The Vegas Golden Knights and San Jose Sharks don't like each other. That much is true. The two fanbases can't help but chirp at one another when they see each other in public. It's like the Hatfields and McCoys going after each other. You can't expect both parties to get along, especially since this involves hockey.
It's fitting that both teams would play each other in the first preseason game of the 2024-25 season. The Golden Knights doubled up their bitter rivals, 4-2, which saw Macklin Celebrini score a goal. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft looked solid, burying a wrist shot from the point in the third period.
Still, Vegas held off a late rally by their foes, withstanding the barrage by capping the game off with an empty-net goal by Tanner Pearson. The former first-round pick channeled his inner Jonathan Marchessault and put the game out of reach, getting the season off on the right foot. Brett Howden also scored a goal with a great backhand move, putting the Sharks in a deep hole.
With the victory comes the takeaways, some good and some bad. Fans will notice some great things from specific players progressing in their NHL careers. Others? Not so much. Who stood out in the Golden Knights's 4-2 victory? What can be improved before the regular season starts? Let's dive into the three takeaways from the preseason victory.
Cal Burke was the player of the game
Fans might've been paying attention to Macklin Celebrini for obvious reasons. For one, they want to see what the No. 1 overall pick could do. They hoped he'd pull off incredible magic and lead the San Jose Sharks to victory. While the Boston University product did score a goal and an assist, his team lost, 4-2.
Instead, Cal Burke started the scoring effort for the Vegas Golden Knights. He scored a goal and killed a penalty in the first period. Overall, the prospect played great in all three zones, providing a harmonic balance for a Golden Knights team looking for more forward depth. That's promising in the young star's development, where he looks to secure a roster spot for the long term.
He's projected to be an AHL player at best this season, where a roster spot is not happening. After all, the Golden Knights appear set at the right wing position. However, he's shown he can build off this and become a viable depth player if needed. That could help Vegas during the regular season, specifically with hard-working players like Burke taking the reins.