive seasons, highlighting the pressure on him to turn things around.
Past Performance of Cassidy’s Teams
| Season | Record | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 2025-26 | 7-4-4 | 18 |
| 2024-25 | 9-4-2 | 20 |
| 2023-24 | 12-2-1 | 25 |
| 2022-23 | 13-2-0 | 26 |
Looking Ahead
Despite the struggles, VGK still holds a points percentage of .600, which has historically been sufficient for playoff qualification. More importantly, they must improve their performance to avoid the pressure of falling behind. With a long season still ahead, the team needs to channel their expectations into positive results quickly.