You know, it's extremely hard to swallow a Stanley Cup Final loss. You've come so close to winning the most cherished prize in sports, only to fall short by two games. It's a tough pill for the Golden Knights, especially when you weren't expected to do much during the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Yet, here we are. Just when you thought that this team was left for dead, they get a lifeline from a crazy head coach. John Tortorella comes in, causes a little controversy (as usual), and leads the team to the Stanley Cup Final.
You can look at this loss a couple of ways. One, you can see a team that has the potential to win it all. They just need one more piece to make it all happen. On the other hand, you have a team that must have certain players step up.
Let's stick with the latter and see who has the burners on them. Yes, you can have the obvious names on here, such as Rasmus Andersson. But that's too easy. Let's challenge ourselves and go with three players not named Rasmus Andersson for this article.
1.) Tomas Hertl
Now, this is geared more towards his postseason production than his regular season numbers. He still functions well on the power play, scoring 13 goals on the unit last season. However, that's the thing. Aside from scoring those power play goals, he also hasn't shined too much in the postseason.
The Czech Olympian only has two power play goals in three playoff appearances with the Golden Knights, marking a concerning trend. Can he step up in the bumper when the lights are bright? Or will he be pushed out of position—and out of town?
2.) Noah Hanifin
The good news for Hanifin? It's unlikely that he'll be moved any time soon. But it'll draw the ire of Golden Knights fans who expect more from the Olympic gold medalist. That's especially true when you only score three goals in 71 games and don't have a postseason goal in 2026.
Yes, defensemen tend to not score much in the NHL. But he scored 10 goals in 2024-25. If he can match or come close to that total in 2026-27, the Golden Knights' blue line will be in much better hands on the goal-scoring front.
3.) Jack Eichel
Yes, you read that right. And yes, it's easy to say that Adin Hill should have this spot. However, the bar has been lowered after a dismal 2025-26 season. The same can't be said for Eichel, who disappeared on the goal-scoring front during the 2026 Stanley Cup Final run, yet he still has a high bar.
That disappearance was a vital part of why the Golden Knights lost in the Stanley Cup Final. If Vegas wants Stanley Cup No. 2, the Olympic gold medalist must bury some pucks in the net. Otherwise, the Golden Knights won't come close to getting that second title for Bill Foley.
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