You know, a funny thing happens every time I look at the Utah Mammoth logo. As a Vegas Golden Knights fan, I don't want to give it away. But think of the creators of South Park, Trey Parker and Matt Stone. Fans will quickly get the idea, especially with Josh Gad involved.
But that's the topic of today's preview: the Mammoth. You see, Utah got off to a blistering 8-2-0 start. That included a seven-game winning streak where they ran through teams like the Colorado Avalanche and the Winnipeg Jets. Since that stretch, they've won two of their last 10 games. That includes the last three games, which were all overtime losses (maybe there's some hope for Golden Knights fans here?).
Vegas has earned points in five of its last six games, while losing four of its last six. However, Thursday's game (and Monday's) provides the perfect template for the Golden Knights to bounce back. By the way, watch for Jack Eichel to have the rebound game of his life since he needs it in November.
But in all seriousness, the Golden Knights must do one thing against the Mammoth this week. That way, they can truly come back and be the bane of everyone's existence. In fact, Vegas is surprisingly better in this area than Utah.
The Vegas Golden Knights must win the turnover battle against the Utah Mammoth
Yes, I know it sounds like football talk. But I guarantee you that the Golden Knights don't have a losing stretch like the Las Vegas Raiders do. However, they've been back to their giveaway ways from last season.
This year, the Golden Knights have 16.68 giveaways per game, which is eighth in the NHL (per StatMuse). That number actually increased from last season, where it was 15.90 giveaways per game (fifth in the NHL). But the Mammoth has been much worse.
The Mammoth (aka the Hockey Club) had the most giveaways per game last season (17.24). This season, the Mammoth's number also increased, where they have 18.20 giveaways per game. The name of the game on Thursday? Win the turnover battle.
Utah's errors can give way for the Golden Knights' big stars to strike
Utah's well-versed in pouncing on their opponent's mistakes, punishing them in odd-man rushes. However, they can get caught up in mishandling the puck themselves. In fact, they have 76 giveaways in the last five games. That's a juicy opportunity for the Golden Knights to punish them, both on Thursday and Monday.
What better way to beat Utah off the rush than by initiating it yourself? That's something that will help the Golden Knights win both games in the Beehive State. You know that players like Jack Eichel, Ivan Barbashev, and Mitch Marner are chomping at the bit to get on a rush opportunity.
If they're lucky, they can grab a few giveaways and run down the ice. Combined with a resurgent power play, it could lead to an offensive awakening that has the Golden Knights' fanbase feeling comfortable. That's when you truly know that the most controversial team in the NHL is truly back.