The Vegas Golden Knights begin their playoff action on Sunday at 7:00 PM against the Utah Mammoth. That means the most glorious time in Las Vegas is upon us, where fans pack T-Mobile Arena like sardines and enjoy playoff hockey at its finest.
Of course, it won't be easy. The Mammoth are one of the most exciting NHL teams around, boasting prolific offensive players such as Clayton Keller, Nick Schmaltz, and Dylan Guenther. They even have a goaltender named Karel Vejmelka, who's been clutch for Utah throughout the 2025-26 season.
Therefore, all hands are on deck for this playoff series. Now, you have the uncertainty of whether you're going to win games or not. The good teams remain and are ready to give the Golden Knights plenty of hell.
With that comes three-ish names that must step up for the Golden Knights. These three-ish players must be on top of their games and play to the highest level against the wily, spry Mammoth team. Otherwise, Vegas will be golfing after the first round's over. Let's meet the three names who must step up and have a big series.
1.) Tomas Hertl
Not-so-fun fact: Tomas Hertl hasn't had a goal since March 4 against the Detroit Red Wings. What's more is that his postseason stats with the Golden Knights have also been abysmal. We're talking about four goals and two assists during his postseason Vegas residency (18 games).
Those numbers must change if the Golden Knights want to beat the Mammoth. That means feeding Hertl plenty of pucks in the bumper and getting him used for some traffic. Otherwise, the Golden Knights will struggle with one key piece down.
2.) Carter Hart/Adin Hill
Whoever starts for Game 1 (and the series) must have an explosive series for the Vegas Golden Knights. If it's Carter Hart, he must build off his successful April (GAA of 1.66 and a save percentage of .930). If it's Adin Hill, that means turning his fortunes around and relying on his past postseason successes (career postseason GAA of 2.41 and a save percentage of .917).
Whatever the case, that starter must carry the momentum over for the Golden Knights in the first round. Since John Tortorella came on board, the Golden Knights' netminding has posted a team save percentage of .925. Carry that momentum over and get some puck luck.
3.) Jack Eichel
Now, this might seem surprising to some people. However, there's good reason for that. Many people will wonder whether Eichel will play hurt after going through a rough stretch. Between March 12 and March 26, he didn't have a single point.
Two weeks of zero points are unacceptable if you're the team's offensive leader. Eichel must be on his A-game for Vegas during the first round series and put Utah on its heels constantly. The good news? He has two goals and two assists in three games against the Mammoth this season.
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