If you had one wish, what could it be?
That could consist of winning a gold medal in the Winter Olympics. That could also consist of winning the lotto and finally quitting that dead-end job. Maybe it could even mean landing a dream date with Sydney Sweeney.
No? Oh well.
I tried. But that doesn't mean the Vegas Golden Knights shouldn't stop trying. In fact, they have plenty to play for after the break.
First, they're in a playoff position, something that you can't say about Mitch Marner's former team. In fact, they sit in first place in the Pacific Division with 68 points. That should inspire fans to watch this team take off after the Olympic break.
Of course, they can't start limp. They have a five-game road trip after the break, consisting of playoff contenders such as the Buffalo Sabres, the Detroit Red Wings, and the Pittsburgh Penguins. That won't be easy by any stretch of the imagination, which will put pressure on Vegas.
Considering how weird the season has been, it makes sense for Vegas to have three wishes. So, let's resurrect the ol' Aladdin hotel and pop a genie out, shall we. Here, the Golden Knights will get three wishes for the remaining 2025-26 season. Maybe we can bring back Robin Williams, too?
1.) Stay healthy after the Olympic break
This season has seen the Vegas Golden Knights dig deep into the Henderson Silver Knights' warchest. Losing players like William Karlsson, Adin Hill, and Colton Sissons has hurt the Golden Knights more than you would believe.
The good news? Brayden McNabb is expected to return after the Olympic break. Names like Sissons and Saad are also coming back soon, adding more meat to the lineup. If Vegas can get healthier and avoid the injury bug, that bodes well for their Stanley Cup hopes for the rest of the season.
2.) Take control of the Pacific Division
This season has seen the Pacific Division in complete shambles. The Edmonton Oilers still struggle with their goaltending. The Anaheim Ducks have struggled with injuries to key players. The San Jose Sharks and the Seattle Kraken are still piecing it together.
Don't even get me started on the teams outside of the playoff picture. That leaves the Golden Knights ready to pounce on a weakened division. Should they win the division, that puts them in prime position to play plenty of games at T-Mobile Arena.
3.) Win the Stanley Cup
I mean, that goes without saying. You want to win the most glorious prize in sports by any means necessary. But there are some factors that matter here, aside from the aforementioned weakened Pacific Division.
Look at the Central Division for a second. Only one team from the three-headed monster can emerge and make the Western Conference Final. You're looking at the Colorado Avalanche, the Dallas Stars, and the Minnesota Wild. If the Golden Knights get as far as that round, they will likely take on a brutalized team that has been through a bloodbath. That's what will make this week much more palatable.