Top Three Reasons Why the Vegas Golden Knights Will Win the First Round

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As the defending champions, your duty is to take on all-comers. Now there's a target on the back, where it was formerly bare. That's where the Vegas Golden Knights currently stand, getting set for the playoffs for the sixth time in seven years.

After all, that's what great franchises do. They must fight any opponent at any time, bringing everything they have. If there is a team that's up to the task, it's this Golden Knights group.

As the Golden Knights await their first-round opponent, they're making final preparations with a tune-up game against the Anaheim Ducks. A Thursday night game at T-Mobile Arena always sounds like a good idea in Vegas, specifically if you're the defending champs. Opponents be damned, here are three reasons why the Golden Knights will make it out of the first round.

1. They're Getting a Game Changer Back in Mark Stone

2023 NHL Stanley Cup Final - Game Five / Ethan Miller/GettyImages

Whenever the team captain returns, it's a sign of good things to come. For the Vegas Golden Knights, it's the final piece stepping foot on the ice. Mark Stone (lacerated spleen) returned to practice in a no-contact jersey last Friday, making his return imminent.

The Winnipeg native (16 goals, 37 assists) represents the lifeblood of the Golden Knights, showcasing his passion on the ice. The captain is also an incredible leader, reining the team in whenever times get tough. Add in his on-ice attributes that include a 200-ft. game and there's a good reason why the other 15 teams are worried.

2. The Trade Deadline Pieces Are Meshing Nicely

Chicago Blackhawks v Vegas Golden Knights / Candice Ward/GettyImages

The newest acquisitions for the Vegas Golden Knights have done extremely well, boosting a slumping team into sudden contender status. Noah Hanifin (two goals and 10 assists in 19 games) has been as good as advertised. Tomas Hertl (two goals, two assists in five games with the Golden Knights) is another big body that's impacted Vegas positively.

Even Anthony Mantha (three goals, seven assists in 18 games with Vegas) has done good work. The trade deadline acquisitions have boosted numerous parts of the Golden Knights's game, including the power play and their transition game. If Vegas carries these improvements over to the playoffs, watch out.

3. The Vegas Golden Knights Have Incredible Depth

While the trade deadline acquisitions have done their part, it isn't just them carrying the load. It's Jonathan Marchessault scoring clutch goals. It's Jack Eichel becoming the leader he was expected to be upon arriving in Las Vegas. It's even surprising players like Pavel Dorofeyev becoming a bigger part of the lineup.

When a team has Nic Roy getting fourth-line reps, that team has incredible depth on each line. Having quality offensive players on the checking line proves the Vegas Golden Knights can go toe-to-toe with anybody. Whether it's Colorado, Edmonton, or Dallas, the Golden Knights can outlast their opponents with their overall balance and size.

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1. They're Getting a Game Changer Back in Mark Stone

2. The Trade Deadline Pieces Are Meshing Nicely

3. The Vegas Golden Knights Have Incredible Depth

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