Where Are Jack Eichel and Noah Hanifin? A Vegas Twist
It seems like the latest buzz around the Vegas Golden Knights revolves around the whereabouts of Jack Eichel and Noah Hanifin. Think of it as a "Where's Waldo?"
with a Vegas flair. These two stars haven't rejoined the team just yet, opting for a detour to Miami.
Thanks to some blizzard-like conditions in New York City, Team USA had to change their flight plans, and South Beach became the unexpected pit stop.
Meeting the Golden Knights in D.C.
There's talk that Eichel and Hanifin might join the Golden Knights in Washington D.C., possibly even attending President Donald Trump's State of the Union address beforehand. However, Golden Knights fans are more concerned about the potential impact of Eichel's absence.
Earlier in the season, his mysterious injury left a noticeable gap in the lineup. But this time around, it might not be as dire as it seems.
After all, these guys just clinched a gold medal on the international stage. Missing one game might not be the end of the world for these Boston boys.
Why the Golden Knights Shouldn't Panic
Let's break this down. The Golden Knights' upcoming five-game stretch kicks off against the Los Angeles Kings. The Kings recently added Artemi Panarin from the New York Rangers, but the Golden Knights are known for crafting strategies to handle players like him, making this matchup less daunting.
And there's a twist for Wednesday's game. Remember Shea Theodore's upper-body injury at last season's 4 Nations Face-Off?
Well, the Kings are dealing with their own setback, losing Kevin Fiala to a season-ending lower-body injury. This loss hits Los Angeles hard, as they're now scrambling to fill the void Fiala leaves behind.
A Closer Look at Eichel and Hanifin's Absence
Since Eichel joined the Golden Knights, the team has a 21-17-8 record without him. While that might seem concerning, Vegas boasts other superstars like Pavel Dorofeyev and the newly acquired Rasmus Andersson, which should help cushion the blow for a game or two.
If Eichel and Hanifin decide to wait until the team reaches Washington D.C. on Friday, it might actually be a smart move. The long journey overseas is no small feat and can be quite exhausting. So why not take a breather and come back strong for the long haul?