Mark Stone and Jack Eichel have led the Vegas Golden Knights to first place in the Pacific Division through 11 games. The team has 15 points and has dominated at home with a 7-0-0 record. Stone is tied for second in the NHL in both assists (14) and points (19), while Eichel isn't far behind (16 points).
However, this isn't about the two superstars on the top line. It's about the Utah Hockey Club, the Golden Knights's opponent on Saturday. They come in with 12 points (5-4-2 record) and have done well.
They've beaten teams like the New York Rangers and Boston Bruins, surprising the NHL universe. Of course, they've also had their fair share of struggles in recent weeks. The "Hockey Club" has gone 2-4-2 since winning their first three games.
Key defensive pieces such as Sean Durzi and John Marino leave a void that could prove problematic. That could give the Golden Knights a "golden opportunity" to strike and score countless goals. However, Vegas can't sleep on their opponents for Saturday, either. They must watch for this one element to earn another two points.
The Vegas Golden Knights must take care of the puck against the Utah Hockey Club
Saturday's game will be about who turns over the puck less. Ironically, the Utah Hockey Club has the second-highest giveaways this season (201). The Vegas Golden Knights? They rank fifth in the league with 179 entering Saturday.
The Golden Knights must take care of the puck, especially with their transition defense not being the best. When you have a group of offensive-minded blue-liners in your group, sacrifices must be made. That means going for a more attack-oriented style, where defense is axed.
The "Hockey Club" isn't afraid of making opponents pay in transition. They move fast and forecheck well, meaning the Golden Knights must establish their game first. Otherwise, it'll be a long night similar to Wednesday, where the Los Angeles Kings broke Vegas's will.
Of course, having a solid top line with Mark Stone and Jack Eichel helps in such situations. However, the Golden Knights must be extra-careful with the puck on Saturday. That's especially true if your first unit isn't doing well. where they don't produce anything. Such was the case on Wednesday, where the lower lines carried the bulk of production.
There's no such thing as a gimme in sports. That's especially true in hockey, where a team can steal two points on any given night. The Golden Knights will face that on Saturday against a surprising "Hockey Club." Will they take care of the puck or suffer their first home loss this season? Stay tuned.