They say that repetition is important for everything in life. It doesn't matter if you're trying to become the next Vegas Golden Knights star or practicing to become like Cristiano Ronaldo. Whatever it is, practicing is vital to bettering yourself in life.
That's especially true for Monday's matchup between the Golden Knights. On Thursday, Vegas had a "Mammoth" (waka waka) victory over Utah, blowing the doors off Delta Center, 4-1. Jack Eichel scored two goals and an assist in Thursday's gargantuan win, propelling the Golden Knights further up the NHL standings.
It was the type of performance that had fans wondering if the boys were truly back. After all, this is a Golden Knights team that has earned points in their last six games. You might look at their 3-0-3 record and say, "OH, well, they have a .500 record." While that's true thanks to their overtime woes, the NHL is a different beast from other major sports.
Let's be honest. Monday offers another chance for the Golden Knights to build off their points momentum. Before Saturday's win against the New York Rangers, the Mammoth have played tinier than usual. They've lost nine of their past 11 games, including three straight overtime games. Suddenly, they look like baby elephants, walk and all.
So, let's look at what must be repeated for the Golden Knights heading into Monday's colossal matchup. What must Vegas do to secure two more points? How can they tame the Beehive State beasts and head home with some mojo?
The Vegas Golden Knights need another dominant performance from Jack Eichel
The past two games have seen Jack Eichel erupt like a volcano. He's scored two goals and three assists in that span, marking a return of the elite center we've known and loved.
It's refreshing since the superstar center had a quiet November heading into Thursday's game against Utah. Here, he was that proverbial baby elephant, scoring only five assists. Now? He's Manny from the Ice Age movies, only he doesn't sound like Ray Romano.
Still, if he turns his solid two-game stretch into a hot streak, that's good news for Vegas. They needed their top star to return to form and he did so emphatically, delivering a Hart Trophy-esque performance for the Golden Knights. Of course, he's not the only player in need of a breakout performance.
I am once again asking for a Mitch Marner breakout road game for the Golden Knights
The past six games have seen Toronto Maple Leafs fans (the jealous ones, at least) laugh at Mitch Marner. The former "Core Four" member only has two assists in his last six games, where he's been on the road for four of those games.
Overall, Marner's only recorded five points in road games this season. That's a stark contrast from his four goals and 12 assists at T-Mobile Arena. In short, the Markham native has been Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.
What better way to silence those haters than by going off for a big performance? The 28-year-old's due for a "Mammoth" (again, waka waka) game, which he hasn't had since November 6. If Eichel can do it, so can the winger!
In fact, that's the mentality that Marner should carry into Monday's game. He should be taking more risks and shooting more, becoming more brazen. Of course, that shouldn't mean being overly reckless like he was in overtime on Saturday against the Anaheim Ducks. Like dancing, that's strictly forbidden.