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Vegas Golden Knights Vs. LA Kings Storylines

By Andrew Steele-Davis |
LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 16: Vegas Golden Knights celebrate a goal during the second period against the Los Angeles Kings at STAPLES Center on November 16, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Juan Ocampo/NHLI via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 16: Vegas Golden Knights celebrate a goal during the second period against the Los Angeles Kings at STAPLES Center on November 16, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Juan Ocampo/NHLI via Getty Images)

It is yet another game at T-Mobile Arena for the Vegas Golden Knights who will be looking to get back on the winning trail against the LA Kings.

After dropping one to the Pittsburgh Penguins on Tuesday, the Vegas Golden Knights have the perfect opportunity to resume normal service by beating up on a rebuilding Kings team.

However, the Knights will have to be ready to go from the first drop of the puck given that they have put up two stinkers in each of their last two first periods.

On that note, let’s delve into some storylines ahead of the Vegas Golden Knights taking on the LA Kings…

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Storyline 1 – Be ready to play

In their last two outings the Vegas Golden Knights have put up absolute stinkers in the first period, atoning by coming back to beat the St. Louis Blues although they couldn’t repeat the feat against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

However, you can’t continue to spot teams leads and it will bite you on the backside more often than not.

So, as a result, the Golden Knights must be ready to win the battle against the Kings from the first drop of the puck in order to win the war.

If they don’t and put up yet another poor effort in the first period, then it could be another long night for Vegas.

Storyline 2 – Hot or cold?

Malcolm Subban is set to go between the pipes tonight, which would be his first start since Dec. 27 against the Anaheim Ducks.

Subban’s biggest flaw is that he can struggle when coming in cold, and that will be a concern going into tonight’s contest.

Granted, Subban has shown signs of improvement this year but it has been a while since he’s seen any action and the early stages of the game will be crucial for the backup goalie.

If he can settle into a groove early and get into a rhythm, then that could spell a good night for both player and team.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 31: Jonathan Marchessault #81 of the Vegas Golden Knights celebrates after scoring a goal on a penalty shot during the third period against the Anaheim Ducks at T-Mobile Arena on December 31, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/NHLI via Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 31: Jonathan Marchessault #81 of the Vegas Golden Knights celebrates after scoring a goal on a penalty shot during the third period against the Anaheim Ducks at T-Mobile Arena on December 31, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/NHLI via Getty Images) /

Storyline 3 – No Marchessault

Jonathan Marchessault is expected to be absent again as the forward continues to be bothered by a lower-body injury.

The forward has now missed four straight games and it is having an impact on the Knights given that William Karlsson is in a mini slump, although Reilly Smith is still producing.

Chandler Stephenson is expected to fill Marchessault’s spot on the top line and Vegas will be hoping that sparks their top line into life given how much of the load the second line has been carrying.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JANUARY 02: Max Pacioretty #67 of the Vegas Golden Knights skates during the first period against the Philadelphia Flyers at T-Mobile Arena on January 02, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/NHLI via Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JANUARY 02: Max Pacioretty #67 of the Vegas Golden Knights skates during the first period against the Philadelphia Flyers at T-Mobile Arena on January 02, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/NHLI via Getty Images) /

Storyline 4 – Last push for Patches

Max Pacioretty is already an All-Star in our eyes, but he’s not yet on the official Pacific Division roster for the 2020 NHL All-Star Game in St. Louis.

That could change, of course, with the forward currently on the “Last Men-In” ballot, which closes on Friday.

Pacioretty is arguably playing the best hockey of his career and he leads the Vegas Golden Knights in points with 44 (19 goals, 25 assists).

Next. Schmidt's struggles, other takeaways from Penguins loss. dark

And the forward has a chance to impress the general public by putting on an absolute show against the LA Kings, with another strong outing potentially enough to stamp his ticket to St. Louis.

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