The Golden Knights can rest after beating Jonathan Marchessault and Nashville Predators

There are some things you can't explain in life. For example, you can't explain how the Vegas Golden Knights outshot the Nashville Predators after one period, 15-5, yet they were down, 1-0. You also can't explain why some people double-dip their chips in the salsa. Why don't you think of other people when you eat?

But that's what happened in the first period, where Jordan Oesterle scored in transition. It was a first period where Vegas carried the play, yet they couldn't figure out how to get past five incoming defenders. Life can be bizarre sometimes.

It's a good thing Brett Howden scored a no-doubter in the second period, though. Make that 23 goals for the center on the season, where the forward buried an easy shot off his stick to tie it. Then Nicolas Roy scored his 14th goal. Even Alexander Holtz scored a power play goal.

Suddenly, things are returning to normal. Jonathan Marchessault isn't having as great areturn to Las Vegas as he thought. When Bruce Cassidy shuffles his lines, magic happens. That's especially true on the lower units, where Roy and Kolesar made the magic happen.

Revenge of Jonathan Marchessault and the Nashville Predators... for a bit

By the way, Marchessault scored in his return. What started as an emotional tribute to the "Original Misfit" ended in a third-period goal that put his team within a goal. Yes, fans did give him a standing ovation for his work and dedication to the Golden Knights franchise.

One can say it was a revenge game of sorts. But it was a nostalgic night where the Vegas Golden Knights had "Misfits" putting on electric performances. A nice spin move passing to the 34-year-old put Nashville within a goal. Almost four minutes later, Marc Del Gaizo scored to tie the game.

Luckily, Noah Hanifin saved the day--and the division. He got the game-winner to clinch the Pacific Division, fending off those pesky Los Angeles Kings. With two games left, it's all about giving your players time to rest up and relax. Thus, it wasn't a revenge game for the "Misfit" as Vegas beat the Predators, 5-3.

Now comes the easy part for the Vegas Golden Knights

Now, Marchessault and the Predators are in the rearview mirror. It's time to focus on preparing for the Stanley Cup playoff run. Now, it's a two-game swing to Calgary and Vancouver to finish up the regular season. Again, there's the side quest of finishing with the second-most points in the Western Conference. But their business is about healing up before the playoffs.

Is it worth playing Jack Eichel for the last two games? Probably not. He's the type of player who doesn't need a few games to get going. His last four games produced zero points, so why not give him a couple more games off to heal?

Ditto for Alex Pietrangelo, who's dealt with an array of injuries throughout the season. He's taken plenty of abuse in 2024-25 and isn't getting younger. Don't forget Mark Stone and Adin Hill, who've gotten some work in since the 4 Nations Faceoff.

With Jonathan Marchessault and the Pacific Division in the rearview mirror, you can finally relax. The focus shall be on the Stanley Cup playoffs, where either the Minnesota Wild, St. Louis Blues, or Calgary Flames await. A rested Golden Knights team could be problematic, especially since they're the division champions for the fourth time in franchise history.