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Biggest Burning Questions Heading to the Playoffs

With the Vegas Golden Knights heading back to the playoffs, here are three burning questions for the team.

By Jacob Walters |
Minnesota Wild v Vegas Golden Knights
Minnesota Wild v Vegas Golden Knights / Candice Ward/GettyImages
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With the Vegas Golden Knights heading back to the postseason, there are common questions for the team. Should they rest or play their guys? Which match-up suits them best?

The defending champions will head into the postseason looking to repeat. With a loaded lineup filled with veteran stars, the Golden Knights seem ready for anything. Vegas is going all-in, making the necessary moves to repeat as the Stanley Cup champions.

However, there are burning questions that the team should address. After all, no team is perfect. Here are three major questions for the Golden Knights heading into the playoffs.

1. Who Should Start Game 1?

Minnesota Wild v Vegas Golden Knights
Minnesota Wild v Vegas Golden Knights / Candice Ward/GettyImages

Adin Hill hasn't exactly lit the world on fire in the past month. In March, Hill has allowed three or more goals in all but one game. This has led fans to call for Logan Thompson to start more games, specifically Game 1 of the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Yes, Hill (.911 save percentage entering Sunday's game, 11th in the NHL) has done well to start the season. However, his recent play has fallen off. With Thompson (2.74 GAA, .907 save percentage this season), a fresh face can change the team's complexion. But will Bruce Cassidy make that change for Game 1?

2. Where Should Mark Stone Fit in the Lineup?

Vegas Golden Knights v Arizona Coyotes
Vegas Golden Knights v Arizona Coyotes / Zac BonDurant/GettyImages

With Mark Stone practicing in a red no-contact jersey on Friday, the Vegas Golden Knights are getting another key piece back in the lineup. After recovering from a lacerated spleen, the captain is ready to lead the team in another Stanley Cup run.

So where should Stone start? The possibilities are endless for the Captain, but there's one spot he should go. With the first and second lines playing well together, there should be space for the Winnipeg native on the third line. That way, Stone can get his feet wet and feel things out.

3. Can the Power Play Unit Turn It Up?

Minnesota Wild v Vegas Golden Knights
Minnesota Wild v Vegas Golden Knights / Candice Ward/GettyImages

One issue that has plagued the Vegas Golden Knights throughout their playoff history is the man advantage. The power play has always been a mess, with mishandled pucks, clogged looks, and a lack of an up-front presence near the net.

But with the Golden Knights loading up on special teams players like Tomas Hertl and Noah Hanifin (two power play goals with Vegas this season), they're hoping their fortunes change. Being on the man advantage is a privilege come playoff time, swinging the momentum in a team's favor. Can the power play unit get their act together and take advantage of their opportunities?

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