On the last weekend before Christmas, the Vegas Golden Knights are making a brief excursion north of the border.
On Saturday, the Golden Knights start their loop in Alberta when they take on the Calgary Flames.
Venue: Scotiabank Saddledome, Calgary, AB, Canada
Date: Saturday, December 20
Time: 7:00 pm PST
How To Watch: ESPN+, SCRIPPS
Radio: 1340 AM, 94.7 FM
With three games in the next four days against Pacific Division rivals, the Golden Knights have an important stretch of games to hit before the holiday break. They remain tied with the Anaheim Ducks for first in the division heading into Saturday’s slate of games, but teams like the Edmonton Oilers (who Vegas plays on Sunday) are quickly gaining. A run of positive play will go a long way towards ensuring the Golden Knights head into Christmas with the division still in hand.
Here is how they can get started against the Flames.
Something’s gotta give
While the Golden Knights have separated from the Flames in the standings, recent results show two teams on impressive forms.
Despite a shootout loss against the New Jersey Devils in their last game, the Golden Knights still head to Calgary riding an eight-game point streak (6-0-2). Meanwhile, the Flames have won four of their last six games, with all of their victories coming at home. Both teams carry serious momentum heading into this game, so expect to see a well-fought matchup.
Step up to the plate
No one can say that things have gone easy for the Golden Knights, especially in terms of injuries.
Jack Eichel and Shea Theodore were both absent against the Devils and are confirmed out for the weekend, so this game will be imperative to see who takes the initiative. The Golden Knights know they can rely on the likes of Mitch Marner, Mark Stone and Pavel Dorofeyev, but this is when their depth will truly be tested. If the Golden Knights can get contributions from unsung heroes and play a solid game in front of the net, they should manage to weather the storm.
Keeping tabs
With all of the trades over the past couple of weeks, Golden Knights fans should start looking for ways to bolster their own lineups.
While the Flames have improved recently, they are still expected to be sellers at the trade deadline. The piece most expected to move is defenseman Rasmus Andersson, who has been linked to Vegas since the offseason and enjoying a strong contract year (25 points and +3 rating in 35 games). With the Golden Knights braintrust already paying attention, do not be surprised if they are analyzing who would be a fit in Vegas by the time March rolls around.