This season hasn't been good for the Los Angeles Kings. They've been listless, to say the least, starting the season 0-2-1. Yes, you read that right, dear reader. Despite having the friendly confines of Crypto.com Arena to play in, Los Angeles doesn't have a single win on its docket entering Saturday's contest against the Vegas Golden Knights.
On paper, that should be an easy win for the Golden Knights. They've done immaculate work in feasting on the lesser teams and are hoping to have more luck with the playoff teams (at least from last season). Wouldn't it be nice to bump that record up to 5-1-0 on Saturday?
More importantly, it would be nice to do it against a team that Vegas has turned its fortunes around against. The Golden Knights have won three straight games against the Kings, dating all the way back to January 14, 2026. Again, wouldn't it be nice?
On the 10th anniversary of Vegas's first home game in franchise history, it would be fantastic to see the Golden Knights add to their historic dominance. But they can't do this by the will of the good lord himself. It's time to break down the X's and O's and see how Vegas gets two points on Saturday.
Jack Eichel must continue his early dominance
When you look at the Kings offensively, they're hapless. We're talking about Artemi Panarin leading the team in points with three (two goals and an assist). They've been as helpless as a 20-year-old on a date. Meanwhile, you have Jack Eichel, who's dominated the landscape for the Golden Knights.
The Olympic gold medalist has three goals and nine assists in five games (12 points, tied for first in the NHL entering Saturday). That included an electric four-point performance in Tuesday's 6-2 blowout win over the Seattle Kraken.
Eichel must be his usual self on Saturday and dominate the play. That means taking on a more aggressive approach and attacking the Kings at every juncture. Los Angeles hasn't done much offensively to begin the season and Saturday would be the perfect time to use offense as a little defense for Eichel.
The fourth line must have a big game
If there was ever a "golden" (waka waka) opportunity for the Golden Knights' fourth line to have a big game, it's Saturday's contest. As mentioned, the Kings have been one of the weakest offensive teams in the league, scoring three goals a game. Compare that to Vegas, who's averaging four goals a game entering Saturday.
Look for Marc Gatcomb to administer some pain along the boards for Vegas. Look for Nic Dowd to win key faceoffs, especially in late-game situations. Look for Braeden Bowman to generate offense on the wing and give the Golden Knights some bite. You get the point: Each guy must contribute in their given roles.
The fourth line has the task of grinding out minutes and wearing down Los Angeles. If they can do that, there's no reason why Vegas can't walk away with two points on Saturday.
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