NHL Season Resumes for the Vegas Golden Knights
As the NHL season resumes, the Vegas Golden Knights prepare to embark on an intense schedule of 18 games over the next 35 days. This critical stretch kicks off in Los Angeles on Wednesday, while the team currently holds a comfortable four-point lead in the Pacific Division.
Significance of the Upcoming Games
Forward Tomas Hertl, who represented Czechia in the Olympics, emphasized the significance of this period, stating, “There’s a lot of important hockey ahead, and everyone is vying for playoff spots. You need to be prepared as games will come at you quickly, and managing your body is essential, especially since many of us have already endured a lengthy season.”
Coaching and Player Updates
Head coach Bruce Cassidy, recently returned from his role as an assistant with Team Canada in Milan, is at the helm of a squad that had eight players participating in the Olympics. Notably, five of these athletes reached the gold medal game, where the United States triumphed over Canada in a tightly contested 2-1 overtime match.
While some of Vegas’s star players, including Mitch Marner, Mark Stone, and Shea Theodore, were absent from Tuesday’s practice, they could still be available for the Kings matchup. Meanwhile, Jack Eichel and Noah Hanifin, who contributed to the American team, were engaged in celebratory events back in Washington D.C. and will likely miss the game against LA, returning for the upcoming match against the Capitals on Friday.
Cassidy reflected on the impact of the Olympic break, suggesting that although missing key players could be a disadvantage tomorrow night, the rest period may prove beneficial in the long run. He remarked, “We’ve got to weigh the immediate challenge against the prospect of having fresh players later on. It’s not just us; many teams are facing similar decisions.”
Injury Updates and Player Readiness
In positive news for the Golden Knights, they have welcomed back Brayden McNabb (upper body), along with forwards Brandon Saad (undisclosed) and Colton Sissons (upper body) from injured reserve. However, the returns of centers William Karlsson (lower body) and Brett Howden (lower body), forward Jonas Rondbjerg (undisclosed), and goalie Carter Hart (lower body) remain uncertain.
While the break generally benefited the players, Cassidy noted that goalie Adin Hill may have preferred to play right away, especially after a strong performance with 32 saves in a recent victory over the Kings, a win that followed a tough stretch where the team lost seven out of eight. Hill expressed his readiness, stating, “I’ll play as many games as they want me to, and I’m just looking to help us secure some wins.”
Looking Ahead
The Golden Knights come into the post-Olympic phase on a positive note, having secured two much-needed wins prior to the break, which has kept their challengers within striking range. With high aspirations for a deep playoff run, having claimed the Pacific Division title four times in eight years, the pressure is on for Vegas as they look to capitalize on their solid odds of 9-1 at BetMGM Sportsbook to win the Stanley Cup.
“It’s almost like starting over in October,” Saad commented on the long break. “It’s a good mental reset for the final weeks of the season, and there’s excitement around finishing strong and moving towards the playoffs.”
