Why this version of the Vegas Golden Knights will succeed in the playoffs

Last season was one to forget for the Vegas Golden Knights. Fans saw big names like Mark Stone and Jack Eichel go down with debilitating injuries, leaving the team limping into their playoff matchup against the Dallas Stars. Although the Golden Knights took the series to seven games, Pete DeBoer's new team ultimately prevailed.

When the offseason came, it got even worse. Suddenly, Jonathan Marchessault and Chandler Stephenson left the team, heading for "greener pastures!" At least, that's what it looked like on paper.

But life has a strange way of working, sometimes. The Nashville Predators head into their Thursday matchup against the Edmonton Oilers dead last in the Central Division. Even with big names like Marchessault (three goals, six assists) and Steven Stamkos (four goals, four assists), the preseason Stanley Cup favorites are falling flat. Yes, Keegan Kolesar has as many points as Stamkos. Think about that for a second.

As for Seattle? They're sixth in the Pacific Division heading into their Thursday matchup against the Chicago Blackhawks with 15 points. Stephenson hasn't been too shabby (one goal, eight assists), considering he's not as much of a goal scorer as Marchessault. But the Golden Knights appear to be doing much better without these two stars.

Therefore, it stands with good reason that the first-place Golden Knights should fare better in the Stanley Cup playoffs. Yes, there's the improved power play and incredible overall offense for the Golden Knights. However, there are other reasons why fans should feel optimistic about another deep run.

The Vegas Golden Knights have great home-cooking

The Vegas Golden Knights carried a perfect 8-0-0 record into that matchup before they were demolished by the Carolina Hurricanes on Monday. They were outscoring opponents, 43-19, before their first loss. That's impressive for a team many were writing off to start the season.

Yes, some will say that the home schedule was light, consisting of cupcakes such as the Anaheim Ducks and San Jose Sharks. However, that streak also had teams like the Colorado Avalanche (18 points) and Los Angeles Kings (21 points), two teams in playoff position heading into Thursday.

Heck, even the Calgary Flames (19 points) AND Ottawa Senators (16 points) were in that position before Thursday's slate of games. That accounts for four (half!) of eight victories against teams in playoff position. All of this was thanks to superstars like Jack Eichel and Tomas Hertl, who've made even strength and power play groups much better.

Yes, the season isn't even a quarter through. There are also 32 other home games to be played. However, the Golden Knights are on the fast track to have home-ice advantage through the first two rounds, which could propel them to yet another Western Conference Final... and beyond.

Adin Hill is turning the corner (slowly)

At first glance, Adin Hill's stats are lackluster. His GAA (3.27) and save percentage (.879) make him appear to be a backup goaltender. That's fair to say, too! He started the 2024-25 season slow, allowing four or more goals in four of his first five games.

However, he's improved since that stretch, allowing four or more goals twice in six games. That includes a shutout against the Calgary Flames on October 28, when he capped off a dominating 5-0 win. During that stretch, three of those games saw Hill post a save percentage of .900 or higher.

Yes, there are times when the No. 1 netminder appears off. Sometimes, he'll let in the occasional soft goal that he shouldn't. However, the Golden Knights are averaging 15.06 giveaways per game. While that's good for 15th in the NHL, cutting down on the turnovers should help Hill as he turns a corner.

Of course, it also helps if Hill plays to his ability. However, if the goaltender-friendly system shows up and starts taking away shooting lanes, that will help Hill. That will get the Golden Knights on another deep run in the Stanley Cup playoffs, specifically since he's starting to find his footing in the crease.