Rasmus Andersson taking initiative, finding groove offensively for Knights

Golden Knights defenseman Rasmus Andersson has found his offensive rhythm over the past week, collecting two goals and four points in his last four games after managing just one point through his first six contests. Andersson leads the team with 11 shots during that stretch and will look to continue the surge Tuesday against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

The uptick coincides with a shuffle on the blue line following an upper-body injury to Parker Wotherspoon that is expected to keep him out week to week. With Wotherspoon sidelined, Noah Hanifin moved back to his strong side and Dylan Coghlan drew into the lineup, while Andersson has paired with Jeremy Lauzon. The Knights have outscored opponents 3-0 when the two have been on the ice together over the last three games, according to Natural Stat Trick.

"He’s an easy guy to play with," Andersson said of Lauzon. "He’s one of those that steps up, he hits and he’s very predictable to play with. He makes it very easy for your partner." Lauzon interjected during an interview to note the partnership, saying simply, "Playing with No. 5."

Andersson’s first goal of the surge came Monday in Minnesota, a blast from the point that topped 90 miles per hour after he had missed on two earlier chances. He struck again Saturday against Pittsburgh, finishing a cross-ice feed from Jack Eichel just over a minute into a 6-2 win. "With Jack, you’ve always got to expect it," Andersson said. "It was a hell of a pass." Eichel praised Andersson’s shot and vision, noting he "finishes plays off pretty well."

Coach Ryan Craig said Andersson has done a better job putting himself in position to receive pucks through the neutral zone and has built his game steadily as the season has progressed. The early-season struggles for the Andersson-Wotherspoon pairing — the Knights were outscored 7-1 and surrendered 22 high-danger chances with them on the ice, per Natural Stat Trick — have given way to a more structured defensive group and a rejuvenated offensive threat from the back end.

Sources: Las Vegas Review-Journal