When someone wrongs you in life, what's the first thought that enters the mind? Is it forgiving them for not knowing any better? Or would you want to exact your revenge on them and get back for doing wrong? That's the question the Vegas Golden Knights will have on December 6 against the Dallas Stars, the same team that eliminated them last season.
With Vegas carrying a loaded lineup consisting of the returning Mark Stone and newly acquired Noah Hanifin and Tomas Hertl, there were hopes of repeating as Stanley Cup champions. However, those were dashed in seven games, where the Stars stuffed the neutral zone. As a result, it made Jake Oettinger into an unstoppable force, becoming impossible for the Golden Knights to figure out.
But that game is special compared to those previously mentioned in prior writings. It might not have the return of an "Original Misfit" for the last home game of the 2024-25 season. It also won't have the "new team smell" of facing off against the Utah Hockey Club. However, there are plenty of reasons why Vegas hockey fans should circle December 6, 2024, on their calendars.
What makes the Vegas Golden Knights and Dallas Stars on December 6, 2024 interesting?
Obviously, the one factor that sticks out is getting revenge. Whenever a team is eliminated by another, they hope to get back at them the next season. In most cases, the opportunity presents itself and that team prepares for that incoming date. The Vegas Golden Knights will look at December 6 as a "Golden opportunity," with names like Mark Stone getting another crack at their adversaries.
But there's more to the story than simply getting revenge. There are also some Golden Knights ties to the Stars, starting with the man behind the bench. Pete DeBoer has had tremendous success with Vegas, achieving a record of 98-50-12. That included two semifinal appearances during his tenure, making them one of the more dangerous playoff teams despite not winning a Stanley Cup. Another trip to T-Mobile Arena will draw fans to see their former head coach sitting behind the Stars bench again. Add former Golden Knights star Evgenii Dadonov to the mix and things get spicier.
Regardless of what happens on December 6, it should be a date when fans flood T-Mobile Arena for another big game. The Dallas Stars have become one of the most competitive teams in recent memory and this year is no different. There's more than revenge riding on this. There's also two points that could ultimately decide home-ice advantage throughout the Western Conference playoffs... or even the Stanley Cup Final.