Remember when the Vegas Golden Knights blew out the Florida Panthers at T-Mobile Arena on June 13, 2023? Everyone was anticipating the Stanley Cup coming to Las Vegas, with a big party anticipated on the Strip. Fans would be hammered all night, hoping to get a chance to drink with the most fabled prize in sports.
These two teams will match up again, only the Panthers are the defending Stanley Cup champions. Last season, they fended off the Edmonton Oilers in seven games to hoist their first title, thanks to superstars like Matthew Tkachuk and Sergei Bobrovsky. It wasn't pretty, especially when whispers of a potential collapse were looming large, but the job was finally finished.
Saturday's contest will feature the last two Stanley Cup champions, where both teams search for a crucial two points. Yes, it sounds crazy to say that early in the season. However, building a strong cushion is vital, especially when you don't know how good the goaltending will be for that game.
Therefore, the Golden Knights are playing in a must-win to build confidence for the ride home. You can't afford any mistakes or mishaps to salvage the trip. Otherwise, the fanbase will worry about your well-being and wonder if this is the year. Thus, many goals are being called on for the road team on Saturday (get on it, Pavel Dorofeyev!).
So what's in store for Saturday's game? Will we see a heavyweight matchup featuring different styles? Here's what Vegas Golden Knights fans can expect from the weekend game.
How the Florida Panthers differ from the Vegas Golden Knights
One thing that sticks out with both teams is the No. 1 goaltenders. Sergei Bobrovsky has a more athletic goaltender style than Adin Hill. He plays on the balls of his feet, centering his weight to go after every opportunity. It doesn't matter where the puck's going, for the Russian netminder will dive after any shot headed his way.
The one problem is he's not as confident as he once was. There are times when he goes on a cold streak, allowing goals in spurts. It's similar to what Hill faced to start the 2024-25 season, for the netminder has played well for most of each 60-minute session, sans a few minutes. If both netminders are starting, look for a potential high-scoring game.
That's especially true because the Florida Panthers are stacked with forward talent. That includes superstars Matthew Tkachuk, Sam Reinhart, and Carter Verhaeghe. However, Tkachuk has battled an illness that is keeping him out of commission. The Golden Knights might get some relief if there's no sign of the superstar on Saturday.
While the Panthers are stacked with stud goal-scorers on every line, the Golden Knights are more apt to make plays. Moving the puck is a priority of Bruce Cassidy's, where stars like Pavel Dorofeyev are set up for goals. If Vegas gets such opportunities pouring in, Saturday will be an easier contest to handle.
Regardless of what happens, some questions stand with the team during the 2024-25 season. What should the team do about their goaltending situation? When will William Karlsson return and help the Golden Knights on both ends? As for Vegas, they're taking everything one game at a time.