The Vegas Golden Knights are riding high-and for good reason. Heading into Saturday’s clash with the Nashville Predators, Vegas is on a six-game heater and sitting comfortably atop the Pacific Division. It’s the kind of midseason momentum that can set the tone for something much bigger down the road.
And right now? It’s clicking across the board.
The locker room energy is up, the fanbase is buzzing, and even head coach Bruce Cassidy-known more for his intensity than his grins-is cracking the occasional smile. That doesn’t happen by accident.
This team is winning, and they’re doing it with confidence.
Jack Eichel is playing like a man on a mission
Let’s start with the obvious: Jack Eichel is absolutely on fire. Through just half of January, Eichel has already stacked up five goals and nine assists. That’s 14 points in just eight games-highlighted by a dramatic overtime winner to cap off a wild 6-5 comeback over the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Eichel’s been more than just productive-he’s been the engine. He’s driving play, dictating tempo, and showing the kind of elite-level poise that reminds everyone why he was once a No. 2 overall pick.
His chemistry with linemates has been sharp, and he’s thriving in high-pressure moments. When your top center is playing this well, everything else tends to fall in line.
Adin Hill’s return brings more questions than answers
But not everything is smooth sailing. Adin Hill made his return to the crease on Thursday, and it wasn’t exactly the welcome-back performance he-or the team-was hoping for.
Hill gave up five goals on 28 shots, including three in a shaky first period. Some of those were tough breaks, but others?
He’d probably want back.
To be fair, Hill has earned some leeway. He’s come up big in key moments before, and his track record suggests he can bounce back.
Still, this wasn’t the return Vegas fans were hoping for, especially with how tight the playoff race is shaping up. With Logan Thompson continuing to push for starts, Hill will need to settle in quickly if he wants to reclaim the net as his own.
A crucial road trip looms large
Vegas has been nearly flawless in January, going 6-1-1, but the next stretch could be a real test. After hosting Nashville, the Golden Knights head east for a four-game road trip that includes stops in Ottawa, Montreal, Boston, and Toronto. That’s a tough slate, with two Original Six teams and a pair of Eastern squads that have been playing inspired hockey.
The trip also marks a return to Toronto for Mitch Marner, who’s expected to suit up for Vegas in a high-emotion matchup against his former team. That game alone will carry weight, but the entire trip could serve as a measuring stick for where this team really stands heading into the back half of the season.
Injury returns could be the X-factor
One big reason for optimism? The Golden Knights are still not at full strength.
Several key players are working their way back from injuries, and once they return, the lineup could look even more dangerous. That depth is going to matter-especially when the games start tightening up in March and April.
And with the Olympics on the horizon, fans will soon get to see some of their stars-Eichel, Mark Stone, Marner, Tomas Hertl, and Akira Schmid-represent their countries on the world stage. That kind of international spotlight only adds to the momentum Vegas is building right now.
Final thoughts
The Golden Knights are in a groove, but they know how quickly things can shift in the NHL. A few bad periods on the road can undo a lot of good work. But if Eichel keeps playing like this, if Hill finds his footing, and if reinforcements arrive healthy, Vegas has every reason to believe this hot January stretch is just the beginning.
Right now, they’re not just winning-they’re reminding everyone why they’re a legitimate threat to make another deep playoff run.