With the Super Bowl now in the rearview mirror and the NFL season officially wrapped, the sports spotlight shifts to the global stage - the Winter Olympics in Milan. And while the Olympic Games will feature the world’s best athletes, including hockey stars like Jack Eichel, Connor McDavid, and Cale Makar, NHL teams like the Vegas Golden Knights are already eyeing what comes next: the stretch run toward the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
For Vegas, that means taking the momentum from back-to-back wins into what could be a defining stretch of the season. But let’s be clear - this isn’t some leisurely glide down the home stretch. The schedule ahead is a grind, and the Golden Knights are staring down a gauntlet that could test every bit of their depth, experience, and resilience.
The Road Ahead: Not as Simple as It Looks
On paper, a few of the upcoming opponents might not look like world-beaters - two of them are currently outside the playoff picture. But dig a little deeper, and the challenge becomes clearer.
Take the Kings, for example. They just added Artemi Panarin, one of the league’s most dynamic wingers, and he’s already made an impact with 19 goals and 38 assists.
That kind of offensive firepower changes the complexion of a team overnight. Suddenly, the Kings aren’t just a fringe playoff contender - they’re a legitimate scoring threat that can turn a game on its head in a matter of minutes.
Then there’s Washington. The Capitals might not be the juggernaut they once were, but history hasn’t been kind to Vegas at Capital One Arena. The Golden Knights are just 3-4-0 all-time in D.C., and that building has never been an easy place to leave with two points.
And those are just the so-called “easier” matchups. The rest of the road trip is packed with teams currently holding playoff spots - and while they may not be traditional powerhouses, they’re playing like it this season. That’s the kind of stretch that can either solidify your playoff position or leave you scrambling to make up ground.
The Silver Linings: Why Vegas Is Built for This
Now, before anyone hits the panic button, let’s zoom out. There’s reason for optimism in Vegas.
For starters, Brayden McNabb is expected to return after the Olympic break. That’s a big deal. McNabb brings a steady, physical presence on the back end, and his return should help settle the defensive corps - especially during a stretch where mistakes can’t be afforded.
More importantly, this is a veteran team that knows how to win when it matters most. The Golden Knights have a track record of turning it on in the late-season push.
Just look at their all-time March record: 69-34-8. That’s not a fluke.
That’s a team that understands how to navigate the grind of a playoff race.
And when you’ve got leaders like Jack Eichel and Mark Stone steering the ship, that experience becomes even more valuable. These are guys who’ve been through the fire - they know what it takes to elevate their game when the stakes rise.
Compare that to teams like Buffalo and Detroit, who are still learning how to win when the pressure ramps up. Neither has seen much postseason action in recent years, and that inexperience can become a factor when every point feels like gold.
The Bottom Line
The road ahead won’t be easy - and the Golden Knights know it. Coming out of the Olympic break, they’ll be thrown straight into the fire with a tough road trip and a slate of playoff-caliber opponents. But if there’s a team built to handle that kind of challenge, it’s this one.
With a veteran core, battle-tested leadership, and reinforcements on the way, Vegas has the tools to not just survive this stretch - but to thrive in it. The path to the postseason never comes without obstacles.
The good news for the Golden Knights? They’ve been down this road before.
And they know exactly how to navigate it.