The Vegas Golden Knights fanbase can be divided into two categories. Those who see this year’s team as a first-round exit from the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs. Or those who believe the light will magically turn on once the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs begin.
“Right now our game is nowhere near it needs to be.” Keegan Kolesar said after Wednesday’s 5-1 loss to the Edmonton Oilers. “Even if we were to get in (the playoffs), it might be a quick bounce for us out of there.”
Kolesar believes there’s work that needs to be done.
“We’re not in the playoffs yet, we need to start playing like we want to be in it.” Jonathan Marchessault after Wednesday’s loss. “We need more than just a couple guys every night, we’re going to need everybody. Right now we don’t have that.”
One of the lowest points of the Golden Knights’ season came on Mar. 4 in a 6-3 road loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets.
“You have to want it.” Coach Cassidy said after the loss to the Blue Jackets. “We don’t want it right now. That’s very evident in our game.”
One can argue that the Golden Knights still do not want it, or are not willing to put in the work to get it.
The NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs are right around the corner. The Golden Knights look like a tired horse down the stretch at Santa Anita that lacks a closing kick.
There are a variety of circumstances as to why the Golden Knights have not been able to secure their spot in the 2023-24 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs with four regular-season games remaining.
Injuries to Mark Stone, Jack Eichel, Alex Pietrangelo, William Karlsson, Shea Theodore, and Adin Hill have cost the Golden Knights many points in the standings. Trade deadline acquisitions Anthony Mantha, Noah Hanifin, and Tomas Hertl are still getting acclimated with the team.
Logan Thompson and Hill have been inconsistent throughout the season.
Will the light magically turn on?
One would have to think the excitement of the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs will ignite a new level of interest for the Golden Knights. After-all, the regular season after winning a championship, can be a grind.
Every team in the league used the Golden Knights as their measuring stick this season. It has taken a toll on the reigning Stanley Cup champions. Everyone wants to beat the Stanley Cup champion.
The lights shine brighter once the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs start. The Golden Knights earned Hockey’s ultimate prize last season and know exactly what it takes to win the toughest tournament in all of sports.
A jockey will put a different level of effort into a maiden claimer race compared to the Kentucky Derby.
The same applies for the Golden Knights. It’s a new season come Apr. 20.
ITR 45: Everything Is Happening – Inside The Rink
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