Sunday thoughts about... chemistry

Have you ever had incredible chemistry with someone the same way Mark Stone, Jack Eichel, and Ivan Barbashev had on the top line? You click with this person and they're easy to talk to, creating beautiful core memories. You share a lot in common, from favorite movies to your love for the Vegas Golden Knights.

Isn't chemistry a beautiful thing? It's like you've scored six goals and 11 assists together in your first two games. You've helped your team win two tough games, getting off to a solid start. It doesn't matter if it's of the science variety or involving two love birds. Chemistry is a wonderful concept.

The Golden Knights have experienced this in the first two games of 2024-25. Barbashev, Stone, and Eichel have anchored the team's scoring, setting up breathtaking plays and smooth scoring opportunities. It led to the team forgetting about departing forwards from last summer. We're not worrying about a former Conn Smythe winner joining Carrie Underwood on tour any time soon.

But let's dive further into the topic of chemistry for a second. There's nothing like a cohesive unit working together for a common goal. For Vegas, that happens to be bringing another Stanley Cup to Sin City. That way, fans can have another night-long party with the best trophy in sports. What is causing this breakout session to happen?

Exploring how Mark Stone, Jack Eichel, and Ivan Barbashev are clicking

A major part of the top line's efficiency goes back to the transition game. The Vegas Golden Knights have made their money off catching their opponents off-guard, moving down the ice at breakneck speeds. It has resulted in some eye-catching goals for Golden Knights fans during the first two games. Take Ivan Barbashev setting Jack Eichel up for a dangle and goal on Jordan Binnington on Friday.

Everyone knows how well Eichel and Barbashev do together. The duo has run the transitional attack fluently since the Russian forward was acquired during the 2023 trade deadline. However, the forwards have unlocked a new aspect of the attack thanks to Mark Stone's presence.

Having another playmaker on the top line has done wonders for the Golden Knights in the first two games. While Jonathan Marchessault was a solid goal-scorer, all he did was shoot the puck. Stone makes plays happen, whether on an odd-man rush or the power play. In turn, Vegas has reaped the rewards, punishing opponents with an overwhelming transitional attack.

Chemistry is a wonderful thing

The top unit could give the Vegas Golden Knights more bite if healthy for most of the season. They've shown they can fly down the ice with minimal effort, causing trouble for opponents. That could help the Golden Knights win another Stanley Cup and bring the party back to Toshiba Plaza.

The moral of the story? Find someone you can vibe with. Think of how well Jack Eichel, Ivan Barbashev, and Mark Stone do together and use that the next time you're out with someone. Think about setting up excellent scoring opportunities and pulling off incredible dangles and back-hand shots.

Who knows? You might score a goal. You might find yourself lucky and hit it off. You might have a new friend on your hands (or beyond). That goes beyond meeting people, though. It's also trying new things and experiencing different places. You might fall in love with the scenery or activity, creating a better life for yourself.