Why the Vegas Golden Knights must get the jump on the Boston Bruins early

The Vegas Golden Knights haven't had a complete game to start the 2025-26 season. Both wins were comeback wins, including the biggest gaffe you'll ever see.

If that all-time blunder doesn't happen, there's a completely different conversation that Golden Knights fans are having entering Thursday's game against the Boston Bruins. Those same Bruins have a 3-1-0 record to start the season, making them a threat once again.

In fact, they suffered their first loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning on Monday, 4-3. After feasting on lesser competition like the Chicago Blackhawks and the Buffalo Sabres, Boston's faced with taking on a Stanley Cup contender. However, those same Stanley Cup contenders haven't played as such this season.

They've been faced with various problems in the first four games, including a flat stay-at-home defense and goaltending concerns. When your opponent has David Pastrnak leading the attack, that could be a catastrophic problem. You don't want to anger Pastrnak, do you?

That's why Vegas must do one important thing against Boston: start fast. That means getting the first goal and grabbing the momentum early.

What the Golden Knights must do against the Boston Bruins

While the Golden Knights only have one first-period goal this season, the Bruins have barely been better. They have two in their first four games while allowing three in the opening period. Despite having a 3-1-0 record, Boston had its fair share of issues getting going early.

That could provide the perfect opportunity to break the ice for Vegas. Like the Golden Knights, Boston's relied on the later periods to do their scoring work. If Vegas gets the jump early, they must clamp down on their lead and prevent Boston from getting back in the game.

Therefore, rely on newly-extended Jack Eichel to carry the load. Having nine points (four goals and five assists) already this season proves he isn't a fluke. Ride the hot hand and see where it gets you.

How can the Golden Knights get the jump early?

Obviously, not turning the puck over is a must. The Golden Knights have had trouble keeping the puck under control, especially in their defensive zone. That has resulted in opponents getting the early jump. Take Mikael Backlund's goal on Tuesday as a perfect example.

If Jack Eichel doesn't dump an errant backhand in the defensive zone, Calgary doesn't get a chance to set up. That resulted in a 1-0 lead, putting Vegas in an early deficit. While the Golden Knights would double up the Flames, 4-2, Boston's a different beast.

Aside from Pastrnak, forwards like Morgan Geekie (33 goals and 24 assists last season) and Pavel Zacha (14 goals and 33 assists last season) provide a scoring bite. Therefore, it's on Vegas to commit to slowing down the pace of play and not rushing. Calgary doesn't have a world-class player like Pastrnak on its team.

If Vegas isn't careful with the turnovers, that could mean that the Czech megastar feasts all night. That's something that could relegate fans into worrying about the team's unusual start again. Sure, getting a regulation win on Tuesday sounds nice, especially against your divisional rival. However, you're facing better competition now. Such mishaps (although turnovers sound delicious as a food) will cause the first regulation loss in 2025-26.