Friday Mailbag with Gary Lawless

Don't know about you but that was great to watch a hockey game again on Thursday night. And there really won't be a chance to catch your breath until it's all over, hopefully in July.
The Golden Knights have 55 more regular season games to go over a span of 113 days. They, again hopefully, the playoffs. That's pretty much a game every other day. Some might call it a busy schedule but from this perspective, it's incredible.

Vegas won their opener 5-2 over the Anaheim Ducks and with all the new wrinkles attached to this season we figured a Friday Mailbag Column was a good idea. Thanks for the great questions.
Here we go:

Gary Lawless: I thought Tomas was excellent. He played 12:44 and scored. His line was physical and spent lots of time in the offensive zone. Great start for him.

GL: As the game wore on the top line of Mark Stone, Max Pacioretty and Chandler Stephenson became a lot to handle. Two goals including the winner.

GL: Coach Pete DeBoer says he needs both. Not sure if it will be 50-50 but not much different than 60-40.

GL: Absolutely. Veteran who was a longtime captain in St. Louis and a Cup winner two seasons ago. Has the credentials.

GL: Mostly cap related. But it worked like a charm in the opener.

GL: He's been off for almost a year. I'd like to give him a bit more time before we pass judgement.

GL: I think all four divisions have their strengths and weaknesses. Getting out of the West which includes Vegas, Colorado and St. Louis for instance will be no easy feat. But if I had to pick, I think the East is scary with as many as five teams which one could call contenders. I like the Flyers the best in that division.

GL: I thought it worked just five and it showcased all five players. Zach Whitecloud was excellent and handled is near 23 minutes with aplomb.

GL: My guess would be Saturday or Monday.

GL: Yes. Best atmosphere in the NHL. They won't use it as an excuse, but they have the biggest home ice advantage when fans are in the building. Think of the atmosphere as water in a bucket. Vegas has the fullest bucket. Take all the water out, they lose the most water.

GL: The easiest and best answer: It's Vegas! Best crowd, great facilities, easy to get around, brilliant weather, committed ownership, creative and decisive management.

GL: Help. He's one of the complete defenders in the NHL. Can play any style and is elite in all three zones.

GL: Not sure. Don't expect a schedule for jerseys until fans are back in the building.