How far can the Vegas Golden Knights go?

The Vegas Golden Knights showed the hometown faithful a little something on Tuesday. There was some resilience involved, along with persistence and poise. It's almost like this team returned to being Stanley Cup frontrunners again.

For instance, Canucks winger Nils Hoglander scored his 23rd goal in the first period. It's time to worry, right, Golden Knight fans?

*Golden Knights goal horn sounds*

Jack Eichel scores 20 seconds later.

Then in the third period, defenseman Quinn Hughes scores his second goal of the night. 24 seconds later...

*Golden Knights goal horn sounds*

This time, it's center Brett Howden with his eighth of the season. It's as if the team's mentality changed. Suddenly, this wasn't a team that couldn't handle a response. This was a full-blown juggernaut that doubled up the Pacific Division leaders, 6-3.

But that raises a question about these Vegas Golden Knights. How far can they go? With seven games left in the regular season, how far can they shoot up in the standings?

How far can the Vegas Golden Knights go in the standings?

The Vegas Golden Knights now have the sixth-most points in the Western Conference, surpassing the formerly hot Nashville Predators. Sitting pretty at 92 points, the Golden Knights have their sights set on passing the Edmonton Oilers. But can they do it?

There are some deterrents to this fact. For one, the Oilers have two games on hand over the Golden Knights. Knowing that Edmonton has Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, they should easily pick up those two points.

The Oilers have also picked up points in eight of their last 10 games. They've maintained the pace over the Golden Knights, making life more difficult for the boys in gold.

There is room for opportunity to pass Edmonton in the standings. After all, the two teams have one more match-up against each other on April 10. However, the Vegas Golden Knights can't let up on the gas, especially against an Oilers team also playing at a high level.

How far can the Vegas Golden Knights go in the playoffs?

But the playoffs? That's a different story. Although Thatcher Demko recently hit the ice in his rehab, the problem is Vancouver might lose their grip on the division. With an average special teams, they might be doomed to being canned in the first round.

As for the Edmonton Oilers, the Vegas Golden Knights are familiar with this team. Yes, there's a new coach in Kris Knoblauch, along with more depth pieces. However, that doesn't change the Golden Knights knowing how Edmonton plays when McDavid and Draisaitl aren't on the ice.

As for the Golden Knights themselves, they're getting Tomas Hertl in the lineup soon. As in "possibly coming back this Friday" returning. The Czech superstar adds numerous elements to the Golden Knights, bolstering their forward depth. Not only that, but he'll gradually boost a power play lacking bite.

The ceiling for this Golden Knights team is limitless. If they continue to click and clamp down with their forecheck, there's no reason why the defending champion hoist the Stanley Cup again. After all, they were rolling around this time last season as well.