The Vegas Golden Knights are in a rough place right now. You can chalk it up to being in a tough spot mentally and physically. No, the team doesn't need therapy, although it could help them build a better mood.
We're talking about losing seven of your last eight games. It's been an abysmal showing for the Golden Knights. Oh sure, they're still in second place in the Pacific Division entering Saturday's slate of games. But does that mean anything when almost half of your team is hurt? Man, life just doesn't feel good right now.
But have no fear, Golden Knights fans! There's good reason to believe that things will turn around. I mean, why are publications like The Athletic still rocking the VGK train? With a team loaded with all the talent in the world, the experts still see Vegas in a favorable light (well, almost everyone).
In fact, there are three reasons why that should be the case for the Golden Knights. It doesn't matter if it's by sheer circumstance or by having the right front office pieces. Vegas shouldn't hit the panic button quite yet. Here are those three reasons why.
1.) The Pacific Division is pathetic, leaving an open opportunity for the Vegas Golden Knights
It isn't just the Golden Knights going through it right now. The Los Angeles Kings have struggled to find their groove. The Edmonton Oilers have dealt with injuries and an uncertain goaltending room. Despite the Seattle Kraken surging in the standings, they have been offensively stagnant.
In essence, the Pacific Division has been like this:
That's not even mentioning how the Anaheim Ducks and the San Jose Sharks are still baby living things. Add the fact that everyone has a negative goal differential entering Saturday and things look up. Despite the Golden Knights losing seven of their last eight games, the rest of the division isn't doing any better. That offers an excellent opportunity for the Golden Knights to seize the division, especially in the upcoming months.
2.) The Golden Knights have been devastated by injuries
While Jack Eichel has returned to the Golden Knights, the rest of the team is dealing with a world of hurt. We're talking about Brayden McNabb being out with an upper-body injury. We're also looking at William Karlsson not expected to make the Olympics for Team Sweden.
Mind you, that's just scratching the surface. Not having Shea Theodore or Adin Hill around hasn't made life easier. In short, the team is dealing with a patchwork team. Once the big names start returning, life should get easier for Vegas, should they avoid any big hits along the way.
3.) Kelly McCrimmon looms large for the Golden Knights
It's no secret that Kelly McCrimmon loves making a deal. The general manager has acquired big names over the years, whether it's Mitch Marner, Jack Eichel, or Tomas Hertl. He's developed a reputation as one of the most noteworthy front office figures in the modern NHL landscape.
That should be no different in the current market. Prominent names like Kiefer Sherwood and Rasmus Andersson could be on Vegas's radar and give the Golden Knights a boost. Watch for McCrimmon to make a big move if push comes to shove.