Christmas is almost upon us, dear reader. If you haven't gotten your holiday shopping done yet, well, now's a good time to do so.
If you already have, good for you. Vegas Golden Knights fans have plenty of good gift ideas in mind, ranging from a new Mark Stone jersey to the Jack Eichel poster. These presents will make any fan's face perk up when unwrapping their gifts on December 25.
What's more, the Golden Knights are atop the NHL in points percentage entering Christmas Eve (.721). Sure, the Winnipeg Jets may be atop the points standings (51 points, .708 points percentage). But the Golden Knights have two games in hand, putting them firmly in the driver's seat.
That's good enough to constitute a Christmas gift for fans of the silver and gold this holiday season. Despite minor injuries to key players such as Mark Stone (seven goals, 28 points in 20 games) and Ivan Barbashev (team-high 15 goals, 30 points in 31 games), the team still chugs along.
But let's focus on what makes Santa's main holiday a big thing. What lessons can you take before celebrating Christmas (or Hanukkah) with your family and friends? Why should you toss those negative thoughts away for a single day? Get into the holiday spirit because it's time to enjoy the presence of good company!
Why it's crucial to be in the holiday spirit, Vegas Golden Knights edition
Not many teams can claim to have one of the best head coaches in the NHL. Teams like the Boston Bruins and St. Louis Blues have fired their head coaches, either seeking a new direction or a better candidate (ironically, Jim Montgomery is involved in both team's cases). However, that isn't a problem with the Vegas Golden Knights.
Bruce Cassidy became the winningest coach in Golden Knights history on Monday. He defeated the Anaheim Ducks, 3-1, securing his 119th career win with the franchise. The former Bruins head coach also has a Stanley Cup to his name, winning the trophy in 2023.
Congrats to Bruce Cassidy on becoming the winningest head coach in VGK history! 👏 👏 #VegasBorn pic.twitter.com/jL0tQ6iQTi
— Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) December 24, 2024
In a league where coaching instability is a major problem, Cassidy is becoming the one constant for the Golden Knights. Sure, he might have a hard-nosed style that rubbed some players the wrong way in Boston. However, he delivers results, fueled by a terrific general manager in Kelly McCrimmon.
It goes beyond Bruce Cassidy, though
It also goes back to being the focal point of the hockey world. Having the 2024 NHL Draft at the Sphere and the 2022 NHL All-Star Game at T-Mobile Arena are two gifts given by Gary Bettman and company. Some hockey fans might not like it and think there's a grander conspiracy (which is unproven). However, that's what happens when your city has sex appeal to the rest of the world.
Of course, that also comes with having solid players like Mark Stone and Jack Eichel (45 points). With a terrific forward group that adapts to any pressing situation, it makes life easier for the Golden Knights. That brings the butts to the seats at T-Mobile Arena, especially when you're atop the NHL.
What's the point of all this? Be thankful for what you have in life. It could always be worse. You could come off a 13-game losing streak like the Buffalo Sabres or be dead-last in the Pacific Division like the San Jose Sharks. Also, gifts come in many shapes and sizes. These range from the new Tomas Hertl jersey to the Alex Pietrangelo bobblehead. Be sure to give thanks this holiday season for everything you receive, whether it's presents or the time you spend with your family.