The Vegas Golden Knights are still holding the top spot in the Pacific Division with a 25-14-12 record, but they’re heading into this week with a clear mission: bounce back - and fast. After a lopsided 7-1 loss to the Ottawa Senators on Sunday, Vegas is looking to hit the reset button and get back to the brand of hockey that’s kept them in the driver’s seat all season.
Here's what to watch as the Knights navigate a pivotal stretch from Jan. 26 through Feb. 2.
Time to Respond After a Rough One in Ottawa
Let’s not sugarcoat it - Sunday’s loss in Ottawa was a tough one. Seven goals against, just one for, and not much to hang your hat on.
Head coach Bruce Cassidy didn’t mince words postgame, and you can bet the locker room isn’t taking it lightly either. The Knights were outworked and outplayed in nearly every facet, and they’ll need a strong response Tuesday in Montreal to shake off the sting of what local media rightly called an “embarrassing” effort.
These types of games happen over the course of an 82-game grind, but what separates contenders from pretenders is how they respond. With the Canadiens up next, expect a sharper, more focused Vegas team - especially in the defensive zone, where breakdowns were far too frequent against Ottawa.
Mark Stone’s Point Streak Comes to a Halt
One bright spot for Vegas during a recent stretch has been the play of captain Mark Stone, who had been on an absolute tear. His 14-game point streak - a franchise record - came to a halt in the loss to Ottawa, but not before he racked up 23 points (12 goals, 11 assists) over that span. Stone’s been the heartbeat of this team, leading by example and producing at an elite level.
While the streak is over, don’t expect his impact to fade. Stone’s two-way game is still one of the most complete in the league, and his leadership will be key as the Knights look to rebound and keep their hold on the Pacific.
Rasmus Andersson Making Early Impact
One of the more intriguing developments for Vegas right now is the early return on their trade for defenseman Rasmus Andersson. Acquired from the Calgary Flames, Andersson wasted no time getting on the scoresheet. He tallied an assist in his debut against Toronto and followed it up by scoring the lone goal in the Ottawa loss.
It’s not just the points, though. Andersson brings a steady presence on the blue line, and how quickly he meshes with the defensive core will be something to watch closely. Vegas has leaned on its defensive depth in recent years, and Andersson could be a key piece down the stretch - especially with the playoff race heating up.
The Pacific Division Race Is Heating Up
Despite the stumble in Ottawa, the Golden Knights remain atop the Pacific with 62 points. But the margin is razor-thin.
The Edmonton Oilers are right on their heels with 60 points, and the rest of the division isn’t far behind. That makes every point earned - or lost - this week all the more important.
With three of their next four games coming against Western Conference opponents, including a divisional matchup against the Seattle Kraken, Vegas has a chance to either solidify their lead or let it slip away. The pressure’s on, and the margin for error is shrinking.
Goaltending Depth Will Be Tested
Carter Hart remains out until at least late February, which means the crease belongs to Adin Hill and Akira Schmid for the foreseeable future. Hill has shown he can carry the load, but the Knights will need more consistency in front of him than they showed in Ottawa.
Defensive structure has long been a calling card for this team, and it’ll need to return in a big way. Whether it’s limiting high-danger chances or cleaning up breakouts, the blue line - now with Andersson in the mix - has to tighten things up. Schmid, meanwhile, will likely see more action in back-to-back scenarios, including the upcoming weekend set.
Upcoming Schedule: Jan. 26 - Feb. 2
Here’s how the next week shapes up for the Golden Knights:
- Tuesday, Jan. 27 @ Montreal Canadiens - 4:00 PM PST Final stop on the road trip. A chance to right the ship before heading back to Vegas.
- Thursday, Jan. 29 vs. Dallas Stars - 7:00 PM PST Back home against a tough Western Conference opponent. Expect a playoff-type atmosphere.
- Saturday, Jan. 31 vs. Seattle Kraken - 7:00 PM PST A key divisional matchup. Every point matters in the Pacific race.
- Sunday, Feb. 1 @ Anaheim Ducks - 6:30 PM PST Second game of a back-to-back. Managing energy and execution will be critical.
The Golden Knights have been one of the West’s most consistent teams this season, but the coming week is about more than just standings. It’s about pride, resilience, and proving that Sunday’s blowout was a blip - not a trend. With a captain who leads by example, a new defenseman already making noise, and a playoff race tightening by the day, Vegas has plenty to play for.