Look, I know things didn't go as planned last season. Winning the Pacific Division title while getting 110 points and 50 wins wasn't good enough to get the job done. Believe me, it left a bad taste in my mouth, too.
However, there are some reasons for optimism. You see, the Vegas Golden Knights did some soul-searching during the offseason and made some adjustments. They're diving into their Stanley Cup window and going all-in.
That can only mean one thing. Kelly McCrimmon and company aren't going down without a fight. They will go at it once more and take down their bitter rivals.
Get ready, NHL universe. The Vegas Revenge Tour is happening this season. Nobody is safe, especially bottom-feeders like the Seattle Kraken or the San Jose Sharks.
So, let's fill you with some optimism for the upcoming season, dear reader. Here are four reasons why this team will be even better than the year before. Get ready to run through a brick wall because it's time to hype Las Vegas up!
1.) Mitch Marner
Enough said. What else is there to muse about regarding Marner? The winger scored 102 points with the Toronto Maple Leafs last season, which would've been a franchise record.
He also had 75 assists, which would've also been a franchise-high. Jack Eichel gets a new running mate, which'll benefit him. Suddenly, the top line gets trememndously better on both ends of the ice.
2.) More physicality
Adding Jeremy Lauzon is a boon to the lower units, especially when compared to Nicolas Hague.
Player | Career Hits |
|---|---|
Jeremy Lauzon | 1,132 |
Nicolas Hague | 572 |
Mind you, Hague is bigger than Lauzon. However, one can't deny that Colton Sissons also adds some hitting himself. The forward has 1,140 career hits to his name, adding a bite to the lower lines.
3.) That ol' chip on the shoulder
Losing to your hated rivals stings. That's especially true when you had two overtime games to steal in that series, only to come up short. All of this left a bitter taste in the team's mouth.
It also gives them the fuel needed to kick some ass. The Golden Knights had an underwhelming playoff performance last season, leaving fans wanting more. That should be some solid motivation for a team that won the Pacific Division last season.
4.) Bruce Cassidy always adjusts his team
Bruce Cassidy is a breath of fresh air compared to previous Golden Knights head coaches. Whenever a line isn't working, he always makes the necessary adjustments to awaken the team.
That's no different for a Golden Knights squad rich with viable forward talent everywhere. His top-nine forwards can be arranged in any fashion, giving Vegas the best chance to win.