Vegas Golden Knights slam the door on the Anaheim Ducks with a statement Game 6

The odds were stacked against the Vegas Golden Knights heading into Game 6. They were going up against a young, fast Anaheim Ducks team that constantly blitzed them throughout the series. They were also missing Mark Stone, Brayden McNabb, and Jeremy Lauzon for the game, pinning their backs against the wall.

So, what's a team to do when their key players are missing? Well, have Mitch Marner, will travel.

For the record, the Anaheim Ducks are a solid team. Yes, they have countless young players who can wreak havoc on anybody. Just ask the Colorado Avalanche and the Dallas Stars. Therefore, it's wise for any Marner haters and bitter Maple Leafs fans to know their roles and shut their mouths.

The game ended up as a Golden Knights win, 5-1, sending Vegas to the Western Conference Final. Their next opponent? The Colorado Avalanche, who won the President's Trophy this regular season. The Golden Knights got goals from Marner, Brett Howden (shorthanded), Shea Theodore (power play), and Pavel Dorofeyev (twice). Anaheim got a goal from Mikael Granlund (power play).

Let's look at an absolute blitz pulled off by the Golden Knights in Game 6. Who else stood out for the Golden Knights to close the series out? Who do the Golden Knights desperately need for the Western Conference Final against the Avalanche?

Mitch Marner has a massive night for the Vegas Golden Knights and shows that he's clutch in the playoffs

Boy, with each big game that Mitch Marner has in the Stanley Cup playoffs, he's quickly putting away all whispers about disappearing in the Stanley Cup playoffs. He did that yet again with another multi-point night (his fifth of this playoff iteration), scoring a goal and an assist.

That included the aforementioned between-the-legs beauty that kickstarted the Golden Knights' scoring. The goal came in just over a minute into the game, marking a massive gut punch for Anaheim.

If there are any whispers about Marner being poor in the playoffs, those should be dispelled immediately. The Canadian Olympian already leads the NHL in postseason points this year and continues to shine in big moments. Mind you, he did that without Mark Stone around. Speaking of the Captain...

Who needs to return and show up for the Golden Knights against the Colorado Avalanche?

For one, Mark Stone is an absolute must. Yes, I get that he isn't the healthiest player on the ice. However, he's an offensive catalyst who sets up high-danger scoring chances with ease. You also can't deny the leadership aspect that the Captain brings, making him valuable against a vaunted team like the Avalanche.

Believe it or not, Jeremy Lauzon is needed as well. Aside from the hitting aspect, the former Nashville Predator brings a solid penalty-killing angle. He's terrific at making solid exits and battling for the puck, making him an essential Golden Knights player.

Yes, he's taken plenty of beatings on here for some boneheaded penalties. But watching Anaheim wake its slumbering power play in the last three games should be concerning. Therefore, let's welcome Lauzon back with open arms, eh?

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