Three Wishes for the Golden Knights Post-Olympic Break: Health, Control, and the Cup
The Vegas Golden Knights head into the post-Olympic stretch with more than just playoff hopes-they’ve got a real shot at making noise this spring. With 68 points and first place in the Pacific Division, the Golden Knights have put themselves in prime position for a strong finish. But as any seasoned hockey fan knows, what happens after the break can define a season.
Vegas has a tough road ahead, literally. A five-game road trip looms, featuring matchups against playoff-hungry teams like the Buffalo Sabres, Detroit Red Wings, and Pittsburgh Penguins.
These aren’t just tune-up games-they’re measuring sticks. And for a team with championship aspirations, they’re the kind of tests you want to pass with authority.
So, if the Golden Knights could make three wishes for the rest of the 2025-26 season, here’s what they’d be asking for-and why each one matters.
1. Stay Healthy and Get Key Players Back
Injuries have been a recurring theme for Vegas this season, and they’ve had to lean heavily on depth from the Henderson Silver Knights. Losing core pieces like William Karlsson, Adin Hill, and Colton Sissons hasn’t just tested their depth-it’s challenged their identity.
The good news? Reinforcements are on the way.
Brayden McNabb is expected back after the Olympic break, and both Sissons and Carter Hart are nearing returns as well. That’s a significant boost across all three zones-defensively, in net, and up front.
Health is the great equalizer in the NHL. When Vegas is close to full strength, they’re one of the most complete teams in the league. Getting their roster intact again could be the difference between a solid playoff run and a Stanley Cup push.
2. Take Command of the Pacific Division
The Pacific Division has been anything but consistent this season. The Edmonton Oilers are still trying to solve their goaltending puzzle.
Anaheim’s been bitten by the injury bug. San Jose and Seattle are in various stages of rebuilding.
The opportunity is there for Vegas to establish dominance.
Winning the division isn’t just about bragging rights-it’s about home ice. T-Mobile Arena is one of the toughest places to play when it’s rocking in the postseason. Locking in that advantage could tilt a tight series in their favor.
But to do that, Vegas needs to come out of the break sharp. That five-game road trip will set the tone.
If they can bank points early, they’ll put real distance between themselves and the rest of the Pacific. Control the division, and you control your playoff path.
3. Chase the Cup-Again
Let’s be honest: this team was built to win championships. And while every team in the league shares that goal, not every team has the pieces to actually do it. Vegas does.
Beyond their own division, the Western Conference picture is shaping up in an interesting way. In the Central, three heavyweights-Colorado, Dallas, and Minnesota-are likely to slug it out for a spot in the Conference Final.
That kind of playoff gauntlet takes a toll. If Vegas can take care of business in the Pacific, they could find themselves facing a battle-worn opponent in the later rounds.
That’s not to say the path will be easy-nothing in the Stanley Cup Playoffs ever is. But the Golden Knights have the experience, the depth, and the structure to make a deep run. If they stay healthy and take control of their division, they’ll be in the driver’s seat heading into the most important stretch of the season.
Final Thought
The Golden Knights have been here before. They know what it takes to grind through the regular season and flip the switch when it matters most. But this year, with a wide-open Pacific Division and key players returning, the stars might just be aligning again.
Three wishes. One goal. The Cup is on the table-and Vegas is ready to go all in.