The fine people at Deadspin might be surprised by how well Mark Stone, Tomas Hertl, and the Vegas Golden Knights are doing. They might be shocked to see Jack Eichel on pace for the first 100-point season in franchise history as well. However, Sports Illustrated views things a little bit differently.
That's why the reputable publication has them atop their latest power rankings. Sure, it might shock some the same way Adam Conover gets shocked after seeing the latest edition of the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue. But the distinction is well-earned given how the team's won 13 of their past 15 games.
On top of that, they have the most points in the NHL with 59. The Golden Knights have also been nearly untouchable at home with a record of 17-4-0. The incredible start has caught some people off guard, no doubt. But that was the same story of the 2017-18 team that went to the Stanley Cup Final.
Behind a balanced scoring attack and a singular superstar leading the way, the Golden Knights are slowly taking over the NHL landscape again. The best part is they're in the middle of a 10-game stretch against teams out of playoff positioning. What more could you ask for?
How Sports Illustrated got it right with the Vegas Golden Knights
One thing Sports Illustrated correctly recognized is the depth the Golden Knights carry. Six players have double-digit goal totals, making them tough on every line. Names like Brett Howden (15 goals), Pavel Dorofeyev (14 goals), and Tomas (11 goals) have provided nice scoring options in places aside from the top line.
There's also the defensemen taking on a more offensive-minded approach. Sure, they've been successful in keeping the blue line upright defensively. However, they've scored 21 goals this season, adding plenty of bulk to the scoring attack. People might think the offense is anchored by the wing group goals-wise. However, the blue line continues to take positive strides toward being a viable piece.
Finally, Bruce Cassidy's airtight forechecking and defensive system is paying dividends. In Tuesday's game, the Golden Knights had five takeaways against the Sharks. The forecheck generated an endless wave of pressure against San Jose, leaving them to fire 22 shots. Performances like this will raise eyebrows across the league, turning critics into believers.
How the Golden Knights can hold onto that position
The news media has high expectations for the Vegas Golden Knights after their excellent first half. That means maintaining their position and winning games they're supposed to win. Of course, that also means taking down the league's toughest teams whether it's the Winnipeg Jets (two wins this season) or the Edmonton Oilers (two wins).
The biggest challenge comes on January 12 against the Minnesota Wild, where Kirill Kaprizov (23 goals, 50 points) and Filip Gustavsson (2.31 GAA, .922 save percentage, three shutouts) have carried the team. After that comes matchups with teams such as the Carolina Hurricanes (January 17), Dallas Stars (twice, one on January 24 and the other on January 28), and the Florida Panthers (January 26).
Will Mark Stone and the Golden Knights rise to the challenge? Or will the team wilt under intense pressure? Currently, there are no signs of slowing down, especially since Nicolas Roy is one step closer to returning. If Vegas returns to full health in time for these games, that could leave the opponents looking at a raging bull.