How come this edition of the Golden Knights Round-Up has to center around a particular day? Why is it that every tidbit of news centers around Mitch Marner's return to Toronto? It's funny how life works because it can point you in some odd directions.
That was certainly the case for the Golden Knights, who had an eventful week. First, they got one of the biggest defensemen on the market. They acquired Rasmus Andersson from the Calgary Flames, sending Zach Whitecloud away, along with prospects and draft picks.
This hit Keegan Kolesar hard, especially since he was great friends with the former Golden Knights defenseman. Like, we're talking about drinking pints of beer with your buddy and posting it as an Instagram story. Man, just imagine if your best friend leaves you because of unforeseen circumstances.
So, let's dive into the tremendous week that was for the Golden Knights. Everything led to that fateful day on Friday, ranging from a defenseman's debut to a former "Core Four" player returning home. Here's what stole the week for Las Vegas.
Rasmus Andersson finally joins the Vegas Golden Knights
In case you were living under a rock, Rasmus Andersson finally became a Vegas Golden Knight. Out went Zach Whitecloud, a couple of draft picks, and Abram Wiebe. In comes a solid puck-moving defenseman who stares into his foe's souls after he scores. On top of that, he made his debut on Friday against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
While there are still visa issues going on with Andersson, the Golden Knights defenseman has finally stepped onto the ice for his new team. It's a good thing, too. Vegas has desperately looked for reinforcements to offset the injury bug this season.
Andersson might not be a save-all solution. However, he's a valuable piece for a Golden Knights team hobbling by. Be sure to send your thanks to our lord and savior, Kelly McCrimmon.
Mitch Marner makes his long-awaited return to Toronto to face the Maple Leafs
Friday wasn't just for Andersson making his Golden Knights return, though. In fact, it wasn't even the biggest news story going on in that game. Instead, it was a particular former "Core Four" member returning to ScotiaBank Arena with the Golden Knights.
You've seen the social media reactions and the booing from jilted Maple Leafs fans. But Marner got the last laugh as the Golden Knights doubled up Toronto, 6-3. Funny how life works, eh?
Golden Knights must start putting together complete games
The Boston Bruins jumped out to a 4-0 lead on Thursday against the Vegas Golden Knights. Everything looked done and not-so-hunky-dory for the boys in gold. But they almost tied the game by scoring three unanswered goals in the third period.
Flash forward to Friday's game against the Maple Leafs and it's the inverse. They find themselves up, 4-1. Everything's good until Mark Stone and company start looking for the sexy scoring opportunities. Lo and behold, the Maple Leafs pull within one, entering the third period.
This has consistently been a problem for the Golden Knights this season. They've had issues with playing a complete 60 minutes throughout the season, either blowing the lead or digging holes too deep. If Vegas is serious about winning the Stanley Cup, they must start playing hard from start to finish.