The Vegas Golden Knights are back on home ice Saturday night, looking to keep their momentum rolling when the Nashville Predators come to town. After a wild, come-from-behind overtime win over the Maple Leafs, Vegas is hoping for a smoother ride this time around at T-Mobile Arena.
**Let’s be honest-last game was a rollercoaster. ** A 6-5 OT thriller against Toronto that featured multiple-goal deficits, highlight-reel plays, and a whole lot of grit.
It was Mitch Marner’s first game facing his former team, and it didn’t disappoint. But while the entertainment value was sky-high, the Golden Knights would much rather control the tempo than play catch-up again.
And against a Predators team coming off a huge win of their own, that control could be the difference.
Opportunity Knocks Early
The Predators are flying into Vegas fresh off a major statement win-handing the Colorado Avalanche their first regulation home loss of the season. That’s no small feat.
But it also means Nashville may be running on fumes. Back-to-backs in the NHL are always tough, and when the second leg is against a team like Vegas, things can go sideways fast.
This is where the Golden Knights need to pounce. If they can dictate pace early, establish zone pressure, and keep the Predators chasing, they’ll not only test Nashville’s legs but also their mental stamina.
That first 10 minutes? It’s prime time to strike.
Stone and Eichel: Heating Up at the Right Time
When Vegas is at its best, it’s because its stars are leading the charge-and right now, that’s exactly what’s happening.
Mark Stone is playing like a man possessed. He’s on a ten-game point streak, with goals in nine of those contests.
That’s not just consistency-it’s dominance. And when your captain is producing like that, it sets the tone for the entire bench.
Then there’s Jack Eichel, who’s been every bit the offensive catalyst Vegas hoped for. He’s riding a seven-game point streak of his own, with seven points in just his last two outings.
When Eichel is dialed in, he controls the ice with his speed, vision, and shot. Pair that with Stone’s relentless two-way game, and you’ve got a duo that’s tough to contain.
Dorofeyev’s Breakout Season Continues
One of the biggest stories flying under the radar this season has been the emergence of Pavel Dorofeyev. The 23-year-old winger is having a career year, and a big chunk of that success is coming on the power play.
Dorofeyev has racked up 13 power play goals so far-second-most in the NHL, trailing only Dallas' Wyatt Johnston. That’s elite company.
His ability to find soft spots in coverage and finish with precision has turned him into a go-to weapon on the man advantage. And for a Vegas power play that’s clicking, having a scorer like Dorofeyev only adds to the danger.
What to Watch For
- First-period energy: Nashville’s coming off a draining win in Denver. If Vegas can come out flying, they might be able to tilt the ice early.
- Special teams: With Dorofeyev lighting it up on the power play, drawing penalties could be a major advantage.
- Star power: Stone and Eichel are both red-hot.
If they keep that pace, the Golden Knights will be tough to beat.
The Golden Knights have found their groove again-and if they can carry over the offensive firepower from their last outing while tightening things up defensively, they’ll be in a strong position to extend their winning streak. Saturday night in Vegas is always electric, and with the Predators in town, expect another high-energy showdown.