Vegas Golden Knights: Best Start by an Expansion Team

The Vegas Golden Knights have entered the NHL by storm, going 5-1-0 in their first six games.

After winning their first game, the Vegas Golden Knights would win two more before losing 6-3 against the Detroit Red Wings. Despite the loss, the Knights would come back stronger, winning their next two games. Those two wins are also without starting goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury, showing fans how stable Vegas is.

So far, the Knights have 20 goals for, ranking ninth in the NHL. Meanwhile they have 15 goals against, ranking eighth. With a 5-1-0 record, Vegas is currently tied for second in the NHL. Now the main question is: are they able to continue their solid play?

Could Vegas Make The Playoffs?

I honestly still have my doubts on whether or not Vegas could make the playoffs. Despite what they have done, it just seems too good to be true. An expansion team making it to the playoffs in their first season would be a huge Cinderella story. With James Neal leading their offence – six goals and two assists in six games – and Fleury between the pipes, Vegas has a chance to make the playoffs.

With Fleury on the IR with a concussion, the Knights will need Malcolm Subban to be solid, which he has been so far. In his first game, he was 30 seconds away from posting a shutout against his former team, the Boston Bruins. Vegas ended up winning the game 3-1, boosting their record to 4-1-0. The next game, they were winning 4-1 with 10:00 left before giving up the three goal lead. They would go on to score the OT goal and win 5-4, but losing that lead is the bigger story.

While some would blame Subban for losing the lead, it was the whole team’s fault. They got caught being too comfortable and taking too many late penalties. Subban had a solid game before the final 10 minutes and looks as if he could take the reigns until Fleury comes back.

Depth Scoring

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The Knights have solid depth scoring, with two players at an above point per game average (Neal with eight points in six games and Alex Tuch with three points in two games). They also have David Perron with five points (2 goals, three assists), and three others with four points (Reilly Smith, Luca Sbisa and Brendan Leipsic). So far only two players do not have any points, William Carrier and Jon Merrill.

On top of the depth scoring, they have players in the AHL who can come up in case of injury. They also have about 11 defenceman who can play in the NHL. They could package players together to upgrade their roster or they could continue to use them as depth.

The Knights also have solid goaltending, so far at least. Before his concussion, Fleury had a record of 3-1-0, a GAA of 2.48 and a Sv% of .925. Subban as done a solid job so far, with a record of 2-0-0, a GAA of 2.42 and a Sv% of .911. If they continue to have solid goaltending and depth scoring, the Knights could surprise most fans and make the playoffs.

Overview

If the Golden Knights could make the playoffs, that would be an unbelievable Cinderella story. While I do not think they will, what they have done so far is still very impressive. With that being said, Neal and Fleury – when he gets back – could lead the Knights to the playoffs. While I believe that building from the draft will be more beneficial, Vegas could make history.

Next: Fleury is Important to Team’s Success

Overall, the Knights have had a strong start to the 2017-18 NHL season. They could surprise many fans, including myself, by making the playoffs.