For the first time in two weeks, the Vegas Golden Knights are back to get something going at home.
For the first time in two weeks, the Vegas Golden Knights are back to get something going at home.
On Wednesday, the Golden Knights return to T-Mobile Arena to face the New Jersey Devils.
Venue: T-Mobile Arena, Paradise, NV
Date: Wednesday, December 17
Time: 7:00 pm PST
How To Watch: TNT
Radio: 1340 AM, 101 ESPN (101.1 FM)
The Golden Knights return to Vegas in high spirits, coming off one of the most successful East Coast trips in franchise history. The team collected nine of a possible ten points, including a shutout victory over the Devils on Dec. 5. Now back at home, the Golden Knights now have to take it upon themselves to keep that momentum going.
Here is how the Golden Knights can accomplish that goal on their first game back.
Avoid the trap
While the Golden Knights are riding high, plenty of factors suggest that this game could easily get away from them.
The first game after a long road trip is always the most difficult, and the Golden Knights could struggle to find their legs if things do not go their way quickly. They will have to stay sharp early on, avoiding sinking into bad habits and making the right plays. If they get out to an early lead, the Golden Knights can benefit from not having to chase the game at any point.
Stars are shining
Part of why the Golden Knights found so much success on the road trip was the play of their top stars.
Mitch Marner is coming off of an excellent game in the Golden Knights’ last outing against the Columbus Blue Jackets, assisting on all three of the team’s goals. Meanwhile, players like Mark Stone, Tomas Hertl and Ivan Barbashev are still making positive impacts. Continuing to get the most out of their stars, as well as seeing increased production from their depth, will only help the Golden Knights.
Health pending
The Devils and Golden Knights both have situations to monitor heading into this game.
While the Devils are expected to get defenseman Brett Pesce back into the lineup, they still have a rash of injuries preventing the team from playing at full strength. Meanwhile, the Golden Knights are expected to have defenseman Jeremy Lauzon back, but Jack Eichel left Tuesday’s practice early with illness and defenseman Shea Theodore is day-to-day with an upper body injury, meaning both are out for this game. Key injuries mean that both teams will have to compensate accordingly, and how they manage that will decide who wins the game.
Category: General Sports
