If you're the Vegas Golden Knights, you have no complaints about the first half. You have 59 points and are sitting atop the Pacific Division. You're also competing for the President's Trophy with teams like the Winnipeg Jets and Washington Capitals, sitting atop the hierarchy entering Friday.
Of course, some things can be improved, such as the penalty kill (78.2%, 20th in the NHL). However, sitting atop the entire NHL is something to be proud of. After all, it could be worse. You could be dead last in the Pacific Division, despite a deluded fan patiently waiting for the Golden Knights to fall. Ah, the sweet memories of the Stanley Cup are drowning out that Game 7 victory in 2019. You can't beat that.
What will the second half bring the Golden Knights? That remains to be seen. However, you can expect a high-scoring offense (fourth in the NHL entering Friday with 3.46 goals per game), led by Jack Eichel and Mark Stone. Alex Pietrangelo and his blue-line crew have also contributed to the cause, scoring 21 goals from the position this season.
Therefore, let's assess the entire team and where every position stands. After all, the Golden Knights have played 41 games, a perfect amount for hockey fans with OCD. That number hits just right, especially if you're rooting for one of the league's best teams. How has Bruce Cassidy's squad done after 41 games of the 2024-25 season?
Center position: A
Overall, the group has been a cohesive unit anchoring their respective lines. Obviously, fans know about Jack Eichel (42 assists, 53 points) and what he's done. It's easy to see why he gets all the attention, considering he's projected to score 84 assists and 106 points. However, the Vegas Golden Knights also have proficient offensive pieces on the other lines.
Tomas Hertl has anchored the seventh-best power play in the NHL (24.7%), scoring seven goal and four assists on the unit. While he has quieted down in recent games, there's no doubt he's been the difference maker on special teams. It's also a major contributor to why Vegas is atop the NHL hierarchy.
There's also been major contributors at the position such as Brett Howden (15 goals, tied for the team lead) and Nicolas Roy (six goals, seven assists). Being strong down the middle has helped the Golden Knights have an overwhelming offense. It could even get them another Stanley Cup in June, with Eichel leading the charge.