For the first time in quite a while, the Vegas Golden Knights and Anaheim Ducks see a level of intrigue added to their rivalry.
On Saturday, the Golden Knights continue their homestand when the Ducks make their way back to T-Mobile Arena.
The Ducks have languished at or near the bottom of the Pacific Division since the Golden Knights entered the league, but this time is different. Winners of five in a row, the Ducks actually lead the Pacific Division heading into this matchup. With a win in regulation by the Golden Knights tying things up, this could wind up being a surprising duel for divisional supremacy.
If the home team wants to get themselves back on the right track, there is plenty to watch in this matchup.
Mighty once again
Lead by new bench boss Joel Quenneville, the Ducks seem poised to make it back to the playoffs for the first time since 2018.
This is in part due to their high-flying offense in the early going, leading the NHL at a clip of 4.15 goals per game. Younger players such as Cutter Gauthier (11 goals, seven assists) and Leo Carlsson (six goals, 20 points) are leading the charge, while new faces such as Chris Kreider (nine goals) have added much-needed veteran support. Add to the mix a young defense and an emerging presence in net in Lukas Dostal, and the Ducks have a recipe to challenge the Golden Knights for control of the Pacific both now and in the future.
Do not get rattled
Everything was going so well for the Golden Knights in their last game against the Tampa Bay Lightning, posting a 2-0 lead after the first period.
Then, everything unraveled from there, with the Lightning landing six points in the final 40 minutes to crush the Golden Knights. Facing another potent offense in the Ducks immediately after such a poor defensive showing, Vegas will be challenged to avoid getting hemmed into their own zone and take advantage of any opportunities that come along. The Golden Knights have learned their lessons the hard way, and this game can be an example of how they adjusted to last game’s disappointment.
Turn the power on
At some point, the Golden Knights’ power play is going to have to get things going again.
The Ducks provide somewhat of an opportunity to make that happen, sporting a 75% penalty kill that currently ranks in the bottom third of the NHL. Mark Stone’s absence has loomed large, but players like Jack Eichel, Mitch Marner and Pavel Dorofeyev have been trusted in key moments before. With the lights shining bright in this matchup, the man advantage could be where Vegas’s stars get their opportunity to make the most of their chances.
