Tuesday is a monumental day for hockey fans everywhere. It's the start of the Stanley Cup Final, where the Vegas Golden Knights face the Carolina Hurricanes. The Golden Knights swept the Colorado Avalanche to reach their third Stanley Cup Final in their first nine seasons.
Sure, some people will cry about ratings and the matchup being "boring." But they're having a temper tantrum like the world has never seen before. Like, how can you not like this matchup between one of the NHL's best regular season teams and one of the NHL's hottest teams around?
Of course, many people are picking the Hurricanes to win. There's a hot goaltender on the other end and plenty of scoring options for Carolina. Heck, there's even William Carrier and his infamous wrap-arounds! Who could forget about the Original Misfit and what he brought to the Golden Knights?
So, let's look at three Golden Knights that must show up in the Stanley Cup Final. These three players will be key to Vegas grabbing its second Stanley Cup in franchise history. After all, there's an objective here: win as many Stanley Cups as possible and anger the hockey universe in the process.
1.) Jeremy Lauzon
The Golden Knights could use a disruptor to stop the process-oriented Carolina Hurricanes. They need someone to administer painful hits and keep an active stick on the ice. Look no further than Jeremy Lauzon, who can do all of these things and some.
The defenseman has 14 hits this postseason, along with eight blocked shots. You also get a terrific penalty killer who puts in incredible work on the unit. All of these things will make him paramount for the series, especially if he returns for Game 1. Watch for the former Predator to impact the series.
2.) Mitch Marner
The current points leader for the postseason is none other than Mitch Marner with 21. He has shown that his playoff past doesn't define him if he's in the right environment. That's especially true with a team that has actual depth, unlike the Toronto Maple Leafs.
The Canadian Olympiam must lean on that depth throughout the series. The Hurricanes will impose heavy pressure on Vegas with a calculated process, taking away any high-danger chances they can. Therefore, he must continue to prove the doubters wrong and have a strong series.
3.) Carter Hart
On the other end of the ice will be Frederik Andersen, a Danish goaltender who's been absolutely spectacular. We're talking about a GAA of 1.41, a save percentage of .931, and three shutouts. That will be tough to be for Vegas, especially since he's been on a hot streak.
That's why Hart must utilize his butterfly style to the max in the series. Expect Carolina to calculate some high-danger chances and attack his ears. That's where the former Flyers goaltender must shine if he wants to stand a chance in some potential goalie duels.
Add us as a preferred source on Google