It seems like it’s been forever since Vegas ended their season. Luckily, we’re only 70 days until the Golden Knights first game against the Flyers on October 4th. So, while we continue to wait, and wait, and wait, let’s look ahead to a few key matchups.
10/20/18: Ducks at Golden Knights
This is the Golden Knights first Pacific opponent, and it’s the second game of a five-game homestand. Last season by mid-October, Vegas was (6-1) and standing on top of the Pacific standings. Can they get off to another good start? Playing Anaheim will be a good early season measurement for Vegas.
10/30/18: Golden Knight at Nashville
Nashville is expected to be a top Stanley Cup contender again this upcoming season. It’s a great test for the 2018-19 Golden Knights, on the road in a loud environment. Both teams have high expectations, so a late October tilt will be fun for fans to watch. Vegas fans will get to watch the talented Predators at the T-Mobile arena on January 23rd.
11/8/18: Golden Knights at Ottawa
This could be the Erik Karlsson preview game. General Manager George McPhee is known for making early season trades. Perhaps, the Ottawa scouting staff will spot a Vegas player they’d be willing to take in a swap for E. Karlsson. On his last season before free agency, the Swede will be playing in superstar mode all season. Playing well against Vegas could help get the trade moving. Or, maybe Karlsson will be making his return to Ottawa in a Golden Knights jersey.
11/23/18: Calgary at Golden Knights
It’s the return of the “Real Deal” James Neal. Expect the game to run behind schedule, as Vegas fans will be giving the former Knight multiple ovations before puck drop. Another angle in this game is the new look Flames. Calgary is expected to compete in the Pacific despite all of their new changes. The Flames are trying to compete now, which is why Neal was attractive to Calgary.
12/29/18: Golden Knights at Kings
This is the third matchup (12/08 @ LA, 12/23 @ VGK) against LA in 21 days. Not to mention it’s a 1PM, Saturday matinee. This game has the potential to feel like an ugly, rivalry type game. The Kings are expecting to compete for the Pacific Division crown, so these three games in December could be nasty. Perfect for fans.
1/1/19: Kings at Golden Knights
Wow. The Golden Knights host the Kings on New Year’s Day…Are you kidding me? What a way to bring in the new year. If we’re expecting playoff-style games in December, just imagine the T-Mobile Arena on January 1st. It’ll feel like the postseason all over again. Both teams will have some built up hatred after playing four games in under a month. Thankfully, these two divisional foes play five times this season.
2/22/19: Jets at Golden Knights
This is a big matchup for two reasons. Winnipeg should be a Western Conference contender, so it’s a good test late in the season. Also, this game is a few days before the trade deadline. By late February, Vegas fans will find out if their team will be a buyer or seller.
3/17/19: Oilers at Golden Knights
Edmonton might be the most unpredictable team heading into the 2018-19 season. If both teams are fighting for playoff spots, this game could have some real divisional implications. Oh, and Golden Knights fans will get to watch Connor McDavid up close again. That’s worth the price of admission.
3/18/19: Golden Knights at Sharks
It’s a tough draw for Vegas, as they travel to San Jose for a late season back-to-back. After the Golden Knights face the Oilers on 3/17, they have to jump on a plane to play the next day in San Jose. The two points up for grab could be crucial for both teams.
4/06/19: Golden Knights at Kings
What a way to end the regular season. It’s plausible the NHL is trying to develop a LAK-VGK rivalry. This game should have no impact on the standings, but it also could be an elimination game. In 2017-18, the Golden Knights suited up the backups with a few games to go. It would be nice to finish off the regular season skating stress-free hockey again.
Last season, Attorney Adam Kutner gave away tickets to the Vegas Golden Knights home games, along with Zamboni rides during the intermissions. As an avid hockey fan, Adam Kutner looks to keep the VGK spirit alive by providing weekly news updates about the team’s offseason. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for the latest news on our beloved Golden Knights.
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