Golden Knights’ Playoff Gameday Preview: Game 4 at Ducks

Welcome to another Vegas Golden Knights‘ Playoff Gameday Preview! After a convincing win in Game 3, the Golden Knights look to put the pressure on the Anaheim Ducks. There is a lot to get to for Game 4, so let’s jump into the fun.

Golden Knights’ Playoff Gameday Preview: Golden Knights at Ducks (Vegas Leads 2-1)

After struggling to score goals in the first two games, the Golden Knights found their groove in Game 3. The Golden Knights led 3-0 after the first period, chasing Lukas Dostal from the game. Mitch Marner completed a natural hat trick in the third period and finished the game with four points. It was an all-around great game for the Golden Knights, who now look to take a commanding 3-1 lead on their rival.

Projected Lineup (Subject to Change)

• Ivan Barbashev – Jack Eichel – Mark Stone
• Brett Howden – William Karlsson – Mitch Marner
• Pavel Dorofeyev – Tomas Hertl – Keegan Kolesar
• Cole Smith – Nic Dowd – Colton Sissons
• Brayden McNabb – Shea Theodore
• Noah Hanifin – Rasmus Andersson
• Ben Hutton – Dylan Coughlan
• Carter Hart/Adin Hill

Team Leaders

Marner’s big night in Game 3 puts him in the lead in points with 13. He is also tied with Howden for the lead in goals with six. Eichel leads the team with 10 assists. Smith leads with 12 penalty minutes. Lastly, among the skaters, Marner’s big night also puts him atop the team with the best plus/minus rating at a plus-8.

In goal, Hart is posting a 2.39 goals-against average (GAA) alongside a .915 save percentage (SV%).

Storyline #1 – Marner’s Dominance

Marner had a slow start in these playoffs, recording just four assists through the first five games of the first round. However, the Ontario native has gotten hot, scoring six goals and adding three assists in the four games since.

Marner has taken control of the series. It is no coincidence that the game in which Marner lights up the box score is also the game in which the Golden Knights find their offensive footing. The Golden Knights have multiple playmakers on the roster, but Marner seems to be the spark that gets the team going. Can he continue that spark in Game 3?

Storyline #2 – Stone’s Health

Stone left Game 3 with what appeared to be a leg injury. The Golden Knights won without their captain, but his availability for Game 4 remains unknown. If he is unable to play, head coach John Tortorella will need to juggle his lines. There are certainly options to take Stone’s place on the top line, but remember that replacing an injured player on one line triggers a chain reaction. For example, if Marner takes Stone’s spot on the first line, then someone will need to take Marner’s spot on the third line, and so on.

The good news for the Golden Knights is that they are a team built with depth. It will not be easy if the captain cannot play, but it will be about the “next man up.” It is an obstacle that playoff teams sometimes deal with. The Golden Knights are capable of overcoming this.

Storyline #3 – Penalty Killing

The Golden Knights continue to excel on the penalty kill. They killed both of the Ducks’ power plays in Game 3 and even scored a shorthanded goal.

The Golden Knights went to the penalty box quite a few times in Game 2, so it was nice to see them be more disciplined in Game 3. Staying out of the box allowed the team to find its groove, and the results speak for themselves.

The strong penalty killing is preventing the Ducks from finding their groove offensively. Game 4 is a chance to put the Ducks on the brink of elimination, and continuing to be strong on the penalty kill will be crucial in accomplishing that goal.

How to Watch

The game starts at 6:30 PM Pacific Time. It can be viewed on ESPN.

Be sure to check back with The Hockey Writers for more Stanley Cup Playoff coverage!