3 former Golden Knights to root for in the playoffs
With the Vegas Golden Knights being freshly eliminated from the postseason, fans should have some rooting interest in the playoffs.
What are Vegas Golden Knights fans doing now that the beloved team in Las Vegas has been eliminated? Are they going golfing in Summerlin, drinking a few beers during the rounds? Are they chilling with the kids, getting them ready for a fun-filled summer? Or are they still glued to their television sets and streaming devices, watching the Stanley Cup playoffs go on?
If they're doing the latter, then they're hardcore hockey fans. The beautiful sport has had plenty of compelling storylines throughout the playoffs. That includes the New York Rangers steamrolling the competition and the Edmonton Oilers, led by Connor McDavid, looking to bring the Stanley Cup back to Canada for the first time since 1993. Of course, there are the underdogs like the Vancouver Canucks and Colorado Avalanche that make matters even more intriguing. With teams getting knocked off their perches, it adds to the NHL drama.
But Golden Knights fans should dig a little deeper and not just have a team to root for. They should have a player, particularly a former Golden Knight, to pull for. After all, they might've won the Stanley Cup with Vegas last season or have had a memorable tenure in Sin City. Getting behind a former Golden Knight gives the fans a sense of pride, with them knowing that the former Vegas star is still thriving.
With that, there are plenty of notable names to have played for the Golden Knights still playing in the playoffs. Some are surviving and thriving while others are stuck in a tough battle. Still, let's give these former Golden Knights their dues and honor their contributions. It's time to pick three former Vegas superstars (and coaches) that fans should be rooting for during the rest of the Stanley Cup playoffs.
1. Teddy Blueger
Teddy Blueger won the Stanley Cup with the Vegas Golden Knights last season, providing a special team's spark for the group. Acting as a penalty killer, the Latvian forward stopped opposing power plays in their tracks. Although his contributions went unnoticed (two goals and four assists in 18 games), he was still a key part of the Golden Knights becoming champions in 2022-23.
Now? Blueger is chilling on the checking line for the Vancouver Canucks, as he tries to help them win their first Stanley Cup. This season, the Latvian forward has six goals and 22 assists, adding value for a grinding Canucks team. Overall, Vancouver has unleashed their offense upon the NHL, which has put people on notice. Thank Blueger for being a crucial part of the movement, Canucks fans.
One interesting note is that Teddy Blueger is on a one-year deal with Vancouver, meaning he'll be an unrestricted free agent this offseason. Could a reunion be in the works for the Canucks forward and the Vegas Golden Knights? It's possible, especially since the Golden Knights have five forwards as unrestricted free agents this summer. Vegas could use all the forward depth they can get, with the team dynamic drastically changing. As for now, Golden Knights fans should root for Blueger to bring home the Stanley Cup for the Canucks.
2. Evgenii Dadonov
Yes, the Dallas Stars eliminated the Vegas Golden Knights in the postseason. Yes, Evgenii Dadonov burned the Golden Knights with two goals and an assist during their series. But the former Golden Knight is sparking a Stars offense run by efficient forwards. In turn, it's put Dallas in the driver's seat in the Western Conference, making them tough to beat.
During Dadonov's time with the Golden Knights, he scored 20 goals and notched 23 assists in 78 games. He only spent one season with Vegas, with a short-lived tenure coming in 2021-22 (the only season where the Golden Knights didn't make the playoffs). However, the Russian forward was particularly proficient on the power play, scoring five goals and three assists on the man advantage.
Dadonov had a vital role on the Golden Knights, providing a spark on the offensive front. Although Vegas missed the playoffs that season, the 35-year-old was integral to the Golden Knights becoming successful the next season. Some Vegas hockey fans will detest the Stars because they eliminated their team. However, that shouldn't discourage fans from cheering on the former Vegas superstar. After all, he's got a good coach behind the bench...
3. Pete DeBoer
Now, you're probably thinking this piece is absolute hogwash. Hey, it's understandable. Pete DeBoer was behind the bench for the Dallas Stars as they vanquished the Vegas Golden Knights in seven games. Add in the fact he's a former head coach for the Golden Knights and it's completely understandable.
However, Vegas fans should get behind DeBoer for many reasons. For one, he's a classy head coach, harboring a reputation as one of the kindest people in the game. Just look at how well-respected he was after game seven against Vegas.
Alex Pietrangelo told Pete DeBoer in the handshake line that Alex's wife said if Vegas doesn't win the Cup, she's rooting for DeBoer to bring it home 💚 pic.twitter.com/nD67fBLxuY
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) May 6, 2024
It's hard to hate a head coach who's humble and reserved. In today's world, the media is filled with boisterous, loud personalities. While it might sell merchandise and tickets, it doesn't last long. For a quiet head coach like Pete DeBoer, it's difficult to hate someone that doesn't come off as foolish.
That's why Golden Knights fans should follow Alex Pietrangelo's wife and root for DeBoer to win the Stanley Cup. He's come so close on numerous occasions, only to fall short every time. It's high time the former Golden Knights head coach got a title, with this season being the best opportunity.
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