The Vegas Golden Knights, coming off their historic Stanley Cup win the previous year, are now vying for a back-to-back championship in the 2023-24 season. Achieving this feat would solidify their place in hockey history, mirroring the impressive achievement of the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2020 and 2021.
Throughout the current season, the Golden Knights have faced their fair share of challenges and triumphs, embodying the rollercoaster nature of professional sports. Despite fluctuations in performance, they find themselves in a favorable playoff position, a testament to their resilience and skill on the ice.
One key factor contributing to their potential success in the playoffs is their strategic maneuvers during the trade deadline. The Vegas Golden Knights have made significant additions to their roster, arguably the most impactful of any team in the league. These acquisitions bolster their depth and provide valuable assets for the postseason push.
Looking ahead, assuming the team maintains good health and momentum, the Golden Knights are poised for another deep playoff run. In this guide, we’ll dissect their season thus far, analyzing their strengths, weaknesses, and the roadmap ahead as they aim to defend their title and etch their names in hockey history once again.
This season has been an up-and-down affair for the Knights. However, they are in a prime playoff position and have had the most impactful trade deadline additions of any team in the league. Assuming good health, they will be set for another long playoff run.
In this guide, we’ll break down the season thus far and give our outlook for the playoffs.
The Knights kicked off their quest to defend their Stanley Cup by getting off to a rollicking start. They won seven straight games and then continued to win 11 of their first 12. By Thanksgiving, they had only lost five games in regulation.
However, by the middle of December, things took a turn. In one month, they lost eight of 11 games. Then, in February and March, they lost nine of 11 games.
That’s not a good trend, but their hot start has ensured they’ve remained in playoff position despite those subsequent losses. In addition, Vegas has become the most aggressive team at the trading deadline.
It started by trading for right-wing Anthony Mantha. The 6’5” Mantha has a world of talent, although it hasn’t always shown up. This year, though, you can’t miss the value he brings to the rink. Through 59 games, he’s scored 20 goals and could easily surpass his career-high of 25.
Then, the Knights acquired top-tier defenseman Noah Hanifin. Hanifin is a 27-year-old defenseman and has already reached 30 points for the third consecutive season. His 11 goals are the most he’s scored in his NHL career thus far. Hanifin makes an already-loaded defense even better.
Finally, Vegas broke the Internet with their trade for San Jose star Tomas Hertl. Hertl was not expected to be traded as he had recently signed a long-term contract with the Sharks. Injured at the moment, Hertl is expected to return to the ice soon. He makes a great team even better. In 48 games this season, he has 15 goals and 19 assists. He is a multiple-time 30-goal scorer, giving the Knights enviable depth down the middle.
The Knights made it to the playoffs this year! With all this talent, the Knights are a good bet to bounce back and have a shot at winning the Cup.
They still have stars like Jonathan Marchessault, who leads the team with 37 goals and 58 points. No team in the league can match their center depth. When healthy, one out of the group of Hertl, Jack Eichel, William Karlsson, and Chandler Stephenson will have to play out of position. In goal, Adin Hill has continued his strong playoff performance with another solid year, and backup Logan Thompson would be a starter on most teams in the league.
The cloud hanging over the Knights is their captain, Mark Stone. Stone is out for the regular season with a lacerated spleen. It remains unclear if he will return for the playoffs. Last season, he missed the final 39 games with a back injury before returning for the playoffs. If he can make the playoffs this year, the Knights will be in good shape.
Now that you know everything there is to know about the Vegas Golden Knights, you’re ready to start wagering. Circa Sports at the D in Downtown Las Vegas is one of the best places to lay down your bets in person. Circa Sports is the ultimate sportsbook in Las Vegas for NHL betting – and the best sports betting app on iOS and Android for betting wherever you are in Vegas. And if you want some classic Las Vegas pool action, Circa Stadium Swim® allows you to watch NHL games while lounging poolside and placing your bets.
Be sure to check out all of the D Las Vegas restaurants, such as Andiamo Steakhouse, grab a drink at BarCanada® for some more hockey vibes, and finish the night in a room at the D Las Vegas.
