The Vegas Golden Knights are doing something they’ve rarely done this time of year: dominate. January has historically been a bit of a stumbling block for Vegas, but this season? They’re flipping the script.
Heading into Saturday’s matchup with the Nashville Predators, the Golden Knights are riding a six-game winning streak and have picked up points in all but one game this month. That lone blemish came on January 2nd against the St.
Louis Blues-a game that nearly made it to overtime before Brayden Schenn played spoiler. Still, it’s been a statement month for the defending champs, who now sit atop the Pacific Division with 58 points.
And they’re not just winning-they’re doing it with their biggest stars leading the charge. Let’s break down the three players who’ve been driving this January surge and keeping Vegas firmly in the driver’s seat.
1. Jack Eichel - The Engine of the Offense
Let’s start with the guy who’s been nothing short of electric: Jack Eichel. Through the first half of January, Eichel has racked up five goals and nine assists-and he’s not slowing down.
His game-winner in overtime against the Maple Leafs on Thursday was a highlight-reel moment. It wasn’t just the finish-it was the whole sequence.
Mark Stone buys time behind the net, spots Eichel cutting into the slot, and Eichel buries it with a silky backhand. That kind of chemistry and execution is what makes Eichel so dangerous.
He’s not just putting up numbers-he’s coming through in big moments. And with Eichel playing at this level, Vegas looks like a team that can outlast anyone in the Pacific.
2. Mark Stone - The Captain’s Consistency
Mark Stone has been the model of consistency this month. He’s scored in every January game except one-and in that one game, he dished out three assists. That’s how locked in he’s been.
Stone enters Saturday with seven goals and eight assists in January, and he’s found the back of the net in nine of his last 10 games. He’s doing it all-scoring, setting up teammates, and setting the tone as the team’s captain.
When Stone is this productive, it’s not just a boost-it’s a blueprint for how the Golden Knights want to play. He’s a physical presence, a playmaker, and a leader all rolled into one.
And right now, he’s in the kind of groove that makes Vegas a nightmare to play against.
3. Tomas Hertl - Big Moments, Big Impact
Tomas Hertl’s January stat line doesn’t jump off the page at first glance-especially with a four-game stretch without a point. But when he’s been on, he’s been on. Just ask the San Jose Sharks.
Last Sunday, Hertl exploded for two goals and three assists against his former team, earning NHL “First Star of the Week” honors. And when he’s found the scoresheet in January, he’s made it count-posting multi-point efforts every time. He’s also been a force on the power play, with five of his January points (two goals, three assists) coming with the man advantage.
Hertl may not be carrying the same nightly load as Eichel or Stone, but his ability to take over games in bursts gives Vegas another dangerous layer. When your third-best forward in a given stretch is putting up First Star-type performances, you know things are clicking.
The Golden Knights are doing more than just weathering the winter-they’re thriving in it. With Eichel, Stone, and Hertl leading the charge, Vegas is showing the kind of form that made them champions-and could very well keep them in that conversation deep into the spring.