Vegas Golden Knights vs. Chicago Blackhawks storylines

Tonight will be about bouncing back for the Vegas Golden Knights who take on the Chicago Blackhawks at T-Mobile Arena tonight (7:00 p.m. PT).

After carving out a five-game point streak, the Vegas Golden Knights were brought back to earth on Sunday after being blown out by the New York Rangers on home ice.

Despite playing well, it was still a bad defeat for the Knights who can’t seem to get things going for a sustained period of time this year.

They will have a chance to rebound against the Blackhawks tonight, who are 12-12-6 on the year and are riding a three-game point streak (2-0-1).

Let’s delve into some storylines to look out for in tonight’s game…

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 08: Marc-Andre Fleury #29 of the Vegas Golden Knights warms up prior to a game against the New York Rangers at T-Mobile Arena on December 08, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by David Becker/NHLI via Getty Images) /

Storyline 1 – Return of the Fleury

Marc-Andre Fleury hasn’t played for seven straight games following the sad passing of his father, but he will make his return between the pipes tonight.

It will be a big boost for the Golden Knights because, as good as Malcolm Subban has been over the last seven games, Fleury is still an elite goalie in the NHL and his stats back that up.

He has a 11-6-2 record with a 2.54 Goals Against Average and a .919 Save Percentage this year, while he also has two shutouts.

Fleury just exudes confidence in his teammates and his presence tonight could inspire his teammates to produce a big performance.

NEWARK, NJ – DECEMBER 06: Chicago Blackhawks center Kirby Dach (77) on the bench during the second period of the National Hockey League game between the New Jersey Devils nd the Chicago Blackhawks on December 6, 2019 at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Storyline 2 – Beware of the Dach

Chicago Blackhawks rookie Kirby Dach – who was taken with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft – enjoys playing against the Vegas Golden Knights.

In two outings against the Knights this year, Dach has three points (two goals, one assist) including scoring against Vegas on his NHL debut.

Dach is a 6’4″ two-way center with exceptional hockey sense and he’s filling a key depth role for the Hawks this year.

He could be the long-term replacement for Jonathan Toews and the Golden Knights will have to be wary of the rookie tonight.

DALLAS, TX – NOVEMBER 21: Duncan Keith #2 of the Chicago Blackhawks handles the puck against the Dallas Stars at the American Airlines Center on November 21, 2019 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Glenn James/NHLI via Getty Images) /

Storyline 3 – Hawks beaten up

Chicago will arrive at T-Mobile Arena tonight a little bit banged up. Forwards Andrew Shaw and Drake Caggiula (concussions) are both out, as is franchise defenseman Duncan Keith (IR).

Blueliner Olli Maatta (flu) is questionable for tonight which has led to rookie Adam Boqvist being called up from the AHL.

So, not being at full strength, the Blackhawks could be there for the taking tonight although they are riding a three-game point streak.

NEWARK, NJ – DECEMBER 06: Chicago Blackhawks center Ryan Carpenter (22) during the National Hockey League game between the New Jersey Devils nd the Chicago Blackhawks on December 6, 2019 at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Storyline 4 – Carpenter reunion

The Vegas Golden Knights and the Chicago Blackhawks have faced each other twice this year – both teams have a win apiece – but it will be nice to see Ryan Carpenter in action again tonight.

The bottom six forward recorded 32 points (14 goals, 18 assists) in 104 NHL career regular season games for the Knights and was an effective figure on the fourth line.

He is now with the Blackhawks and has tallied eight points (one goal, seven assists) in 29 games this year.

Knights making a mistake starting Fleury. dark. Next

It will be good to see Carpenter back at T-Mobile Arena and the forward will no doubt be out to help his new team extend their point streak.

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