The Vegas Golden Knights will have a challenge starting on Monday. The defending champions will face off against the Dallas Stars, kicking off a potential revenge match-up for Dallas. It also starts a title defense for the Golden Knights, where they hope their superstar roster will push them to the Stanley Cup.
But the Dallas Stars aren't going to be pushovers. They host an array of offensive weapons, making them a high-scoring threat. On top of that, the Western Conference's top seed bolstered their blue line with Chris Tanev, making them even more devastating.
However, there's one player that might slip through the cracks in this series. He's one guy the Vegas Golden Knights should watch for in the first round. Who's the mysterious superstar that can cause the Golden Knights problems?
Watch Out For Wyatt Johnston
As mentioned earlier, the Dallas Stars have an array of offensive weapons at their disposal. Whether it's Jason Robertson or Miro Heiskanen, the Stars are a scoring juggernaut. However, one player has suddenly emerged for Dallas, making them a bona fide threat: Wyatt Johnston.
The 20-year-old made his presence felt this season (32 goals, 33 assists), boosting a lineup already filled with offensive players. His specialties range from being a goal scorer to a special teams asset (10 power play points, three short-handed goals).
What Does Johnston Bring to the Table?
One thing that makes Wyatt Johnston stand out is his speed. The young center plays fast, leaving his opponents to keep up. He's a perfect fit in Pete DeBoer's system, where the goal is to push the puck up the ice.
Johnston is also a competitor, fighting for every puck heading his way. His determination to win every battle is a positive for the Dallas Stars. Throw in incredible defensive capabilities and the Stars have a formidable center.
So how should the Vegas Golden Knights counter him? The solution is in their game plan already. The Golden Knights must play back and take away any shooting lanes. That way, Johnston doesn't operate in space and is minimized. If the Golden Knights stick to their game plan and establish the forecheck, they'll have success against the Ontario native.
Also, getting physical with Johnston should take him out of the equation. Hitting him early and often can physically (and mentally) shake him. The Golden Knights are capable of taking the young center out of the picture. However, it starts with taking space away and hitting him.