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

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

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

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.