BROADCAST INFORMATION
TV: AT&T SportsNet
Radio: FOX Sports Las Vegas 98.9/1340
NOTES
Monday's game is the first meeting of the 2022-2023 season between the Golden Knights and Blue Jackets.
This is Vegas' first of a four-game east coast road trip. They will face the Columbus Blue Jackets, Pittsburgh Penguins, Detroit Red Wings and Boston Bruins.
The Golden Knights hold a 3-5-0 all-time record against Columbus.
LAST TIME OUT
The Golden Knights were defeated by the Vancouver Canucks 5-1 on Saturday at T-Mobile Arena. Vancouver scored two goals in the first period and then three in the middle frame. Jonathan Marchessault was the lone Golden Knight to get on the board in the third period.
VGK SCORING LEADERS
Jack Eichel - 26 points (11G, 15A)
Alex Pietrangelo - 21 points (3G, 18A)
Chandler Stephenson - 19 points (6G, 13A)
Mark Stone - 18 points (9G, 9A)
Jonathan Marchessault - 17 points (8G, 9A)
Shea Theodore - 17 points (3G, 14A)
Reilly Smith - 16 points (10G, 6A)
William Karlsson - 15 points (5G, 10A)
MILESTONE WATCH
Brayden McNabb - one assist away from 100 assists
Brayden McNabb - one game away from 600 NHL games
Mark Stone - six points away from 500 points
PACIFIC DIVISION PICTURE
Vegas Golden Knights - 16-6-1, 33 points
Seattle Kraken - 13-5-3, 29 points
Los Angeles Kings - 12-9-2, 26 points
Calgary Flames - 9-8-3, 21 points
Edmonton Oilers - 11-10-0, 22 points
Vancouver Canucks - 9-10-3, 21 points
San Jose Sharks - 7-13-4, 18 points
Anaheim Ducks - 6-15-1, 13 points
OPPOSITION UPDATE
Entering Monday's game, the Blue Jackets sit in last place of the Metropolitan Division with 15 points. They have lost three out of their last four; most recently a 3-2 defeat to the New York Islanders on Friday. Their top scorer is Johnny Gaudreau with 20 points (7G, 13A). Boone Jenner is second on the list with 14 points (8G, 6A) followed by Kent Johnson with 11 (5G, 6A). Last season, Columbus finished sixth in the Metropolitan Division with a 37-38-7 record. In July, the club signed free agent forward Gaudreau to a seven-year contract. Gaudreau previously played for the Calgary Flames for nine seasons, racking up 609 points.
A VEGAS VICTORY WOULD…
- Mark the 233rd win in franchise history
- Give Vegas its 4th win all time against Columbus
KEYS TO THE GAME
Penalty kill: Vegas' penalty kill had a tough night against Vancouver, allowing three power play goals on Saturday night. It's crucial that the Golden Knights improve on special teams, especially considering Columbus' power play is ranked 30th. It's an opportunity to gain momentum on the PK.
Shots on goal:Elvis Merzlikins has a 4.74 GAA and a .864 save percentage for the Blue Jackets. Joonas Korpisalo holds a 3.75 GAA and a .899 save percentage, giving Vegas the edge with goaltending. The Vegas offense should pressure Columbus' goalies as much as possible.
