You're not going to believe this, my friend. But the Vegas Golden Knights have historically struggled against the New York Islanders. Even before Mitch Marner graced his very presence in Las Vegas, the Golden Knights had an all-time record of 6-6-2 against Long Island's hockey team.
It seems deliciously bizarre considering that it's felt like forever since New York has been great. Obviously, you have the semifinal runs that they went on in recent memory. But true hockey fans remember when the Islanders were an absolute unit in the 1980s. They won four straight Stanley Cups between 1980 and 1983, making them one of the toughest teams in the NHL.
The Golden Knights hope to duplicate that success this season and beyond. That starts with bringing Marner on board with Jack Eichel to make a new dynamic duo. So far, both superstars have delivered. Marner has 19 points (four goals and 15 assists) while Eichel continues to work great from home with 22 points (eight goals and 14 assists).
Still, one factor will come into play between both teams on Thursday. Yes, it involves the newest Golden Knights star. How can the superstar impact Thursday's contest between the Golden Knights and the Islanders? You'll be surprised by seeing his career statistics.
The special teams battle between the Vegas Golden Knights and the New York Islanders will be key
The Vegas Golden Knights haven't had much luck on the power play in recent memory. They only have two goals in their past 16 opportunities, leaving the unit starving. However, that also leaves a ripe opportunity for Vegas to right the ship.
Entering Thursday's contest, the New York Islanders were tied for 10th in penalty minutes with 161. In contrast, the Golden Knights only have 117 penalty minutes this season, 30th in the NHL. Furthermore, the Islanders have killed off 78.4% of their penalties, 17th in the NHL.
Yeah, I know. How can you say that when the Panthers had a worse penalty kill than New York (77.2%)? Well, dear reader, it isn't just the Islanders that Vegas can pounce on. It's also the Minnesota Wild and the St. Louis Blues.
The Wild ranked 28th in the NHL in the penalty kill (72.5%), while the Blues ranked right behind them (70.5%). What better way to build confidence in the power play unit than by pouncing on New York's penalty kill?
How Mitch Marner will break out for the Vegas Golden Knights against the Islanders
With that, you should watch for Mitch Marner in this game. The former Maple Leaf only has four career power play assists in 22 games against the Islanders. He also has only one power play goal this season. However, he's also due for a massive special teams game.
When you put him up top, it might not be a familiar role. However, he's made adjustments in his game before. Golden Knights fans should expect him to do more of the same on Thursday, especially against a team that he's had little trouble against.
Heck, that could be the case for the Golden Knights on Thursday. The all-time record might not look appealing. However, it's also a great opportunity for Marner and the boys to break through.