Golden Knights Need Improvement After Break

The Vegas Golden Knights resumed their NHL season after a two-week Olympic break, returning with a sense of urgency. Coach Bruce Cassidy emphasized the need to remove any rust, as the team had been performing well before the break, securing wins against the Vancouver Canucks and Los Angeles Kings.

However, the Knights currently hold a 27-16-14 record, which positions them four points ahead of the Edmonton Oilers in the Pacific Division, yet would not place them in a playoff spot if in the Eastern Conference.

Cassidy noted that the team has faced challenges, especially in goaltending, with starter Adin Hill struggling after a lower-body injury and backup Akira Schmid not performing well compared to other NHL goalies.

Additionally, nine players participated in the Olympics, which could lead to fatigue as they return. The upcoming schedule is also demanding, with only one opponent currently out of a playoff spot in their first nine games back.

Cassidy remains focused on finishing strong to secure the top spot in the Pacific Division, crucial for playoff positioning against strong teams like Edmonton, Colorado, Minnesota, and Dallas. The Golden Knights must capitalize on their current standing and improve to meet the expectations set at the start of the season, as they prepare for the final stretch with 25 games remaining in the regular season.

According to Cassidy, 'We’ve got work to do if we want to get back to where we started the year.'