One would think that a November battle between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Anaheim Ducks wouldn't amount to a hill of beans. After all, the NHL season just started a month ago. What significance would a mere late-November game carry for Jack Eichel and the boys?
However, there are some significant things behind Saturday's game. Obviously, it's a Pacific Division battle, so you always want to be your divisional rivals. That's especially true against an upstart team with prominent youngsters like Leo Carlsson (11 goals and 17 assists), Cutter Gauthier (12 goals and 12 assists), and Beckett Sennecke (seven goals and eight assists). Let's just say that the future's bright like the castles you see at Disneyland.
But that's not all. Jack Eichel can build off his incredible three-point performance against the Utah Mammoth. In Thursday's 4-1 victory, the Golden Knights' superstar woke from his November slumber and put on a spectacular game. Saturday's the perfect chance for him to continue that momentum.
However, one other implication looms large for Saturday's game. It involves the Pacific Division, of course. But it could also be a much-needed momentum builder for a Golden Knights team that struggled early on. What's the big thing that stands out in Saturday's game between the Golden Knights and the Ducks?
The Vegas Golden Knights could find themselves in first place with a win against the Anaheim Ducks
That's the obvious take right here. With two points, the Vegas Golden Knights can get themselves the Pacific Division lead. While fans might look at this and poo-poo the idea sheerly on the season being in the early stages, this development is significant.
The Golden Knights have been on a mini-roll in the last five games (3-0-2), which has seen them get points against teams like the New York Rangers and the Minnesota Wild. What better way to build on that roll than by beating the Pacific Division leaders?
Not only that, but you can relish in the tears of your enemies. The Golden Knights have caught all sorts of strays from the public, whether it's signing a free agent or placing someone on LTIR. There's no better way to stick it to the haters than by winning Saturday's game and regaining your rightful place on the Pacific Division throne.
After all, this is a young Ducks team we're talking about. Yes, they'll be a threat throughout the season since they're hungry and have so many viable pieces. However, they still need time to grow and become a formidable team. That was apparent in the third period of the last contest, where the Golden Knights came back and got the loser point.
Overall, Saturday presents a "Golden" (no pun intended) opportunity for Vegas to get back atop the Pacific Division hierarchy. The Golden Knights have been in a weird position throughout the season, struggling to find an identity. But there's no better place to find yourself than the "Happiest Place On Earth," especially if you want to be the Pacific Division leaders.