The 106th season of the National Hockey League kicks off Tuesday October 10th with a triple header of action on ESPN. With this in mind, we will be doing a rundown of every team heading into what will be another season of joy, heartbreak and unnecessary anger from a plethora of fan bases across North America.
Vegas Golden Knights
2022-23 Record: 51-22-9 (1st in Pacific Division)
Playoffs: Stanley Cup Champion
The excruciating five seasons of torment have finally come to in end. The Vegas Golden Knights hoisted Lord Stanley’s cup in their sixth year as an NHL franchise. A remarkable achievement that deserves to be celebrated.
Unfortunately, the time for those celebrations has passed. The Knights must take the ice again to reclaim their crown.
And after the long arduous summer in the desert oasis known as Las Vegas, the Golden Knights have emerged…and they look just as scary as they did 12 months ago.
Forwards
Unlike some previous seasons, the Golden Knights return with a mostly unchanged roster. Jack Eichel and a hopefully fully healthy Mark Stone will lead the likes of Jonathan Marchessault, Ivan Barbashev and William Karlsson to another physical season up front. The loss of Reilly Smith could be a detriment, but the “next man up” mentality that has been part of the Golden Knights’ identity since their inaugural season will ensure the offense doesn’t lose a step.
Defense
Easily the portion of the team least affected by Vegas’ mentality of maintaining relationships with players, Alex Pietrangelo once again heads up a unforgiving blue line featuring the likes of Alec Martinez, Shea Theadore, and Zach Whitecloud. This is a defense than can help the Knights in the scoresheet, but they are there to punish any player who tries to even bring the puck near their starting goalies, and they are more than able to accomplish that feat.
Goaltending
After a spectacular playoff where he posted a .932 SV% and 2.17 GAA, will Adin Hill assume the starting goaltending role for the defending champions? Or will the Golden Knights opt for a 1A/1B situation with Hill and Logan Thompson. Both posted a .915 SV% in the regular season (Thompson in 36 starts and Hill in 25 starts), so either way Vegas looks just fine between the pipes.
Individual To Watch: Chandler Stephenson
The 29-year old is coming off 20 points during Vegas’ Stanley Cup run, and has posted consecutive 60+ point seasons. In a contract year, expect some attention around what number Stephenson can ask for come next summer if he continues with that kind of production.
Standings Prediction: 1st in Pacific
X/Twitter: @hunt37595
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