As the Vegas Golden Knights gear up for their final extended road trip before the Olympic break, they’re about to face a gauntlet of Atlantic Division opponents-starting with a heavyweight bout against the Boston Bruins at TD Garden on Thursday.
Puck drops at 4:00 PM PST (catch it on ESPN+ or SCRIPPS, or tune in on 1340 AM/94.7 FM), and both teams will enter the matchup with something to prove. Vegas is looking to bounce back from a frustrating loss to the Flyers, while Boston is licking its wounds after getting steamrolled by the Stars. In short, this one’s shaping up to be a battle between two contenders eager to reset the tone before the Olympic pause.
Here’s what the Golden Knights need to do to come out of Boston with two points in their back pocket.
Clean Up the Mistakes-Fast
The loss to Philadelphia stung, not just because of the scoreline, but because of how it unfolded. Vegas went 1-for-7 on the power play-a stat that speaks for itself. Add in a pair of costly turnovers that led directly to Flyers goals, and you’ve got a recipe for a game that slipped away more than it was outright lost.
This team knows better. They’ve built their identity on structure, discipline, and smart puck movement.
If they want to get back on track against a Bruins squad that thrives on punishing mistakes, Vegas has to tighten things up. That means sharper zone entries, cleaner breakouts, and making the simple play when the situation calls for it.
Expect a laser-focused approach from the opening faceoff-this is a locker room that doesn’t take back-to-back losses lightly.
Still Waiting on Andersson
The Golden Knights made a splash by acquiring defenseman Rasmus Andersson, but fans will have to wait a bit longer to see him in action. Immigration and paperwork hurdles kept him out of the Flyers game, and his absence from the morning skate suggests he’s still in limbo.
It’s a tough break, especially considering what Andersson brings to the table-puck-moving ability, top-pair minutes, and a physical edge. But this is where depth comes into play.
Vegas has leaned on its next-man-up mentality all season, and they’ll need that same mindset in Boston. Until Andersson gets the green light, the current defensive corps will have to hold the line against a Bruins team that can grind you down if you’re not ready.
Ride the Hot Hands
If there was a silver lining in the loss to Philly, it’s that the Golden Knights’ top guns are still firing. Mark Stone and Jack Eichel extended their respective point streaks-Stone now tied for the franchise record at 12 games, and Eichel rolling with nine straight.
These two have been nothing short of dominant over the past month. Stone’s vision and two-way play continue to be elite, while Eichel’s skating and shot creation are giving defenders fits. With the Olympic break looming and both players likely headed to represent their countries, they’re playing with a noticeable edge-and the Knights are better for it.
The supporting cast is deep, no doubt. But right now, the offense runs through Stone and Eichel. Feed the alphas, let them set the tone, and good things tend to follow.
Final Thought
This stretch before the Olympic break is crucial-not just for standings, but for momentum. The Golden Knights are built to contend, but every contender hits turbulence. What matters is how you respond.
Thursday in Boston is a chance to hit the reset button. Clean up the details.
Weather the storm without Andersson. Lean on your stars.
If Vegas can do that, they’ll be heading into the rest of this road trip with confidence-and a much-needed two points.