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The 3 Biggest Threats To The Golden Knights In The Pacific

By Jacob Walters

EDMONTON, CANADA - MAY 14: Connor McDavid #97 of the Edmonton Oilers goes to the net against Adin Hill #33 of the Las Vegas Golden Knights in the second period in Game Six of the Second Round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs May 14, 2023 at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Lawrence Scott/Getty Images)
EDMONTON, CANADA - MAY 14: Connor McDavid #97 of the Edmonton Oilers goes to the net against Adin Hill #33 of the Las Vegas Golden Knights in the second period in Game Six of the Second Round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs May 14, 2023 at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Lawrence Scott/Getty Images) /
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Vancouver is a young, hungry squad that can cause chaos for the defending champs in the Pacific Division. It’s been a hot minute since the Canucks have been relevant, mainly since the days of Roberto Luongo and the Sedin twins. However, a nice nucleus, led by Quinn Hughes (27 assists), J.T. Miller (14 goals, 25 assists), and Elias Pettersson (10 goals, 24 assists), has hockey fans in British Columbia thinking bigger.

Overall, Vancouver has been the most productive offense in the NHL, scoring 101 goals this season. But the Canucks have also been exceptional on the man advantage, ranking fourth in the NHL in power play percentage (27.4). You can count on facing numerous shots and scoring chances when facing Vancouver.

So how do you stop a bunch of Canucks? Well, you generate scoring opportunities galore. On November 30, the Golden Knights peppered Thatcher Demko with 44 shots, generating numerous scoring opportunities. Overwhelming Vancouver offensively worked wonders for Vegas.

Also, keep this in mind: Vancouver is a younger team than Vegas. In fact, they’re tied for being the eighth-youngest team in the NHL. They don’t have the playoff experience and chemistry the Golden Knights carry. Therefore, the advantage goes to the defending champs, especially if a playoff series goes seven games.

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