As the focus shifts to a new team, it also shifts to new players and challenges that await. It goes without saying that the big storyline is how the Golden Knights will contain forwards Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, two of the best hockey players in the world who led the league in points this season. McDavid finished in first with 153 points (64G, 89A) and Draisaitl in second with 128 points (52G, 76A).
"It's pretty obvious when [McDavid] has the puck," Laurent Brossoit said. "If you try to change your game to play another team or player, that's when you start thinking a lot and opening things up. I'm just going to play my game and force them to come to me."
Not only does Edmonton have the top goal scorers on their side, but their power play was the best in the league throughout the regular season. Their regular season power play percentage finished at 32.4% and is also currently the best of the playoffs at 56.3%. Discipline will be key for the Golden Knights, which shouldn't be too difficult for the least penalized team in the NHL.
"We have to try to stay out of the box more than anything." said Chandler Stephenson.
Coach Cassidy touched on the strength of Edmonton's power play, but more importantly, how the main goal is to outscore them.
"Their power play is setting all kinds of records," said Bruce Cassidy. "If you're going to beat the Oilers, you have to find a way to slow them down. Limit those chances and score yourself because you're never going to keep those guys off the scoresheet."
Despite the "stay out of the box" mentality, Cassidy emphasizes that it's not as simple as playing a clean game against the Oilers.
"To me, it's less about staying out of the box," Cassidy said. "It's their offensive zone time. You have to find ways to keep them out of your offensive zone as best as possible."
Vegas has a true test ahead with an Oilers squad that's firing on all cylinders. The action begins on Wednesday at T-Mobile Arena.
