It feels weird saying that the first game of 2026 feels like a must-win proposition, but the Vegas Golden Knights are at that juncture now.
On Friday, the Golden Knights kick off the unofficial second half of the season with a trip to St. Louis to take on the Blues.
Venue: Enterprise Center, St. Louis, MO
Date: Friday, January 2
Time: 12:00 pm PST
How To Watch: ESPN+, SCRIPPS
Radio: 1340 AM, 94.7 FM
The Golden Knights ended 2025 with a whimper, dropping six of their last seven games. Injuries and inconsistency have been features, but the team is somehow still in the mix for a playoff spot. Another poor stretch could change that, however, so the Golden Knights need to get some positive results to break out of their funk.
Here is how they can manage that against the Blues.
Make the family proud
Fortunes should hopefully change for the Golden Knights soon, as the annual Father’s Trip kicks off in this game.
The occasion has traditionally meant good things for the Golden Knights, who are 11-0-1 all-time in Father’s Trip games. For a team that has needed results to go their way, this is an excellent time to get some motivation and inspiration. Hopefully, this Father’s Trip can serve as a launch point to push the Golden Knights back into the realm of respectability.
Tighten up
For a team that has prided itself on strong defensive play, the Golden Knights have deviated away from that in recent days.
Over the last six games, the Golden Knights have surrendered 27 goals and have blown multiple leads along the way. With the top defensive pair of Shea Theodore and Brayden McNabb dealing with injuries, the back end only projects to be even shakier. Newly-named Olympian Noah Hanifin will lead the charge, but the depth is going to have to step up to pick up the slack.
This is it
If there was ever a stretch the Golden Knights need to take advantage of, it’s this one.
The next five games are against some of the bottom five teams in the standings (two games against the Blues, Chicago Blackhawks, Winnipeg Jets, Columbus Blue Jackets). After that comes a San Jose Sharks team that the Golden Knights put up seven goals against in their last game, marking their only win in this challenging stretch. If the Golden Knights continue to falter, it could be the catalyst for serious change when the Olympic break is in the rear view mirror, if not earlier.
