A weird little AI prediction from a couple of weeks ago is suddenly looking pretty sharp.
Back when the Vegas Golden Knights had opened 6-2 through eight games, a prompt was typed in with the month still ahead: based on schedule and strength of opponent, what would their record be by the end of October? The answer came back as, “The Vegas Golden Knights are projected to finish October with a record of either 10-4-1 or 9-5-1.”
With one game left in the month, Vegas is sitting at 9-4-1.
That sets up Friday afternoon’s visit from the New Jersey Devils, a game that can be billed here as the AI Bowl. The Devils are coming off a 5-1 win over the Dallas Stars last night, with newcomer Connor Hellebuyck in net making 17 saves. New Jersey is now in Colorado tonight for a back-to-back against the Avalanche, with Jake Allen listed as the probable starter, which points to Hellebuyck being the goalie in Vegas on Friday.
The matchup also brings a few USA Hockey threads with it. Hellebuyck was in goal when Team USA won Olympic gold earlier this year, while his new teammate Jack Hughes scored the overtime winner against Canada. On the Vegas side, Jack Eichel and Noah Hanifin were key pieces for the Americans as well, which should make for some friendly chirping.
One of the feel-good stories from Vegas’ 4-1 win over the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday came from Raphael Lavoie, whose first NHL goal turned into the game-winner. Lavoie, a second-round pick by Edmonton back in 2019, had waited seven years for that moment - not exactly what he pictured on draft day.
“It means a lot. It has been a long time coming.
It feels really good,” said Lavoie, who scored the winner as the Golden Knights beat the Ottawa Senators 4-1 on Tuesday. “It definitely wasn’t a solo effort.
Pretty much everyone on the ice touched the puck. We finished at the net and got a nice little rebound.”
In Other News...
Shea Theodores Most Personal Golden Knights Effort Keeps Growing
Shea Theodores most personal off-ice effort keeps building into something much bigger than a tribute. On Thursday, the Golden Knights defenseman and Comprehensive Cancer Centers announced a $50,000 donation to Kays Power Play, the initiative created in honor of Theodores late grandmother, Kay Darlington. The program has become a meaningful way to connect Theodores family story to a cause with real impact in Southern Nevada, where breast cancer support can mean access to mammograms and help for women who might otherwise go without care.
Since launching in 2020, Kays Power Play has already contributed more than $450,000 to breast cancer organizations in the area. The latest donation adds another layer to a project that has steadily grown beyond symbolism, giving Theodores name and the Golden Knights another visible role in a community effort that reaches patients and families well beyond the rink. [Read more 🡒]
Golden Knights Get A Timely Boost With Two Key Returns Nearing
The Golden Knights got a little relief on the injury front at practice, with Carter Hart back on the ice after leaving a previous session with what appeared to be an injury. Victor Olofsson was also out there in a no-contact jersey after taking a recent cross-check, a pair of encouraging signs for a team that could use as much healthy depth as it can get.
For Vegas, any step forward from either player matters because the margins in the lineup can get thin quickly when bodies start missing practice time. The club also gave fans a look at its new Hometown Remix jerseys, but the bigger takeaway from the morning was the sight of two important pieces working their way back into the fold. [Read more 🡒]