Everyone has fallen in love with Braeden Bowman throughout the season. Since being called up from the Henderson Silver Knights, the Vegas Golden Knights rookie has eight goals and 15 assists. That includes two goals and one assist on the power play, adding to his insane popularity.
It's safe to say that Bowman has a roster spot with the Golden Knights for the foreseeable future. He's done incredible work for the NHL team, fitting in seamlessly within the lineup. That's insane work to jump from an AHL team to having a permanent residence on the Golden Knights. Thank goodness for the undrafted rookie because Mark Stone is out for Tuesday's game against Buffalo.
Wait, what?
Bruce Cassidy confirmed the news on Tuesday morning after the Golden Knights' Captain sustained an upper-body injury on Sunday. The good news? Stone's injury isn't as severe as initially thought. The bad news? The Sabres are actually a good team this time.
Considering that there's a virus going around and is attacking stars like Shea Theodore and Mitch Marner, Vegas could use some help. The team has become the literal embodiment of their AHL brothers, lacking talent in key spots. Luckily, that's where Bowman comes into play.
How Braeden Bowman can help the Vegas Golden Knights achieve the impossible against the Buffalo Sabres?
The Sabres aren't a team to shy away from scoring. In fact, they're seventh in goals per game (3.38), boasting goal-scorers like Tage Thompson (32 goals and 31 assists), Alex Tuch (remember him? He has 24 goals and 27 assists this season), and Rasmus Dahlin (12 goals and 39 assists).
However, the netminding isn't as good, ranking 14th in the league in goals allowed per game (3.02 goals allowed per game). That leaves the door open for Vegas to make it a barnburner. Yes, the team is trending towards having scraps from the table on the ice. However, this is where Bowman comes into play.
How, you ask? Well, fans have lauded how the rookie plays a similar style to the Captain. He's done terrific work on even strength and the power play, adding more offensive depth. Bowman does this based on his hockey IQ, reading defenses and attacking accordingly. But that's not all he does.
Watch this goal and see how he positions himself. The play is set up where the defenders don't see him, leaving Bowman all alone with the Los Angeles Kings netminder.
"Eichel put it out in front, a couple of head fakes, Bowman SCORES!
— Golden Knights Radio (@VGKRadioNetwork) January 15, 2026
"Braeden Bowman left alone at the right side of the crease and the @GoldenKnights strike first!"
🎙️ @Dan_DUva
📻 @FoxSportsLV 94.7 FM / 1340 AM, @tunein https://t.co/jmeuThH5D2 pic.twitter.com/HvXJxi697k
Therefore, the objective for Tuesday's game is simple. Get open and cut through the Sabres' defense to get in front of the net. Abusing Bowman like a cheat code will give the Golden Knights a chance in Buffalo, making him an impossible matchup to counter.
Yes, I know the stereotype about the Golden Knights playing teams in playoff position this season has become a thing. Vegas has done poorly against teams that are also in the hunt, resulting in a pending blowout or a failed comeback. However, an undrafted rookie has the ultimate opportunity to break that trend. That'd be as delicious as a plate of Buffalo wings.