Where it was most noticeable in the season opener in Los Angeles was in the neutral zone as the Kings attempted their breakouts. The Golden Knights hounded LA, constantly breaking up passes or forcing them to turn back and start over.
SinBin.vegas (Photo Credit: SinBin.vegas Photographer Brandon Andreasen)
After selecting Zach Dean with the 30th overall pick in the 1st round, the Golden Knights entered Day 2 with five picks. Here’s a quick rundown of what we know about each player selected by the Golden Knights in the 2021 NHL Draft. TRADE: Golden Knights acquire picks #38 and #128 from Detroit for pick #36
2nd Round – #38th (from DET)
Selection: Daniil Chayka (D) – CSKA (Russia)
Chayka is a large defenseman who skates well for his size. He split time between the KHL (major), VHL (minor), and MHL (junior) leagues in Russia last season where he put up a total of seven points in 26 games. Chayka also played for Team Russia at the 2020 World Junior tournament.
SinBin.vegas (Photo Credit: SinBin.vegas Photographer Brandon Andreasen)
The first round playoff matchup for the Golden Knights is less than ideal considering the history between the two teams. The Wild boast a 5-1-2 record against Vegas this season, they have the best record of any team in the NHL against the Golden Knights at 11-2-3, and Vegas has never won in regulation at the Xcel Energy Center.
However, none of this means the Golden Knights can’t, or even shouldn’t, beat the Wild in four of the next seven games to win the first round. Vegas completed the season as the only team to reach 40 wins, never lost more than three straight, and outscored their opponents by 68 goals in 56 games, so we know they are capable.
Last night the Golden Knights beat the Avalanche 5-2 at T-Mobile Arena. Vegas cemented its spot atop the West Division, added a fourth win against their chief rival this season, and extended a winning streak that has reached double-digits for the first time in franchise history.