Looking at the Vegas Golden Knights' sterling record of 4-0-2, you'd think they'd play some riveting hockey. However, there have been some close calls to start the season. Like, we're talking some lucky puck bounces for Vegas wrapped in four-leaf clovers.
For example, the Golden Knights were inches away from suffering their first regulation loss to the San Jose Sharks at SAP Center. But some goaltender luck (Cue Steve Dangle) swung Vegas's way, getting them two points in the process.
On top of that, only one victory was by more than a goal heading into Saturday's game. Mind you, that was from a Tomas Hertl empty-netter with seven seconds left. That's why Saturday's blowout victory over the Flames was crucial. Without that win, do you have the confidence to head into the next two weeks?
Oh, you haven't heard? The Golden Knights' schedule ramps up in the next two weeks. That includes games against the defending Stanley Cup champions, the Florida Panthers, and the NHL's best team right now, the Carolina Hurricanes.
- October 20: Carolina Hurricanes (7:00 PM PST)
- October 25: @Florida Panthers (3:00 PM PST)
- October 26: @Tampa Bay Lightning (2:00 PM PST)
- October 28: @Carolina Hurricanes (3:30 PM PST)
- October 31: Colorado Avalanche (1:00 PM PST)
- November 4: Detroit Red Wings (7:00 PM PST)
- November 6: Tampa Bay Lightning (7:00 PM PST)
- November 8: Anaheim Ducks (7:00 PM PST)
- November 10: Florida Panthers (7:00 PM PST)
Why the upcoming Golden Knights gauntlet matters
I know that the list keeps growing every time you see the games. But looking at this list, only two teams didn't make the Stanley Cup playoffs last season. Even with teams like the Panthers and the Lightning struggling, they could still break out at any moment.
That's where the Golden Knights must be careful. Last season's East Coast trip saw Vegas only muster one point in three games. That included a blown 3-2 lead against the Lightning, leaving fans concerned about the team's state of affairs. That could happen again if Vegas isn't cautious with the upcoming schedule.
That means cleaning up certain aspects. For example, you can't be reckless with the puck and give it away. During last season's road trip, Vegas had 47 giveaways during the trip. That can't happen with the upcoming gauntlet coming up.
What else must the Golden Knights do to make it out unscatched?
One alarming trend that has persisted with the Golden Knights offensively has been the middle of the lineup. Names like Brandon Saad (no points heading into Monday) and Reilly Smith (one goal) haven't done much to start the season. This slate is the perfect opportunity for the middle lines to produce, specifically with tough games against the Hurricanes and the Avalanche coming up.
Also, watch for the goaltending and the defensive structure. Adin Hill had an incredible game on Saturday, stopping 26 of 27 shots. While he had the perfect response to people counting him out, Akira Schmid must have that, too. A poor showing of stopping 19 of 24 shots on Thursday can't happen again.
As for the defensive group, do what you did on Saturday. Move towards the puck and transition into the rush. That way, you're keeping your opponents off-balance with a strong forecheck and backcheck, putting you as the attacker. Time of possession matters and that will loom large in the upcoming weeks.
The upcoming gauntlet will test the Golden Knights on another level. The NHL will notice how the group operates and raise questions if anything goes awry. With the Christmas season rapidly approaching, that leaves one question.
Will the Golden Knights be naughty or nice?