The one Pacific Division team the Vegas Golden Knights must be careful with
Currently, the Edmonton Oilers are a mess and on the outside looking in. But that doesn't mean the Golden Knights should overlook this team.
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.
How the Vegas Golden Knights can tackle their rivals
Stuart Skinner hasn't been the best for the Edmonton Oilers himself. He's posting a GAA of 3.22 (41st in the NHL) and a save percentage of .881 (46th in the NHL). Last season, there were concerns he wasn't turning out to be the go-to netminder. Therefore, some eyes were turning to the first-overall pick in the 2017 Expansion Draft: Calvin Pickard.
Luckily, Skinner provides a "golden" opportunity for Jack Eichel and the Vegas Golden Knights to set up shop. How?
Normally, the power play favors the Edmonton Oilers, where they can simply deploy either Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl to create chaos. However, the Golden Knights hold all the cards now, with Eichel and Mark Stone leading the way. Meanwhile, the Oilers have a percentage of 17.5% (22nd in the NHL) on the man advantage.
The penalty kill for Edmonton hasn't been better, either. In fact, it's the worst in the NHL at 61%. Normally, the Golden Knights power play doesn't come into play much. But in the next three matchups, it will be. Make sure Tomas Hertl is in his element by cutting in front of the net and create solid looks. That will net the Golden Knights more pressure, eventually leading to goals.
Of course, that also means worrying about the homefront
The Vegas Golden Knights must also take care of business on their end, winning the games they must win. That means overcoming injuries and adversity at any cost. Bruce Cassidy is terrific at doing this, as proven by his Stanley Cup victory in 2023.
During that time, the Golden Knights suffered a litany of goaltender injuries, ranging from Adin Hill to Logan Thompson. In fact, Vegas acquired Jonathan Quick from the Columbus Blue Jackets to cover for that. As a result, they overcame the Edmonton Oilers winning their last nine games to clinch the Pacific Division.
As they say, "the rest is history."
Part of that came from minding their own business. Winning games cures everything, including an oncoming team on a hot streak. Currently, the Oilers have won their last two games heading into Thursday's matchup against the Nashville Predators.
Bear in mind that the Predators have been extremely disappointing this season, mustering only 12 points. It's led to them being dead-last in the Central Division, which bodes well for the Oilers. That could also kickstart another run, where they will suddenly re-emerge at the forefront of the NHL. Therefore, the Golden Knights must tread carefully and manage their own house.
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