Golden Knights Fans Want More - And December Might Be the Moment to Get It
Let’s be honest: expectations in Vegas aren’t exactly modest. This is a franchise that came into the league swinging, made a Stanley Cup Final in Year One, and hoisted the trophy just last season.
So when the Golden Knights start the year 11-6-8, fans aren’t exactly throwing parades for a 30-point November. They want dominance.
They want a team that steamrolls the Pacific Division and makes another deep playoff run feel inevitable.
And right now? That dominance hasn’t quite materialized - yet.
But December offers a fresh slate, and with some key roster moves and a favorable schedule ahead, there’s reason to believe Vegas could find its stride again.
Goaltending Shuffle: Lindbom Down, Hart Up
The Golden Knights made a notable move in the crease, calling up veteran Carter Hart from his conditioning stint. That means rookie Carl Lindbom has been reassigned to the AHL’s Henderson Silver Knights, while Jordan Papirny heads further down to the Tahoe Knight Monsters.
It’s been a learning curve for Lindbom, no doubt. The 21-year-old Swede has had to face some of the NHL’s toughest offensive units - Colorado, Tampa Bay, Florida - and the results have reflected the challenge. A 3.14 goals-against average and .870 save percentage over seven appearances (1-4-2 record) tell the story of a young netminder still adjusting to the speed and precision of the NHL game.
But there’s a silver lining. Lindbom picked up his first NHL win on Saturday against the San Jose Sharks, a much-needed confidence boost before heading back to Henderson.
This isn’t a setback - it’s a development move. The talent is there, but the Knights are making sure he gets the reps and refinement he needs before being thrust back into the big show.
With Hart back in the mix, Vegas gets a steady hand in net - someone who can hold the fort while the team tries to find its rhythm again.
Kyle Palmieri’s Gritty Moment That Transcends Team Lines
Sometimes, a play is so gutsy, so full of heart, it earns respect across fanbases - and Kyle Palmieri delivered one of those moments.
On Friday, the Islanders forward registered an assist that won’t soon be forgotten. He stole the puck, set up Jonathan Drouin for a goal, and then left the ice - because he had just torn his ACL. The diagnosis: out 6-8 months.
It’s the kind of sequence that defines a player’s toughness. Palmieri didn’t just keep playing through pain - he made a game-changing play while doing it.
That’s the kind of effort that resonates with hockey fans everywhere, including in Vegas. Whether you wear gold and black or blue and orange, that’s a moment you tip your cap to.
A Shot at the Pacific Division Lead? Don’t Look Now…
Despite the uneven start, the Golden Knights are very much in the hunt - and Tuesday could bring a surprising twist. With a win over the Chicago Blackhawks and a little help from the scoreboard, Vegas could leap into first place in the Pacific Division.
Here’s what needs to happen: the Knights need to take care of business against Chicago, while the Anaheim Ducks and Los Angeles Kings both need to lose in regulation. Anaheim plays the struggling St. Louis Blues on Monday, so it’s not a guarantee - but it’s not out of reach either.
In a season that’s felt a little off-kilter, this could be a momentum-shifting moment. First place in early December doesn’t come with a banner, but it does come with confidence - and that’s something this team could use right now.
Final Thought: The Standard Is High - And That’s a Good Thing
Golden Knights fans are frustrated, and that’s understandable. The bar has been set sky-high since Day One, and anything short of excellence feels like a letdown.
But this is still a team with the pieces to contend. The goaltending is stabilizing, the roster is deep, and the Pacific Division is wide open.
December could be the turning point. And if Vegas can find that next gear, don’t be surprised if they’re back on top - right where their fans expect them to be.