The month of December is a giving month, where families exchange gifts as an act of love. Whether it's celebrating Christmas or lighting menorah candles on Hanukkah, giving is the ultimate show of respect among family and friends. However, it might not be as kind and forgiving for the Vegas Golden Knights.
The team will have a schedule stacked with last season's playoff teams, including the Edmonton Oilers, Winnipeg Jets, and Vancouver Canucks. December is a brutal month for the team regarding injuries (see Adin Hill), which could devastate the team's Stanley Cup chances. Therefore, the Golden Knights must tap into their team's depth and do whatever it takes to win.
That's why the fans must come in droves to T-Mobile Arena and root for the home team. They'll need the extra spirit and cheering to take on these juggernauts. Otherwise, the team will fall behind in the Pacific Division race, especially against solid teams like the Oilers and Canucks. Besides, how will Ivan Barbashev score on a breakaway without fan support?
Here's a look at what the month of December holds for Vegas. There will be plenty of challenges for the franchise as they get into the regular season grind. However, there's a good reason why the team will receive a big gift come the holidays. What does the schedule look like for the last month of 2024?
The Vegas Golden Knights have a Canadian flavor to December, including games against the Winnipeg Jets and Edmonton Oilers
Half of December's games for the Vegas Golden Knights will be against Canadian teams. It'll be a northern flavor as the holidays roll around, where Vegas will have a challenge on their hands. Here's what the final month of 2024 looks like for the black and gold.
- Vs. Edmonton Oilers, December 3, 7:00 PM PST
- At Anaheim Ducks, December 4, 7:00 PM PST
- Vs. Dallas Stars, December 6, 7:00 PM PST
- At Winnipeg Jets, December 12, 5:00 PM PST
- At Edmonton Oilers, December 14, 1:00 PM PST
- At Minnesota Wild, December 15, 3:00 PM PST
- Vs. Vancouver Canucks, December 19, 7:00 PM PST
- Vs. Seattle Kraken, December 21, 7:00 PM PST
- Vs. Anaheim Ducks, December 23, 7:00 PM PST
- At San Jose Sharks, December 27, 7:30 PM PST
- Vs. Calgary Flames, December 29, 5:00 PM PST
- Vs. Montreal Canadiens, December 31, 12:00 PM PST
The one thing that jumps out with the schedule is the difficulty at the month's start. Five of the first seven games will be against last season's playoff teams. That includes the Winnipeg Jets, Edmonton Oilers (twice), and Vancouver Canucks. That will serve as a gauntlet for the Golden Knights, testing their mettle.
That's why Vegas needs to win the two games against non-playoff teams in that stretch. Points will be hard to come by in that stretch and the team needs everything it can get. That's especially true if the Golden Knights want to reclaim the Pacific Division, where three crucial games against the Canucks and Oilers (combined) await.
Luckily, the schedule eases up after December 19 with a light five-game stretch against non-playoff teams from last season. It'll be nothing but rebuilding teams galore as it offers a chance to grab as many points as possible. Four of those five games will also be at T-Mobile Arena, making matters easier. Will December be the month of giving for Ivan Barbashev and company? Stay tuned.