Do you ever see someone that you can't stand? Are you tempted to walk up to that one person who's moving in at 11 PM and punch their mustache right off? Everyone has one person they can't tolerate, whether at work or from another team. For the Vegas Golden Knights, that team is the San Jose Sharks.
The two sides haven't stopped talking trash towards one another since the infamous Cody Eakin cross-checking call in Game 7 of the 2019 Stanley Cup playoffs. That call capped off a 3-1 comeback for San Jose, eliminating Vegas in the process. Both sides haven't forgotten that fateful game, with one trying to one-up the other in smack talk.
It's fitting that both teams will play in a final preseason tune-up before the Golden Knights start the regular season on October 9. It's a final "F*** you" of sorts, where both teams look for bragging rights again. Saturday will also provide one last opportunity for players like Brendan Brisson to prove themselves,
Obviously, other questions persist with Vegas. That includes who'll grab a final roster spot before the team steps onto the ice next week. The "Battle of the Tanners" rages on, with names like Jonas Rondbjerg and Zach Aston-Reese not far behind. However, there's more than what meets the eye between both clubs.
What other questions will Vegas Golden Knights fans have for the San Jose Sharks matchup?
On Thursday, Vegas Golden Knights fans saw the "Triple H" line in full effect. Brett Howden, Alexander Holtz, and Tomas Hertl joined a singular unit against the Colorado Avalanche. Although the group didn't score a goal (or any points), the public was impressed with the unit's work.
There was a solid combination of speed and power, specifically from Howden. The center had two shots on goal in Vegas's loss to the Colorado Avalanche, proving he'll fly under the radar for the upcoming season. While fans will want to see Hertl (and even Holtz) in 2024-25, Howden will warrant some eyeballs for the forthcoming campaign.
Aside from the "Triple H" line, there's also Mark Stone. How will he look in a final tune-up against the San Jose Sharks (if he plays)? Will he shake off some more rust and prepare for a productive season with the Golden Knights? Vegas will benefit greatly if the Captain plays a full season, with hopes of a Stanley Cup in their collective eyes.
Of course, there's also the battle between the Tanners, Brendan Brisson, Zach Aston-Reese, and even Jonas Rondbjerg for the final forward spot(s). But fans are excited to get one last taste of a preseason appetizer before the main course comes. That's when the rivalry will truly start to heat up.