The Winter Olympics break might serve as a refreshing pause for the Vegas Golden Knights, who had been struggling with seven losses in their previous eight games before the break. Alternatively, it could have come at a poor time, as the team was showing signs of gaining momentum with recent wins over Vancouver and Los Angeles, and now those gains might be lost due to the pause.
Golden Knights head coach Bruce Cassidy, who also assists with Canada’s national team, views the break differently depending on the context. He notes that many players aren’t overly impacted by the hiatus, as nine Golden Knights are set to participate in the Olympics, including five who are potential gold medalists from Team USA and Team Canada. Cassidy pointed out that the top players, who log the most minutes, will be representing their countries, which might affect their availability upon return. Since Canada’s last game is scheduled later than others, Cassidy considers this an advantage for some players, including those on his team.
This roughly three-week shutdown provides an opportunity for the team to regain health, which is particularly crucial given their recent struggles. Cassidy expects defenseman Brayden McNabb, who is sidelined with an upper-body injury, to rejoin the team after the break, while forward Brandon Saad and Colton Sissons are also expected back soon. Center William Karlsson, Brett Howden, and Jonas Londbjork are considered daily, while Cassidy is monitoring the condition of goaltender Carter Hart, also dealing with an injury. Noah Hanifin, another player involved with Team USA, emphasized the importance of players recovering during the break to come back stronger.
Throughout the season, Cassidy has had to adjust his lineup frequently, which hasn’t always produced the desired results. The team’s recent downturn included losing seven of eight games from late December to early January. Despite their ups and downs, the Golden Knights still sit four points behind division rivals Edmonton, with a game in hand. They are considered contenders, with odds of 9-1 to win the Stanley Cup, according to BetMGM Sportsbook.
Defenseman Shea Theodore, who plays for Canada, reflected on the team’s resilience, noting that they have managed to secure points even when not playing their best and expressing optimism about the recent performances of key players. The Knights responded positively with wins over Vancouver and Los Angeles, boosting morale. Cassidy acknowledged that their division isn’t the strongest but recognizes the quality of the teams they face. He emphasized that his team has worked hard during the break and feels they are closer to competing at a higher level than they appeared.
Looking ahead, the Golden Knights face an intense stretch after the Olympics, with 18 games in just 35 days, a schedule that will test their endurance and depth. Cassidy mentioned that players advancing in the Olympics, especially those contending for gold or participating in high-pressure rivalries like the U.S.-Canada match, may face fatigue. However, he sees value in the break for players not competing abroad, offering them a chance to recover emotionally and physically.
Overall, the Olympics pause will have a significant impact on how teams manage their roster and energy levels moving forward. The hockey season’s intensity will ramp up, and the Golden Knights will need to navigate this challenging period to stay competitive.
Fan Take: This break could be a turning point for the Golden Knights, giving them the reset they need, but it also adds uncertainty as to how they’ll perform when games resume. For hockey fans, it’s an exciting reminder that the sport is as much about endurance and resilience as it is skill—these next few weeks will be crucial in shaping the playoff race.
