They say nothing in life comes easy. It's a constant battle of different obstacles in your way, whether it's a flat tire, heavy traffic, or an unexpected case of the runs. It's a matter of how you'll handle the adversity that counts.
The Vegas Golden Knights will deal with this on Friday, starting with the Dallas Stars heading to T-Mobile Arena. The Stars currently sit in a playoff position in the Western Conference with 32 points. That's because of the team's various "stars," including Jake Oettinger (2.42 GAA and a save percentage of .912) and Matt Duchene (12 goals, 28 assists).
But that's not the hardest part. Then comes the three-game road trip in the middle part of the Americas. That starts on Thursday, December 12, against the Winnipeg Jets (38 points, tied for most in the NHL), and carries them into contests against the Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers (30 points) and the Minnesota Wild (38 points). All that to be topped off by a home game against the Vancouver Canucks (30 points).
That seems like a daunting task for the Pacific Division leaders. However, they've taken care of business against top teams recently, including those same Jets and Oilers. In fact, the Golden Knights are 2-0-0 against the Oilers this season, proving that having McDavid isn't enough to win games. Still, this five-game stretch will be vital for the team's success, setting the pace for the rest of the season.
How the Vegas Golden Knights can combat this stretch
Obviously, getting Mark Stone back is vital for the Vegas Golden Knights. The Captain is the unequivocal leader of the team, providing ample offense and forechecking for the team. He had six goals and 15 assists in 13 games before missing time with a lower-body injury.
But it's more than just getting a huge producer back. The Golden Knights also get an emotionally charged leader back on the team. Stone brings energy and stability back to the team, anchoring the top six lines. Relying on Cole Schwindt (six assists in 24 games) and Cal Burke (one goal in six games) to carry you for a tough stretch isn't enough.
Adin Hill will also be vital for the Golden Knights. The goaltender has been extraordinary in the past seven games. He had a GAA of 1.70, a save percentage of .935, and a shutout in that span. The Calgary native has turned his play around, turning the goaltending position into a reliable point for the Golden Knights.
Finally, Brett Howden will also be a key player. The forward has 10 goals this season, delivering much-needed goals for every line. He's also filled in nicely for players like Mark Stone, replacing his production accordingly. With a fast, skillful player like Howden, the Golden Knights can set up plays in transition and put their opponents on their heels.
These three players will be vital to the Golden Knights's success in the next five games. Whether they can handle teams like the Dallas Stars or the Connor McDavid-led Edmonton Oilers will hinge on what they do. One thing's for certain: It won't be easy.