VGK’s Second Half: Comprehensive Schedule Analysis
The Golden Knights are entering the second half of their season with a clear schedule strategy in mind. With 40 games remaining, half of these will be played at T-Mobile Arena. A significant portion of these contests will be crucial matchups within their conference and division.
VGK’s Second Half Home Schedule Overview
- Total Home Games: 20
- Games Against Western Conference Teams: 15
- Games Against Pacific Division Teams: 8
- Games Against Eastern Conference Teams: 5
- Back-to-Back Situations: 1
As the Golden Knights progress, they must manage their points effectively. With teams like Anaheim, San Jose, and Seattle close in performance, each point becomes increasingly important. Winning at home against these rivals is vital for securing their position within the Pacific Division.
VGK’s Second Half Road Schedule Challenges
- Total Road Games: 20
- Games Against Western Conference Teams: 12
- Games Against Pacific Division Teams: 7
- Games Against Eastern Conference Teams: 8
- Back-to-Back Situations: 3
The road ahead presents both challenges and opportunities. The Golden Knights will face San Jose and Los Angeles next week. Securing victories in these games could set them apart from other teams vying for playoff positions.
Post-Olympic break, the team will embark on a demanding five-game road trip through various Eastern cities. They will start in Los Angeles and travel to Washington D.C., Pittsburgh, Buffalo, and Detroit. Although they won’t face top-tier challengers like the Avalanche, each team will be highly motivated to earn postseason eligibility.
Concerns Regarding Back-to-Back Games
A critical concern during this stretch is the scheduling of back-to-back games. The Golden Knights will contend with three back-to-back scenarios on the road, compared to only one at home. For instance, they will face the Bruins in Boston one evening and then travel to Toronto for a game the next night.
Add to this the challenge of a two-game home set against Seattle, which will be followed by a game in Anaheim less than 24 hours later. The last back-to-back pair of games is scheduled for early March in Buffalo and Detroit.
Point Breakdown for the Second Half
| Description | Total Points |
|---|---|
| Total Games Remaining | 40 (80 Points) |
| Home Games | 20 (40 Points) |
| Away Games | 20 (40 Points) |
| Games vs. Western Conference Teams | 27 (54 Points) |
| Games vs. Pacific Division Teams | 15 (30 Points) |
| Games vs. Eastern Conference Teams | 12 (24 Points) |
The Golden Knights are likely to be in a race with the Edmonton Oilers for the Pacific Division title. While the Oilers have an advantage by avoiding any travel to the Eastern Time zone, the Golden Knights must focus on their performance. With a strong finish, they can secure a spot in the playoffs for the franchise.
