EDMONTON, AB - It's already a Cinderella story.
Featuring knights in shining armour.
This, of course, being the Vegas Golden Knights, who march into Edmonton atop the Pacific Division with a 51-22-7 record and 109 points - 11 more than the next-best San Jose Sharks.
Initially projected as a cellar-dweller, Vegas has been a playoff contender from the get-go. They've navigated through their first National Hockey League campaign with more success than any modern expansion team before them, clinching a playoff berth in their inaugural season.
"First of all, I think that George (McPhee), Kelly (McCrimmon) and their staff did a tremendous job in assembling the team," said Oilers Head Coach Todd McLellan. "It's put together well with a lot of the pieces that complement each other."
The Golden Knights opened the month of October with an 8-3-0 record and the club hasn't slowed down. They went 11-1-1 in December, haven't lost more than five regulation games in any month and have owned the Pacific, going 20-4-3 against divisional rivals.
"Winning your first game gives you a ton of confidence and it just went from there," continued McLellan. "They play the game extremely fast, they're on top of you, they're tenacious and after pucks all over the place."
Using 'Vegas Strong' as their rallying cry, the squad based out of Sin City has far exceeded expectations.
"The last thing is the 'castoff theory'," said McLellan.
"You want to show the world you weren't a castoff and this group can put it together."
LOWE'S DEBUT
With the news that Andrej Sekera is out for the last two games of the season while Yohann Auvitu is doubtful, defenceman Keegan Lowe will make his Oilers debut. It will be his third career NHL game.
"It's obviously super exciting for me and something I've thought about my whole life," Lowe, who has two goals and 14 points in 49 games with the Bakersfield Condors, said.
"It's not my first NHL game but it sure feels like it."
Keegan's father Kevin played 1,037 games with the Oilers, winning five Stanley Cups with the team.
"He's there just for the helping hand and support," said Keegan of Kevin, while uncle Ken Lowe watched close by. "But we don't talk a whole lot about it. It's one of those things that go unsaid. Just do what I'm good at and don't overthink it."
McLellan noted the family connection with the Oilers and said the team is excited about Keegan's opportunity as he jumps into game action.
"Obviously there's a really rich history with his father playing here and having the type of career he's had but Keegan's making his own path," said McLellan.
"He's going to do that tonight."
LINEUP NOTES
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is expected to play tonight after missing the past few games.
"Tonight should be good," said Nugent-Hopkins. "If I feel it a bit, it's just part of the game."
The Oilers held an optional skate this morning. Lines will be made more apparent at warmups.
-- Paul Gazzola, EdmontonOilers.com
