The biggest early-season test for the Vegas Golden Knights starts on Tuesday

The Vegas Golden Knights are no strangers to starting the season hot during the Bruce Cassidy era. In 2022-23, they started 13-2-0 and won the Stanley Cup that year. Last season, they started 11-0-1 before a wave of injuries and tired play did them in. This season is a little different, for they'll take on a different type of schedule.

It starts on Tuesday when the Golden Knights head to the nation's capital to take on Logan Thompson and the Washington Capitals. The Calgary native was traded by Vegas during the summer, fetching two third-round draft picks in the process. It'll be an intriguing reunion, where the goaltender will test his wits against his former team.

As for the Golden Knights? They'll face three playoff teams from last season, starting with the Capitals on Tuesday. After that, there will be dates with the revamped Tampa Bay Lightning on Thursday and the defending Stanley Cup champions, the Florida Panthers, on Saturday. Vegas's penchant for starting hot will be gradually tested, where the three Eastern Conference teams will provide a challenge.

How can the Golden Knights counteract these tough teams and have a successful trip? Will their early-season success under Bruce Cassidy continue? Vegas hopes to build a hefty cushion before the rubber meets the road. That means piling up as many points as possible before injury season begins and tougher teams enter the conversation.

How the Vegas Golden Knights can handle tough teams like the Washington Capitals

The obvious thing to do is continue the strong power play. The Vegas Golden Knights have seen success on the unit so far, converting 33% of their man advantage opportunities. It's a promising sign for a historically awful group that hasn't done anything. Capitalizing on your opponent's mistakes will be key to beating teams like the Washington Capitals.

Speaking of the Capitals, constant offensive pressure will help defeat goaltenders like him on the road trip. Oddly enough, the Golden Knights were outshot in the season opener, 32-21. They turned it around the next two games, outshooting their opponents, 60-45. That begins with establishing the forecheck and forcing turnovers at will. Players like Keegan Kolesar and Brett Howden will be tasked with doing this, making life miserable for their opponents.

Finally, Adin Hill must have a strong game. In two games, he's averaging a GAA of 3.50 and a save percentage of .870. These are underwhelming numbers in a contract year, which doesn't help his case of returning. Shea Theodore has plays lights-out in a similar situation, giving the Golden Knights plenty of offense as a skater. If he can be a productive player, so can Hill.

Early East Coast road trips can be challenging for teams further west. The jet lag and tougher competition can derail a team, providing an array of side effects. That includes cold streaks and health concerns, leaving Vegas weakened. They're hoping that isn't the case as they head to the opposite coast, where they can continue dominating early under Bruce Cassidy.