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3 Ways to Ensure the Vegas Golden Knights Beat the Dallas Stars

While the Vegas Golden Knights are the underdogs against the Dallas Stars, there's still a path to victory. How can the defending champions move on?

By Jacob Walters |
Vegas Golden Knights v Dallas Stars
Vegas Golden Knights v Dallas Stars / Sam Hodde/GettyImages
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It's an interesting position to be an underdog and the defending champions at the same time. Yet, the Vegas Golden Knights are here, with the team not being favored against the Dallas Stars. It's the sort of adversity that makes teams either stronger or eliminated.

It's not to say that the Stars aren't a bad team. They're the Western Conference's best team, earning home-ice advantage up to the Western Conference Finals. With a legion of incredible forwards and goal-scorers, Dallas can make a serious run in the playoffs.

However, there is a pathway for the Golden Knights to defeat the Stars. By attacking the following weaknesses and implementing their strengths, the defending champions can take care of business. Here are three ways the Vegas Golden Knights can defeat the Dallas Stars again, deep in the heart of Texas.

1. The Vegas Golden Knights Must Attack Jake Oettinger

Dallas Stars v Vancouver Canucks
Dallas Stars v Vancouver Canucks / Ethan Cairns/GettyImages

Last season, Jake Oettinger was a force, averaging 2.37 GA/G and a save percentage of .919. He was a major component to the Stars's run to the Western Conference Finals. However, this season hasn't been too kind to the goaltender.

In 2023-24, Oettinger has allowed 2.72 goals a game with a save percentage of .905. There are times where he can completely collapse, leaving Dallas decimated. Take the December 9th match-up as an example. Oettinger allowed six goals on 27 shots, being overwhelmed by the Golden Knights.

Half of those goals came in the first period. If the Vegas Golden Knights can attack the goaltender and spend more time in the offensive zone, they can take Dallas out of the game. That means using their size and strength, winning numerous puck battles in the process.

2. Build On the Power Play

Anaheim Ducks v Vegas Golden Knights
Anaheim Ducks v Vegas Golden Knights / Ethan Miller/GettyImages

In their last six games, the Vegas Golden Knights scored seven power play goals in 15 opportunities. Thanks to additions like Tomas Hertl (one PP goal and one PP assist in six games with Vegas) and Noah Hanifin (two PP goals with the Golden Knights), Vegas has suddenly become a force on the man advantage.

A major flaw in Jake Oettinger's game is his inability to handle the penalty kill. The man advantage can leave him feeling overwhelmed, leaving him to make costly mistakes. If the Golden Knights are on the power play, they must put big bodies like Hertl up front. That way, they can make the goaltender's life miserable.

3. Let Pete DeBoer's Squad Shoot

Dallas Stars v Vancouver Canucks
Dallas Stars v Vancouver Canucks / Derek Cain/GettyImages

Now, this will depend on who will start for the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 1. After all, Dallas Stars head coach Pete DeBoer loves to let his team shoot the puck. Combined with a knack for pushing the puck up the ice, DeBoer will make his opponents work.

However, the Stars (668 giveaways, 15th in the NHL) are more prone to turnovers than the Golden Knights (565 giveaways, fifth-fewest in the NHL). If the Golden Knights play back and let their forecheck do the work, they can generate more offensive opportunities. But that starts with closing the gaps and taking shooting lanes away. After all, the Vegas Golden Knights are familiar with Pete DeBoer's coaching style.

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