Imagine a back-to-back slate of games where you're facing two of the best teams in the NHL. It's as exhausting and challenging as trying to win an argument with your wife. That's what the Vegas Golden Knights will face on Sunday as they take on the Minnesota Wild.
Led by Kirill Kaprizov (20 goals, 25 assists) and Filip Gustavsson (GAA of 2.24 and a save percentage of .922), the Wild are tied for the second-most points in the NHL (44). They've dominated their competition this season with a record of 20-6-4. Ironically, they're sitting in second place in the Central Division, with only one point separating them from the Winnipeg Jets (45).
That won't deter the Golden Knights, though. They came back and defeated those same Jets on Thursday in overtime, 3-2. Combined with a satisfactory road record of 8-5-3 that includes big wins over the Jets and Edmonton Oilers, these Golden Knights have a good chance of winning on Sunday.
Will that be the case, though? How can the Golden Knights snatch victory from the jaws of defeat against the Wild? Games like this aren't meant to be easy, even for Pacific Division leaders. However, you have a chance to win as long as you show up, right? Hopefully, Arnold won't show up to prove the Golden Knights wrong.
What to know for Sunday's matchup against the Minnesota Wild
No, there won't be a Marc-Andre Fleury sighting for Vegas Golden Knights fans. The legendary Vegas goaltender got the start for the Minnesota Wild on Saturday against the Philadelphia Flyers. The former Vezina Trophy winner stopped 21 of 22 shots, leading the Wild to an impressive 4-1 victory.
Instead, the Golden Knights will take on Jesper Wallstedt, a rookie goaltender. Still, Gustavsson has put up an impressive case for the Vezina Trophy himself. But the Golden Knights have a chance against a rookie netminder on Sunday.
Considering how well the Golden Knights have played offensively, it should give the team hope for Sunday's game. Jack Eichel (31 assists, 40 points) continues to make his case for the Hart Memorial Trophy and the power play (26.7%) is solid. Combine these with a returning Mark Stone and you can't discount the Golden Knights's chances.
One thing that'll make matters challenging is Minnesota is great at keeping the puck out of the net. They're tied for first in team GAA with the Los Angeles Kings entering Sunday (2.50) and are tied for the second-best team save percentage with Toronto (.919). That means generating offensive pressure and controlling all three zones is a must for the Golden Knights on Sunday.
How will this game shake out for the Vegas Golden Knights?
The fifth-best scoring attack in the NHL entering Sunday (3.47 goals per game) will be tested against the Wild. With Gustavsson resting, matters will be interesting. How will the Golden Knights play against the young netminder? Will they be goalie'd?
Therefore, this game should go into overtime. The Golden Knights have played solid hockey, even after Saturday's dud against the Edmonton Oilers. They've found ways to win games despite various bits of adversity thrown in their faces, whether that's a Connor Hellebuyck or missing key players.
But it's tough to pick the Golden Knights to win here, especially when you're playing a road back-to-back. Add the fact that the Oilers and Wild are two of the best teams in the NHL and it doesn't help the Golden Knights much. Kaprisov and Gustavsson will provide that challenge for the road team on Sunday, making their lives a living nightmare.
While the Wild should win this game, 3-2, the Golden Knights should walk away with at least three points. This is a solid team that has shown they can come back and win. That's a great quality, specifically if you compete for a Stanley Cup.
When you have solid players like Tomas Hertl on your team, you can expect to win. Yes, Sunday's circumstances look daunting and the reality is the Golden Knights will have their hands full. However, you can't discount a team that's 8-2-1 in their last 11 games.