Golden Knights season has started strong behind the top line

While the whole Vegas Golden Knights squad has looked solid through nine periods of action, the team's top line has been the most impressive. Jack Eichel, Mark Stone, and Ivan Barbachev have been Vegas's driving force. They came out fast in their season opener and have not slowed much since.

All three skaters finished with at least three points in an 8-4 victory over Colorado on their opening night. They followed that up with strong contributions in wins over the St. Louis Blues and Anaheim Ducks.

As of Tuesday, Eichel is tied for the NHL lead with seven points through three games. Behind him, Barbashev and Stone are among eight players with six points each. 

Fast starts have nearly become a tradition for Vegas since their inaugural season. Last year, they became the first defending Stanley Cup champions to start the season 7-0-0.

Vegas Golden Knights are winning despite offseason departures

Considering this pattern of starting off hot, these numbers might not be surprising. However, the team’s offseason moves left many Golden Knights fans less confident about the upcoming season.

The biggest losses came via free agency. Jonathan Marchessault and Chandler Stevenson were the biggest departures. Marchessault was the team's leader in points last season, and the pair combined for 58 goals and 120 points. That is a major loss of offensive production.

Aside from the statistics, losing Marchessault was particularly painful for long-time VGK fans. The once undrafted center was a Vegas fan favorite and an original “Golden Misfit,” joining the team via the expansion draft. He also played a huge part in their 2023 Stanley Cup run and was awarded the Conn Smythe. 

Though the move was painful, it was not a huge shock. The Golden Knights front office has developed a deserved reputation for being shrewd in negotiations. This has often resulted in the team clearing out beloved stars to make room for the next big thing. 

Whether fans always agree with their tactics, so far, it has been a recipe for success. The team has only missed the playoffs once in its seven-year history. In 2023, they fulfilled owner Bill Foley’s “Cup in Six” goal (referring to Vegas winning the Stanley Cup within their first six seasons). The cost of sustained success can sometimes be painful.

The new NHL season is still in its infancy, but the Golden Knights have alleviated some of the fear regarding a lack of scoring. Is it sustainable? Hard to say. 

A lot will depend on health. Both Eichel and Stone have a history of missing significant time with injuries. Center William Karlsson is currently on IR, and once he returns, the line formations could change. 

Vegas fans have reason to be optimistic, at least for now. The top line has clear chemistry that has led to the early success. The NHL season is long and grueling. Only time will tell if the Knights are among the top teams at season’s end.