The Vegas Golden Knights will wrap up their four-game homestand Tuesday night as they host the Chicago Blackhawks at T-Mobile Arena. Puck drop is set for 7 p.m., and it’s a matchup that offers more than just two points in the standings-it’s a test of momentum, execution, and a chance for Vegas to head into their road trip on a high note.
Setting the Stage
The Golden Knights come into this one at 11-6-8, sitting third in the Pacific Division with 30 points. They’re riding the momentum of a hard-fought 4-3 win over San Jose on Saturday, a game that had just about everything-special teams goals, milestone moments, and a first-career win between the pipes.
Tomas Hertl led the charge with a two-goal night, including a power-play tally set up by Mitch Marner, who also added a slick wrap-around goal to his stat line. Colton Sissons finally broke through with his first goal of the season, and the assist parade featured names like Pavel Dorofeyev, Jack Eichel, Mark Stone, and Brett Howden.
And speaking of Howden-he’s just one point shy of reaching 100 as a Golden Knight. That’s the kind of milestone that adds a little extra juice to a game like this.
Milestone Watch
The Golden Knights have a few players inching closer to career and franchise milestones:
- Brett Howden: One point away from 100 as a Golden Knight
- Shea Theodore: Four assists shy of 300 career helpers
- Colton Sissons: Four goals away from the 100-goal mark
These aren’t just numbers-they’re markers of consistency and contribution. And with the way Vegas spreads the wealth offensively, don’t be surprised if one or more of these milestones gets checked off tonight.
Scoring Leaders & Standouts
Jack Eichel continues to lead the team in scoring with 32 points (11 goals, 21 assists), but Mitch Marner is right behind him with 25 points in his first 25 games as a Golden Knight. Marner also became the fastest player in franchise history to record 20 assists-a testament to his vision and chemistry with his new teammates.
Tomas Hertl and Ivan Barbashev each sit at 20 points, while Pavel Dorofeyev is making his presence felt with 11 goals already. And let’s not overlook Brayden McNabb, who leads the NHL with 70 blocked shots. That’s the kind of blue-line grit that doesn’t always show up on the scoresheet but wins games.
The Last Time Out
Vegas held off a late push from the Sharks to secure that 4-3 win on Saturday, and it was a night to remember for goaltender Carl Lindbom, who earned his first NHL victory. After allowing three goals, Lindbom shut the door on the final 21 shots he faced, showing poise beyond his years.
A Look Back at the Blackhawks Series
Last season, Vegas and Chicago faced off three times, with the Golden Knights taking two of those matchups after dropping the opener. That first game on January 18 saw Chicago come out on top 5-3, thanks to standout performances from Seth Jones and Tyler Bertuzzi. But Vegas bounced back in a big way, scoring seven goals in the rematch at T-Mobile Arena and closing out the season series with a 5-3 win on March 28 in Chicago.
Tomas Hertl was a consistent force in those games, scoring multiple goals, while William Karlsson and Adin Hill also played key roles in the Golden Knights’ success.
Opponent Update: Chicago Blackhawks
The Blackhawks arrive in Vegas with an 11-9-5 record, sitting fourth in the Central Division with 27 points. They just snapped a five-game losing streak with a 5-3 win over Anaheim, and they’re led by one of the NHL’s brightest young stars-Connor Bedard.
Bedard has racked up 37 points (16 goals, 21 assists) and currently ranks third in the league in scoring. He’s the real deal.
Behind him, Tyler Bertuzzi has 21 points (13 goals, 8 assists), and the supporting cast includes Teuvo Teravainen, Andre Burakovsky, and Frank Nazar-all tied with 17 points. Chicago’s top-end talent can burn you in a hurry, especially on the power play.
Division Snapshot
Here’s where things stand in the Pacific:
- Anaheim Ducks - 33 points
- Los Angeles Kings - 31 points
- Vegas Golden Knights - 30 points
- San Jose Sharks - 29 points
- Seattle Kraken - 28 points
- Edmonton Oilers - 27 points
- Vancouver Canucks - 23 points
- Calgary Flames - 22 points
It’s a tight race, and every point matters. A win tonight could push Vegas closer to the top and give them a little breathing room before they hit the road.
What’s at Stake Tonight
A victory over the Blackhawks would:
- Mark the 373rd win in Golden Knights franchise history
- Improve their all-time record against Chicago to 16-3-3
- Boost their home record vs. the Blackhawks to 9-2-1
Vegas has historically had Chicago’s number, especially at T-Mobile, and they’ll look to keep that trend going.
Keys to the Game
1. Win the Special Teams Battle
Chicago ranks top-five in both power play and penalty kill efficiency. That’s rare-and dangerous.
Vegas needs to stay disciplined, limit penalties, and make the most of their own man-advantage opportunities. Clean entries, quick puck movement, and net-front presence will be essential.
2. Win the Shot Battle
The Golden Knights are 10-2-1 when they outshoot their opponent this season. That’s not a fluke-it’s a formula.
Get pucks to the net, sustain offensive zone time, and force Chicago to play defense. If Vegas can control the shot clock, they’ll likely control the scoreboard, too.
This one has all the ingredients for a high-energy, high-stakes matchup. The Golden Knights are looking to close out their homestand with a statement win, while the Blackhawks are trying to build off a much-needed victory. Expect a fast pace, some physicality, and plenty of skill on display.