The Vegas Golden Knights only have one true competitor in the Pacific Division. That's the Edmonton Oilers, who are four points back of the division leaders entering Tuesday. Whenever you're facing Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl in a playoff series, it's always trouble and chaos.
One can say the Los Angeles Kings are another team to watch for, given they're 3-1-0 against the Golden Knights this season. However, they're projected to face those same Oilers, who've beaten them the past three seasons. Hollywood certainly doesn't want to see McDavid try his hand at acting, do they?
Fans know what the Edmonton duo can do for their team, even if there's lackluster goaltending. The Oilers are capable of running off seven straight wins with a lineup full of capable forwards. Not only that, but they have plenty of puck-moving defensemen. That includes Evan Bouchard (12 goals and 39 assists), Mattias Ekholm (eight goals and 19 assists), and Darnell Nurse (five goals and 19 assists).
That's why this upcoming road trip is crucial for the Golden Knights. They have four winnable games against teams on the playoff fringe at best. It gives them an ample opportunity to separate from their rivals, who've lost seven of their last 10 games. That starts with the Pittsburgh Penguins, who've also been in a funk. How?
The Pittsburgh Penguins have also been in a funk
Prior to Sunday's 3-1 win against the Minnesota Wild, the Penguins lost eight of their previous nine games. They only amassed three points during that stretch with names like Erik Karlsson and *GASP* Sidney Crosby being trade targets. Spare Reilly Smith and his upcoming mini-reunion in Pittsburgh since he was there for a season.
On a side note, can you imagine if Crosby was traded? It would be like John Cena turning heel and kicking Cody Rhodes in the nuts. Nobody would've seen it coming and it would make the internet explode. While the latter happened, the former No. 1 pick didn't get moved (although it would've been funny to see Kelly McCrimmon try to pick him up).
Mind you, this isn't the Penguins of old. While there are names like Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang, the 2010s have passed and this team has rusted like aged Pittsburgh steel. The end result is no goaltending and an aging group that can't do what it used to do. Tuesday leaves a "golden" opportunity for two points and distance after the Oilers lost to the Buffalo Sabres on Monday, 3-2.
But the Penguins aren't the only team they must beat
The Buffalo Sabres and Detroit Red Wings have been in funks in recent weeks. The Sabres are 3-6-1 in their last 10 games while the Red Wings have lost six straight entering Tuesday. Those games should be easy games for the Vegas Golden Knights, given their underwhelming performances in recent memory.
Even the Columbus Blue Jackets have been average, going 5-4-1 in their last 10. While they've been tough at Nationwide Arena (20-6-4 entering Tuesday), Vegas has won their last five games against Eastern Conference opponents. The Golden Knights have also won seven of their last nine games, making them a tough foe.
That's why Tuesday's game matters. Sure, the Penguins aren't doing much this season. But having Reilly Smith back on board means you're beating the teams you're supposed to beat. Otherwise, Smith and the gang are conceding the division to the Oilers. Nobody wants to see that.