Vegas’ Chance To Turnaround January Already Underway

The Golden Knights limped into last night’s game in St. Louis officially on their perennial January skid. However, before they boarded their Missouri bound plane from LAS airport, Vegas began their recovery. Before last night’s 4-2 victory over the Blues, Vegas found a way to salvage a point on Monday night and took the full two points on Thursday. A win tonight in Dallas would almost wipe away the poor results to start 2025.

Really good rival. Really good team. Not a lot of separation between the two teams over the last two years. They got us the first time around; we got them last year. It’s great hockey when we get together with them. –Pete DeBoer, Dallas Stars head coach

The 31st franchise was in desperate need of a win last night in St. Louis and went on to earn three points in consecutive games against the Blues. A split with St. Louis would have been acceptable but the extra effort to scoop up a point on Monday could have begun a new streak. Of course, that will depend on how the team performs tonight in Dallas and during their difficult upcoming stretch.

VGK’s Remaining Schedule Before 4 Nations Faceoff Break

• January 24th @ Dallas
• January 26th vs Florida
• January 28th vs Dallas
• January 30th vs Columbus
• February 2nd @ New York Rangers
• February 4th @ New York Islanders
• February 6th @ New Jersey
• February 8th @ Boston

Beginning tonight, the Golden Knights will face eight consecutive quality opponents, three at home and five on the road. Sure, there’s an argument if the Islanders and Rangers are competitive clubs but remember, both teams held Vegas to one goal combined earlier this month. Remember, the Golden Knights aren’t exactly world-beaters against stud goaltenders like Igor Shesterkin and Ilya Sorokin. Let’s not forget Jake Oettinger, who will be tending tonight for Dallas.

Nice of the Blues to throw the backup goalie at VGK when they needed a get-right game.

Updated VGK records vs opposing goalies
vs Starters: 13-12-4 (.517)
vs Backups: 17-2-0 (.895)

— SinBin.vegas (@SinBinVegas) January 24, 2025

Historically, Vegas has struggled in Boston but has been strong in Newark and New York City. In six games at Madison Square Garden the Golden Knights are 4-2-0 and 3-1-2 against the Islanders in various metropolitan venues. When they cross the Hudson River, the Golden Knights have a lifetime record of 3-0-3 against the Devils in New Jersey. Past history suggests the Pacific Division’s 1st Place team will find success on next month’s four-game Eastern Conference road trip.

With a strong finish before the 13-day tournament break, the Golden Knights can rinse their mouth of another ugly January swoon. Considering the strength of schedule, if Vegas can survive the challenging stretch, they should consider themselves in a good position for the final two months of the regular season. Now, if they struggle to collect points over the next eight games, there will be concern. I can’t imagine a happy group of Golden Knights come mid-February.