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Golden Knights Head to Vancouver Looking for 5th Straight Win

November 29, 2018, 10:40 AM ET [2 Comments]
Jeff Paul
Vegas Golden Knights Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
Tonight, the Vegas Golden Knights (13-12-1) head to Vancouver to take on the Canucks (11-13-3). With a win, Vegas' win streak stretches to five games and they would be over .500 for the first time all season. (Edit: This observation is assuming a 13-13 record with the absence of an overtime loss column. Most players, coaches, and teams consider that overtime loss column a loss.)

After a good start to the season, the Vancouver Canucks have been a team in turmoil. Having lost nine of their last ten games, the Canucks need to right the ship. Despite the recent tail spin, the Canucks find themselves in 5th place in the Pacific Divison, just two points behind the red-hot Golden Knights.

Vegas is coming off a 8-3 shellacking of the Chicago Blackhawks in the first game of their current three-game road trip. The win in Chicago was their fourth straight and fifth in the last six games. Vegas wraps up their road trip on Saturday in Edmonton, where they took a 6-3 win on November 18th.

Leading Vegas through their recent hot streak are forwards Cody Eakin (10g, 6a) and Alex Tuch (8g, 11a). Their line, with winger Max Pacioretty, has been one of the biggest components of their recent success. Prior to their emergence, Vegas struggled to get production from their middle six forwards, outside of Tuch. Tuch mixes a big body, with smooth skating, and a dazzling shot. He is quickly making a name for himself in the NHL. An unfortunate injury to center Erik Haula propelled Eakin to the second line and they have quickly developed chemistry, making an impact in each of the Vegas wins. Although they have been quiet in comparison to last season, Vegas' first line of William Karlsson, Reilly Smith, and leading goal-scorer (with Eakin) Jonathan Marchessault remain a threat any time they are on the ice.

Vancouver should be primed to turn their struggles around, with the talented Brock Boeser returning to their lineup for their last game, against the LA Kings. Boeser (4g, 7a) and rookie Elias Petterson (13g, 8a) make up a dynamic duo for the Canucks, playing together on the top line. Adding to Vancouver's firepower is leading scorer is Bo Horvat (11g, 11a). Vegas fans will also experience some nostalgia, as Brendan Leipsic, an original Golden Knight, remains with the Canucks.

Tune in at 7pm on AT&T Sportsnet or listen at Fox Sports Radio 98.9 FM for game coverage.

You can also follow me on Twitter for in-game discussion and analysis.

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