Let's be honest. The way last season ended for the Vegas Golden Knights wasn't how anybody wanted it to end. Losing to the Edmonton Oilers in five games is never the way you want to go out. That's especially true when you win the Pacific Division and secure 110 points.
Fans heard an ageless song played in their ears on full blast and didn't hear the trash talk end. However, they were more satisfied with the Stanley Cup Final result, knowing they were the last Western Conference (and Pacific Division) team to hoist Lord Stanley.
But this season is shaping up to be drastically different. You see, those same threats still loom large for the upcoming year. Yes, we're talking about the Oilers and the Los Angeles Kings. However, a new threat emerges in the forefront.
I can certainly tell you it isn't the Seattle Kraken since they don't know what the heck they're doing.
Someone once told me their story was so great. Hmm... But are they as big a threat as these three teams?
1.) Edmonton Oilers
If there's one thing Golden Knights fans don't want to hear, it's their bitter rivals chirping. When they have Connor McDavid scoring 100 points (EVEN when he wasn't 100%) and Leon Draisaitl leading the NHL in goals (52), that team will still be a problem.
That's especially true when the two teams faced off last postseason. Edmonton looked faster and more coordinated in its attack, proving it could win a series without its two main superstars scoring much.
That remains true for this upcoming season, where the Oilers are running back the duo. But that's the beauty of a rivalry. You can always go back and fight another day. Will getting Mitch Marner on board be enough to get Vegas past their rivals, though?
2.) Los Angeles Kings
Last season, the Kings were 3-1-0 against the Golden Knights. They frustrated Vegas with their heightened play at Crypto.com Arena (you don't know how bad I want to deadname their arena), leading to an overall home record of 31-6-4.
The home opener itself will be an uneasy test. The Golden Knights might've had a home record of 29-9-3 last season. But that record against the Kings still looms large. That's especially true with Los Angeles adding depth pieces like Cody Ceci, Joel Armia, and the ageless Corey Perry.
3.) Anaheim Ducks
Now, I know what you're thinking. How can the Ducks potentially be a threat to the Golden Knights in the Pacific Division? They haven't made the Stanley Cup playoffs since 2018.
Well, they added Joel Quenneville and Chris Kreider to the mix. Both are proven hockey entities who know something about winning. It also signals that Anaheim is serious about bringing a winning product to Orange County.
After all, the Angels aren't doing the job. So, why not rely on the Ducks to pick up the slack? With exciting players like Troy Terry and Lukas Dostal, Anaheim seems poised to finally break through.