Since their inaugural season in 2017, the Las Vegas Golden Knights have started nearly every new year as serious Stanley Cup contenders, and the 2025-26 season is no different.
But nearly two months into the season, the Golden Knights have had a rocky start. They're currently 12-6-8, meaning they have more ties and losses than wins.
That's mainly due to a series of injuries that have plagued the team in recent weeks. According to Las Vegas Review-Journal Golden Knights reporter Danny Webster, the team's continued competitiveness is remarkable.
"Their captain, Mark Stone, was out for 16 games, but he's just now come back to the lineup," Webster said. "They're down William Carlson, their top center, their top goaltender, Aiden Hill is also out for what we perceive to be at least through Christmas, probably a little bit more. So they've had to rely on a lot of young guys coming in."
Currently, the team is second in the NHL's Pacific Division, behind the Anaheim Ducks. Webster said many of the teams in the division are playing much better than last year.
"The Ducks are definitely exceeding expectations," he said. Many teams in the Pacific are exceeding expectations right now. The ducks are definitely one of them. They're a very young team. They're built around a young core. They brought in some veterans to help guide them along the way. And of course, their new coach, Joel Quenneville, is a Stanley Cup-winning coach, to help lead that new era in Anaheim."
Despite the tougher competition, Webster believes this Golden Knights team can overcome the current rash of injuries.
"This team has won before," he said. "They have been able to battle back from their injuries before, so this is not going to be any exception."
Guests: Danny Webster, golden knights reporter, Las Vegas Review-Journal
