Vegas Golden Knights fans were (partially) excited watching superstars like Mark Stone and Jack Eichel play in the 4 Nations Face-Off. They represented their respective countries and the organization, showcasing why their entities were great. Ultimately, the Captain got the last laugh as the Canadians won the inaugural tournament. I wonder if he downed a pint of maple syrup with poutine afterwards?
But it's almost been a month since that spectacle and those same players haven't had rest. Some fans and analysts worry about the wear and tear of the game of hockey. Would Stone hurt his back picking up a puck? What if Eichel got hurt?
Believe it or not, that could be a realistic event. Hockey fans wouldn't stop accusing Kelly McCrimmon of circumventing the salary cap after the Winnipeg native suffered a spleen injury last season. The franchise leader in single-season assists was also injured himself with a lower-body injury.
It's part of why the team was on the short end of a reunion with Pete DeBoer. Sure, they might've been near full strength at the time. However, Henderson Silver Knights players can't carry the load. If you're relying on Mason Morelli and Sheldon Rempal to carry the load, well, load up on the liquor.
So let's pinpoint a few games where the duo can put their skates away. Could there be a stretch where the guys can forget about playing at a competitive level? Or will that be further down the road? Maybe it won't even come until a playoff spot is clinched.
The Vegas Golden Knights should give Jack Eichel and Mark Stone rest on the upcoming four-game road trip
I know what you're thinking. How can you rest two key players on an Eastern Conference trip? You'd get your goose cooked if you try such buffoonery!
Well, here's the thing, dear reader. The Pittsburgh Penguins, Columbus Blue Jackets, Buffalo Sabres, and Detroit Red Wings haven't lit the world on fire as of late. The four teams have combined for 30 points in their last 10 games.
That includes a six-game losing streak by the Sabres and a five-game losing streak by the Red Wings. Only one team appears to be a legitimate threat (Columbus) during the four-game trip. After all, that record at Nationwide Arena of 20-6-4 is nothing to scoff at. That's why it'd be wise to rest Jack Eichel and Mark Stone during the road trip. That way, you don't have to worry about losing them to a freak injury.
The rest of March has ample opportunities for rest
In fact, the rest of March has some nice opportunities to rest both players. The Vegas Golden Knights only have three games against teams currently in playoff positioning for the month (Blue Jackets, Wild, and Lightning). The rest are games against teams already far out of the hunt (Blackhawks and Predators) or teams fading quickly (Bruins and Red Wings).
Therefore, Bruce Cassidy should use these games as ample opportunities to rest his respective superstars. There's a challenging three-game gauntlet starting on April 1 (no joke) against the Edmonton Oilers. After that will be a game against the Winnipeg Jets (April 3) and another against the Calgary Flames (April 5). Shortly after comes a contest against a retooled Colorado Avalanche team on April 6.
The 4 Nations Face-Off was a merry ol' time for hockey fans everywhere. It ignited new rivalries between respective countries and gave the best players an incentive to win an exhibition tournament. However, that's in the rearview mirror and the Stanley Cup playoffs are ahead. Get your best guys fresh for the run. It's time for the Golden Knights to go all-in.