The NHL matchup on Thursday features the Vegas Golden Knights taking on the Dallas Stars at T-Mobile Arena, with puck drop scheduled for 10 p.m. ET, broadcast live on ESPN+. Currently, the Golden Knights hold the fourth position in the Western Conference with a record of 25 wins, 14 losses, and 13 overtime losses, while the Stars sit in third place with 30 wins, 14 losses, and 9 overtime losses.
As both teams gear up for this crucial game, several key injuries are affecting their lineups. The Golden Knights will be without William Karlsson (lower body), Colton Sissons (upper body), Brandon Saad (undisclosed), Carter Hart (leg), Brayden McNabb (upper body), and Brett Howden (lower body). On the Stars side, Tyler Seguin (ACL), Lian Bichsel (lower body), and Ilya Lyubushkin (lower body) are all sidelined.
Statistically, both teams have standout players making significant contributions. Jack Eichel is leading the Golden Knights with 61 points over 45 games, comprising 19 goals and 42 assists. In goal for the Golden Knights, Akira Schmid has an average of 2.5 goals against, with 563 saves so far this season, ranking him 38th in the league. Meanwhile, the Stars’ Mikko Rantanen has been impressive as well, posting 64 points in 50 games, averaging 1.2 points per game, along with 19 goals and 45 assists. Jake Oettinger, the Stars’ goaltender, has allowed 89 goals with a goals-against average of 2.7 and has made 816 saves, placing him 24th in the league regarding save percentage.
The excitement for this matchup is heightened by the competitive nature of both teams in the tightly contested Western Conference. Fans can expect an intense game as these two skilled rosters battle for crucial points in the playoff race.