Vegas Golden Knights forward Pavel Dorofeyev has been scoring key goals as of late and is finding his stride and role in the NHL.
Vegas Golden Knights forward Pavel Dorofeyev has been scoring key goals as of late and is finding his stride and role in the NHL.
Vegas Golden Knights forward Pavel Dorofeyev has been scoring key goals as of late and is finding his stride and role in the NHL.
Dorofeyev has played in 39 games scoring 12 goals and 19 points. The numbers are a great sign but the role he is starting to carve out is the real bonus for the Golden Knights. Playing the last handful of games alongside William Karlsson and Anthony Mantha, Dorfeyev has found himself playing against the team's top lines.
The 23-year-old winger has scored three goals in his last five games and finds himself just outside the top 10 in goals scored by a rookie this season. Among rookies, only Connor Bedard with a 0.35 goals-per-game rate is higher than Dorfeyev's 0.307.
Despite playing in just 39 games, Dorofeyev sits second in points scored by a rookie in Golden Knights history. He's also three goals back of Alex Tuch for the most goals scored by a rookie.
The Golden Knights have eight games remaining on their schedule and every game is a test for Dorofeyev. If he continues to play at this level, HC Bruce Cassidy will have no reason to take him out of the lineup. If Tomas Hertl and Mark Stone are healthy enough to play during the postseason, two forwards will have to be removed. Hertl skated in a red non-contact jersey today so his return is near. The chemistry Dorofeyev has shown playing alongside two staples of the Golden Knights lineup might keep him in the lineup.
Dorofeyev was drafted in the third round of the 2019 NHL draft. His 6'1, 194 lbs frame makes him effective on the forecheck and in his own end. He's able to get to the net and win puck battles along the boards, something that is vital for success in the playoffs.
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