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Top Three Reasons Why the Vegas Golden Knights Won't Win the First Round

While the Vegas Golden Knights are loaded up for a playoff run, here's why they won't make it out of the first round.

By Jacob Walters |
Vegas Golden Knights v Dallas Stars
Vegas Golden Knights v Dallas Stars / Sam Hodde/GettyImages
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While there's good reason to believe the Vegas Golden Knights can make it past the first round, there are also causes for concern. The Dallas Stars are the best team in the Western Conference, earning themselves the top seed. They aren't expected to be significant pushovers.

With that, here's a look at the top three reasons why the Golden Knights aren't making it past the first round. Now, don't panic, Golden Knights fans. They haven't played the series yet, so there isn't a determined outcome. This is just a look at the Stars's strengths and the Golden Knights's problems.

1. The Dallas Stars Are Loaded Offensively

Dallas Stars v Colorado Avalanche
Dallas Stars v Colorado Avalanche / Matthew Stockman/GettyImages

The Dallas Stars are one of the toughest hockey teams to defend, carrying scorers on every line. Whether it's Jason Robertson or the rapidly rising Wyatt Johnston, the Stars can score at any minute. Having forward depth that rivals the Vegas Golden Knights will make for a difficult challenge.

However, it isn't just the forwards that are problematic. The Stars defensemen also get in on the fun, with Miro Heiskanen (45 assists this season) leading the charge. Dallas might prove to be too much offensively, even for a defensive-minded team like Vegas.

2. The Vegas Golden Knights Do Have Some Holes Defensively

Anaheim Ducks v Vegas Golden Knights
Anaheim Ducks v Vegas Golden Knights / Ethan Miller/GettyImages

The Vegas Golden Knights aren't perfect defensively, either. One major flaw that's stood out for the Golden Knights has been the number of shots allowed (13th in the NHL with 2,487). The inability to close gaps and play back has hurt the Golden Knights at times, leaving them vulnerable.

Granted, injuries have played a factor in this. Losing stars like Alex Pietrangelo and Shea Theodore for extended periods of time can devastate a team. However, the Golden Knights can't be complacent against the Stars. Otherwise, Dallas will push the puck up the ice at will.

3. The Adin Hill Problem

Vegas Golden Knights v Seattle Kraken
Vegas Golden Knights v Seattle Kraken / Steph Chambers/GettyImages

But it's also Adin Hill that hasn't been doing well for the Golden Knights. Since February 12, the Calgary native is no longer "King of the Hill," with a 5-9 record and a save percentage of .876 entering Thursday's game against Anaheim. As mentioned earlier, the Dallas Stars love to shoot the puck.

If Hill gets the nod for the playoff series, Golden Knights fans will feel a little uneasy. Dallas's offensive depth will be too much for the goaltender, forcing Cassidy to make a critical decision. But will it be too late if Hill botches his opportunity?

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