Golden Knights still looking for identity as they face Canadiens

The first quarter of the season has been far from smooth sailing for the Vegas Golden Knights, but they still find themselves among the NHL’s top teams after Thanksgiving.

On Friday, the Golden Knights hope to prove why they are deserving of remaining mentioned among the league’s elite when they take on the Montreal Canadiens at T-Mobile Arena.

Venue: T-Mobile Arena, Paradise, NV

Date: Friday, November 28

Time: 1;:00 pm PST

How To Watch: ESPN+, SCRIPPS

Radio: 1340 AM, 101 ESPN (101.1 FM)

The Golden Knights crossed the Thanksgiving checkpoint in an ideal situation, sitting tied for second in the Pacific and in a playoff position. However, some of their success has to do more with the Pacific Division being equally as inconsistent, and Vegas has found themselves caught up in the parity. Hoping to shake off the early season malaise, closing out the 2025 calendar year in convincing fashion would go a long way towards putting the Golden Knights back in the Cup conversation.

Here is how the game against the Canadiens can serve as a springboard in that regard.

Play your game

Part of the reason why the Golden Knights find themselves in the position they are in now is because their identity has not been overly clear over the first quarter of the season.

Injuries to key players like Mark Stone and Adin Hill have been factors, but not having a clear sense of who they are has lead to problems. Having points in 18 of 23 games is great, but eight of those coming by way of the loser point is not. With Stone back after the previous game against the Ottawa Senators, the Golden Knights hope to get to their game and see better results.

Start fast

Part of the inconsistencies with the Golden Knights has been that they have not always gotten off to flying starts.

Out of the 23 games so far, the Golden Knights have scored first only nine times. Usually, finding the back of the net first has been a good omen for the Golden Knights, putting up points in eight of those nine contests. With players such as Jack Eichel and Braeden Bowman riding hot streaks so far, Bruce Cassidy will be hoping to see his team get going in the right direction in the first 20 minutes.

Go Full Monty

Once again, the Golden Knights find themselves looking to get going against one of the shakiest goaltenders in the league.

With Samuel Montembeault expected to start today, his 3.72 goals against average and .852 save percentage are the worst marks among goalies who have started at least 10 games. Stone was able to find the back of the net against the Senators, and the Canadiens might offer other Golden Knights the chance to produce. Players like Mitch Marner and Pavel Dorofeyev, who have gone somewhat cold over the past few games, will now be looking to this game to heat back up.