When Jack Eichel and the Vegas Golden Knights doubled up Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers last Wednesday, 4-2, it was a resounding win. First, it was the team's first road win for the Golden Knights. Second, the top line saw Eichel and Stone score a goal each, giving them two key points.
It also saw the emergence of Noah Hanifin with two key goals for the Golden Knights. The result was a clutch win and the proverbial monkey off their backs. The game itself showcased a stark contrast between the two teams.
One is Vegas, who's 10-4-2 with 22 points and leading the Pacific Division. Behind a solid power play (second-best in the NHL at 32.6%) and balanced offense (tied for second in the NHL with 4.13 goals per game), the Golden Knights have become one of the better NHL teams.
Meanwhile, the Oilers are fifth in the Pacific Division with a record of 8-7-1, a goal differential of -7, and 17 points. The defending Western Conference champions haven't been themselves, scoring 2.75 goals per game (21st in the NHL).
Sure, there are the usual suspects in McDavid (five goals, 17 points) and Leon Draisaitl (12 goals, 20 points). However, there isn't much substance after the duo, with Mattias Ekholm (10 points) and Evan Bouchard (10 points) tied for third in the scoring category.
Still, that doesn't mean the Vegas Golden Knights should sleep on the Edmonton Oilers. After all, Edmonton is the defending Western Conference champion. What makes the noteworthy adversaries a challenge for the Golden Knights?
Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers have been in this position before
It's no secret the Golden Knights know how to get off to fast starts. That's especially true under the Bruce Cassidy era, where they started 2022-23 with a 13-2-0 record and the season after with a record of 11-0-1. The season's long with 82 games. Still, having that cushion helps.
Meanwhile, the Oilers started the season 3-9-1, firing head coach Jay Woodcroft in the process. The former child actor was traded for Kris Knoblauch, who got the team on the right track. In fact, they were within a game of bringing Canada its first Stanley Cup since 1993.
The Oilers have been through this before. They still have Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and skilled forwards. Part of the bad start has been players such as Zach Hyman (three goals, four assists) and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (one goal, six assists). Once those players turn it around, the Oilers will have one of the better top-six forward groups again.
That's especially true in a mundane Pacific Division, where the rebuilding Calgary Flames (19 points) are vying for a playoff spot. 8-7-1 is far better than starting 3-9-1, specifically when you're only five points out of first place. Therefore, the Golden Knights would be wise to refrain from underestimating their divisional rivals.