There are some questions fans want to ask Vegas Golden Knights legends, both past and present. Some examples include...
Asking Marc-Andre Fleury what his best NHL moment was. Or asking Phil Kessel this question:
One question that comes to mind is asking Mark Stone when he'll return to the ice. His last appearance was on November 6 against the Edmonton Oilers, suffering a lower-body injury on an empty-net goal. The Captain has been out for almost a month, resting his body for a potential return.
The good news? He arrived at Monday's practice in a red no-contact jersey. Suddenly, the Golden Knights are getting healthier, with Victor Olofsson returning on Saturday against the Utah Hockey Club. Now? They might get their leader back on the ice.
The bad news? He's not returning against the Oilers. Having someone in a red no-contact jersey and play the next day is a bad idea. It's almost as horrendous as trying to play the puck and leaving your net with oncoming traffic.
Still, there are other noteworthy story lines with the Golden Knights playing their arch nemesis from the north. Obviously, fans will be glued to seeing Jack Eichel and Connor McDavid square off for another battle. But there's more to Tuesday's matinee at T-Mobile Arena than two bitter rivals playing each other. And no, it's not the delicious cheese flatbread at Hyde Lounge.
What to expect between the Vegas Golden Knights and Edmonton Oilers, round two
The last time these two teams faced off, Mark Stone was scoring a late empty-netter for the Vegas Golden Knights. It was the team's frst road victory of the season, setting off a 6-1-2 road stretch. Playing like road warriors has kept them atop the Pacific Division with 33 points.
However, the Edmonton Oilers have played better hockey with a 7-2-1 stretch in their last 10 games. While the penalty kill still needs work, it's improving (72.1%, 28th in the NHL).
Still, that was the deciding factor in that November 6 matchup. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins was called for holding on Shea Theodore, leading to Noah Hanifin's game-tying goal. It swung the moment in Vegas's favor, where the defenseman would score his second of the night.
That was the game-winner as the Golden Knights defeated their arch-nemesis in Edmonton, 4-2. Yes, Stone did suffer a lower-body injury that game. However, Bruce Cassidy and company have found a way to manage their winning ways without key players.
Attacking Stuart Skinner is a must
Golden Knights fans have seen Adin Hill do a complete turnaround from his slow start. The Calgary native hopes to carry that to Tuesday's matchup against the Oilers. He's expected to start in net for the home team, looking for a fourth win in his last six starts.
On the other end is Stuart Skinner, who's expected to start for the Oilers, according to Rotowire. The netminder hasn't been as impressive as Hill in his last five games. He has a GAA of 2.82 and a save percentage of .899 (3-1-1) in his last five games. That's a far cry from Hill, who has a GAA of 1.97 and a save percentage of .925 in that same span.
Given that Jack Eichel (tied for third in the NHL with 36 points) and company have an excellent track record of scoring this season (3.60 goals per game, seventh in the NHL), they can capitalize on this opportunity. That starts with proper puck control, where they failed in Saturday's contest (23 giveaways). Otherwise, McDavid and company will have a field day.
Tuesday's game is crucial for many reasons. That includes early points on the line and holding onto first place. Even if Edmonton is five points back, one win could build momentum towards a blistering run to first. The Golden Knights hope to stop this on Tuesday, keeping a tight grip on the divisional top spot.