What does a team like the Vegas Golden Knights do when nearly everyone picks against them in a playoff series? Do they cower and hide in a corner? Do they freak out and stand like a deer in the headlights? Or do they light the lamp and continue their dominant ways?
For the Golden Knights, it was the latter, as they defeated the Dallas Stars in Game 1, 4-3. Behind a returning Mark Stone scoring with Jack Eichel’s two assists, the defending champions showed why they won the Stanley Cup last season.
So what stood out for the Golden Knights in their quest to repeat? What are some things they can improve for a more decisive victory? It’s impossible to be perfect. However, tonight’s Game 1 victory was a good start.
First, the power play continues to improve. With two more power play goals tonight, the Vegas Golden Knights continue to become deadlier on the man advantage. With a returning Stone and the newest Golden Knight, Tomas Hertl, each having a power play goal, the Golden Knights let the man advantage propel them to victory.
In fact, the special teams altogether was phenomenal for Vegas. The Golden Knights killed off both penalties, giving Logan Thompson enough breathing room to operate. Saying the Golden Knights won because of special teams, specifically the power play, is something you don’t hear often. But it helped them steal Game 1 on the road.
