The Vegas Golden Knights are in a terrific position right now. They won both road games against the Colorado Avalanche and have history on their side. We're talking about teams in a semifinal setting being 20-1 after winning the first two road games. Of course, the only exception was the 1945 Detroit Red Wings, who rallied from a 2-0 deficit to defeat the Boston Bruins.
Of course, the team isn't letting this get to their heads. They know that there's work to do after taking the first two road games. Just ask John Tortorella, who isn't putting too much stock into the situation.
"We won't, I guarantee you we won't. They understand the situation. I'm not going to have to say anything to them because they get it."John Tortorella
And yes, there's a history lesson in all of this. Remember the 2024 first round? The Golden Knights took the first two games against the Dallas Stars, only to lose the series in seven games. Yes, it's a small lesson that you'd rather not deal with again. But it's the difference between making your third Stanley Cup Final and falling short yet again.
Believe it or not, both teams have a similar structure. Yes, the Stars have the better goaltender in Jake Oettinger. But the circumstances are nearly the same. The only difference? Nathan MacKinnon and company have more offensive weapons... at least, that's what was told to Golden Knights fans.
Why the Vegas Golden Knights should use the 2024 first round series as a precautionary history lesson
Wyatt Johnston has always been a thorn in the Golden Knights' side. He's scored six goals and four assists in 12 regular season games against Vegas, making him an incredible pain in the arse. That includes five goals in his last four contests.
He also single-handedly turned the momentum in that 2024 first round series, scoring the overtime winner for Dallas in Game 3. Despite a valiant 43-save performance from Logan Thompson, it wasn't enough as the Golden Knights clammed up offensively.
That's a harsh lesson that the Golden Knights must take to heart throughout the series. Yes, the history is on your side for the semifinal round and Colorado is playing frustrated. However, it just takes one guy to shift the tide of the series completely. Just ask Wyatt Johnston and the Stars how that turned out.
If anything, the Golden Knights must be more vigilant in attacking Colorado. As mentioned, it's imperative to attack the Avalanche early and often. But it goes beyond that. You must continue to see the depth scoring thrive, especially from the defenseman. We're talking about seeing a goal from Rasmus Andersson or Noah Hanifin.
Heck, even get a couple of goals from the blue liners. Throw in another Brett Howden goal or two. As long as Carter Hart continues holding down the fort for the Golden Knights, good things will happen. That way, you can avoid a historical repeat of a disastrous event.
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