You know, I was watching a Facebook reel the other day. It showed five girls competing for $500 as they stood inside of an inflatable chamber. The catch? A guy rips a nasty fart inside the chamber, causing all of them to leave.
The previous road trip was exactly that for the Vegas Golden Knights. They went 1-1-2 on that trip, squandering a "golden" opportunity to create separation. Now? The Edmonton Oilers and Los Angeles Kings are hot on their tails, creating angst in Las Vegas like someone farted in an inflatable chamber.
"Will they squander the division lead?"
"Are we doomed to a first-round exit?"
These are some questions lingering through the minds of some Golden Knights fans. Others know the playoffs are within grasp and the team can make a solid run. However, there is some validity behind winning the division.
Vegas won the Pacific Division in both seasons of making the Stanley Cup Final. The upcoming three-game homestand provides another chance to stockpile points. That way, they can finish strong and bring home another division title.
That starts on Thursday against the Boston Bruins. Bruce Cassidy's former squad hasn't been the same since firing the head coach two seasons ago. They haven't made it back to the Eastern Conference Final since 2019 and are outside the playoff picture.
What better way to right the ship than taking on a middling team with 69 points (nice)? Well, you must have some players turn it around, starting with one particular forward. He's experienced a fairly dry March and must turn up the jets before playoff time.
Brett Howden must help the Vegas Golden Knights beat the Boston Bruins
March hasn't been kind to Brett Howden this season. He only has two goals in seven games. Sure, the shooting percentage looks nice (28.6%). However, he's only taken seven shots this month.
That goes back to being more selfish as a team. There's been issues with shooting the puck in the past two games. That's why they've been outshot, 64-37, in that span. Forwards like Mark Stone and Tomas Hertl are culpable in this regard, not taken the opportunities given.
But it's also Howden, too. Seven shots in a month isn't enough. That's especially true when he had 17 shots in that same span last month. While he didn't have a goal in February, the Calgary native took more opportunities on net.
Luckily, the Boston Bruins have allowed 1,978 shots as a team this season (10th-most). That presents an opportunity for the forward to be more selfish. But how does he do it for the Vegas Golden Knights?
Winning in transition helps
One thing that has helped the 26-year-old this season has been the transition game. Howden has done better with his entries, using his body and speed to deter oncoming defenders.
Fans will point at his overtime winner on November 2nd as a shining example. He displayed excellent puck control before scoring the game-winner, firing off a wicked back-hander. Goals like this show he's capable of carrying the load for the Golden Knights.
There's no doubt that Howden has made significant strides this season. Scoring 18 goals and 13 assists proves you can handle a larger workload. That's why he got a nice five-year, $2.5 million AAV contract extension from Kelly McCrimmon, after all.
Thursday's game will provide a solid chance to finish March strong. Boston is struggling defensively this season. Allowing 221 goals entering Thursday's game adds to that opportunity.
The whole team must jump on this chance and make life miserable for the Bruins out the gate. That includes Howden, who must get a goal in Thursday's game. Otherwise, it'll feel like a bad smell lingering much longer than usual.