As the temperatures in Las Vegas start to soar, the Vegas Golden Knights find themselves in a bit of a meltdown on the ice. Despite playing in a Pacific Division that's been less than stellar, the Knights are facing what could be their toughest season yet.
Injuries have certainly played a role, with key players like Mark Stone and William Karlsson spending time off the ice. But it's not just about who's been missing. The goaltending, led by Adin Hill, hasn't been up to the usual Golden Knights' standards, raising serious questions about their playoff prospects.
Let's dive into the week that was for the Golden Knights, filled with some tough firsts, a returning player, and a breakout performance from a key player.
A Franchise First - But Not the Good Kind
Thursday's matchup against the Edmonton Oilers marked an unfortunate milestone for Vegas. For the first time in franchise history, the Golden Knights will finish a season without more wins than losses.
Even the injury-riddled 2021-22 squad managed to avoid this fate. With a maximum of 41 wins possible, the rest of the league is watching closely, some even relishing this stumble.
It's a record that won't be celebrated, that's for sure.
Carter Hart Back on the Ice
In more encouraging news, Carter Hart returned to practice on Friday, offering a glimmer of hope for the beleaguered goaltending situation. While Hart may not seem like the most exciting option right now, the current situation in the net leaves much to be desired. Giving him a shot could be just what the Knights need to steady the ship.
Mark Stone's Big Night
Despite the loss to the Oilers, there was a silver lining as Mark Stone found his groove, netting two goals. This performance was a breath of fresh air for fans worried about Stone and Jack Eichel's post-Olympic form. While the goaltending and depth scoring remain concerns, Stone's resurgence could signal better days ahead for the Golden Knights.
As the season progresses, the Golden Knights will need to rally behind these positive developments to turn things around. With players returning and stars like Stone stepping up, there's still hope on the horizon for Vegas.