Do you remember that warm, fuzzy feeling you got on the holidays as a kid? You would run downstairs to see all the presents lying around the tree. You would open up your gifts and see the item you wanted. Perhaps it was the dream house you were hoping for? Or maybe you wanted a Nintendo 64? Whatever the case, it was the best time of the year.
That's the feeling countless Vegas Golden Knights fans got when entering T-Mobile Arena on Wednesday. They witnessed Jack Eichel and his motley crew take on Nathan MacKinnon and the Colorado Avalanche. The fanbase witnessed an extravagant "Gold Carpet" show, where fans got autographs and pictures with their favorite players.
The results were pleasing for the home team, as the Golden Knights won a barnburner, 8-4. Eichel notched four assists on the night, while Victor Olofsson had two goals (one coming on the power play). Rantanen had a hat trick for the Avalanche, with one goal coming on the power play.
Overall, it was a high-scoring affair, which satisfied the appetite for both fanbases. Still, it was an early holiday for Las Vegas residents as they witnessed the home team score more goals. So why are we talking about something celebrated in December? It's simple.
The anticipation of seeing Jack Eichel and the Vegas Golden Knights return
After watching the Dallas Stars eliminate the Vegas Golden Knights in the Stanley Cup playoffs last season, Las Vegas was left without anything to root for besides the Aces. It's a good thing that the WNBA team is, well, good. However, the world felt whole when the NHL club returned to T-Mobile Arena on Wednesday.
Remember that playing Nathan MacKinnon (two assists) and the Colorado Avalanche is not easy. The Avalanche boast a strong top line with the reigning Hart Memorial Trophy winner and Mikko Rantanen, giving them a fighting chance every game. Vegas came in and punched them in the mouth offensively, scoring two power play goals on Wednesday.
That's like getting 30 presents under the tree or four times the presents during Hanukkah! It was a blissful time for Vegas hockey fans as their favorite pastime returned with open arms. Seeing Ivan Barbashev and Mark Stone score twice each? That should be a holiday on its own!
Winning on opening night has that holidays feel
It's a long 82-game season, so enjoy the ride. There will be ups and downs all year, where fans will feel every emotion possible. It's the beauty of the sport, where your team can go cold one minute and suddenly get on a hot streak the next. Tonight's game felt like everyone got on the same page, sans a rocky start.
Are there some concerns? Yes. Adin Hill needs to shake off the rust before we can see him be a decent goaltender (hopefully). The team must pick up the pace during the game, too. However, the power play doesn't seem like one of those weaknesses. In fact, the unit got two goals tonight.
For now, it feels like a city-wide holiday is happening. The Vegas Golden Knights have returned to T-Mobile Arena, doubling up the Colorado Avalanche, 8-4. Watching Jack Eichel and company defeat Nathan MacKinnon and his crew is all fans could ask for. It feels like there are already presents underneath that tree.