When you're trapped in a must-win Game 5, all hands need to be on deck. That means everyone must play an integral role in winning the game, including the backups.
Some players have struggled to get off on the right foot, ranging from Jack Eichel (one assist) to Mark Stone (one assist). That places a greater urgency for the Vegas Golden Knights to win Game 5. Otherwise, you're trapped in a life-or-death Game 6 in... Minnesota.
On that note, it's a miracle the Golden Knights are tied with the Minnesota Wild, 2-2. They've been buoyed by a booming power play, which has a percentage of 36.4%. What's more is that it's been unconventional heroes such as Shea Theodore and Nicolas Roy scoring goals. Sure, you have Pavel Dorofeyev contributing his goal on the unit. But unexpected contributions have prevented this from becoming an embarrassing blowout.
Still, one star hasn't done much since Game 1. It's like he scored two goals and dipped.
The good news? Game 5 offers him a chance to redeem himself. He can give the Golden Knights much-needed scoring on the lower units, leading them to victory. Plus, he's Justin Bieber's more stable twin. Who's the mystery man that can benefit from a huge Game 5?
The forward who can help the Vegas Golden Knights with a big game
Brett Howden had a great showing in Game 1. He scored two goals, including a buzzer-beating goal to make it a 4-2 victory. Ironically, that empty-netter was also a power play goal. However, he hasn't produced any points since that game.
In fact, he's mustered only four shots in the past three games, including not shooting the puck last Tuesday. He might've been a more physical presence for the Golden Knights, delivering six hits. However, getting on the score sheet will help the team in many ways.
Why? For one, the top line hasn't done much during the series. They've been outplayed by Kirill Kaprizov (four goals and four assists) and Matt Boldy (four goals and two assists) throughout the series, backing Vegas into a corner.
That means the lower units must step up and outplay the Minnesota Wild's groups. That starts with Brett Howden, who must get on the scoresheet for Game 5. Getting hits and generating some takeaways (Howden had two in Game 4) sounds nice. But a goal sounds even better, especially with momentum and a series lead on the lead.
It goes Brett Howden picking up the slack for the Golden Knights top line, though
Brett Howden is a fast, shifty forward. He can outmaneuver opposing defenses and start odd-man rushes with ease. His lower-line role also catalyzes a Golden Knights team reliant on its size. With a team filled with two-way forwards, what better way to do that than score?
One problem has bugged the team as a whole, though. That's not getting a goal on the breakaway. Even Jack Eichel's had trouble with getting a breakaway goal. If Howden's the guy to score on such an opportunity, that's the energizing moment the team needs to win Game 5.
Winning Game 4 might've been nice for the Golden Knights. After all, you have some confidence with a win heading into Tuesday. But now comes the tricky part. You'll need to do it again and have everyone get involved. That includes Howden, who must deliver an encore performance from Game 1.