The Vegas Golden Knights are navigating a challenging stretch, facing a confluence of injuries, roster adjustments, and a demanding schedule. As they look ahead, several key storylines will shape their performance.
The most pressing concern for the Golden Knights is the state of their roster. Already dealing with a number of players on injured reserve, the team witnessed Jonas Rondbjerg exit Sunday's game against the Anaheim Ducks due to an apparent injury. Coach Bruce Cassidy admitted that Rondbjerg's injury "didn't look good," casting doubt on his availability for the upcoming Winter Olympics. With an already thin forward group, the Golden Knights recalled Tanner Laczynski from AHL Henderson to provide depth. The team had only 12 healthy forwards prior to Laczynski's recall. The absence of key players like William Karlsson further exacerbates the issue, impacting the team's overall performance.
Amidst the injury woes, the Golden Knights are working to integrate new faces into the lineup, with defenseman Rasmus Andersson being a focal point. The team hopes that Andersson can provide a steady presence on the blue line and contribute to both the offensive and defensive aspects of the game.
The Golden Knights are currently enduring a difficult stretch, marked by a five-game losing streak and seven losses in their last eight games. Their most recent defeat came against the Anaheim Ducks, who swept the season series against Vegas with a 4-3 victory. The team's struggles have been attributed to a combination of factors, including injuries, inconsistent goaltending, and an inability to maintain leads. In their recent game against the Ducks, Adin Hill allowed 3 goals on 22 shots.
Looking ahead, the Golden Knights face a schedule with games against the Vancouver Canucks and the Los Angeles Kings this week. These matchups present an opportunity for the team to turn their fortunes around before the Olympic break. Following those games, nine Golden Knights players will head to Italy to participate in the Winter Olympics.
Despite the recent struggles, there are some positive takeaways for the Golden Knights. Jack Eichel continues to be a driving force on offense, recording two assists in Saturday's loss to the Seattle Kraken. Ivan Barbashev has also found the net in consecutive games, providing a boost to the team's scoring depth. Mitch Marner contributed a power-play goal in the same game. Mark Stone, despite cooling off from a recent hot streak, contributed two assists in Sunday's loss to the Ducks.
The Golden Knights' ability to weather the storm of injuries, integrate new players effectively, and capitalize on their offensive opportunities will be crucial in determining their success in the coming weeks. As they approach the Olympic break, the team will aim to regain their winning form and solidify their position in the standings.