Don’t rule out the Vegas Golden Knights once they’re healthy

Coming off their first Stanley Cup championship in franchise history, the Vegas Golden Knights started the 2023-24 regular season as arguably the best team in hockey, generating a 21-6-5 record in their first 32 games.

However, the Golden Knights have lost eight of their last 12, and are now without one of their top offensive threats in Jack Eichel for the forseeable future.

On Thursday’s episode of Daily Faceoff LIVE, Frank Seravalli and Tyler Yaremchuk are joined by former NHLer Michael Del Zotto to discuss the Golden Knights’ roster and if they’re still a Stanley Cup contender.

Frank Seravalli: Let’s head out west and talk Vegas. Obviously that Eichel injury looms large, but even before that had hit a wall. They’re fighting injuries and inconsistencies, what do you make about where the Golden Knights are at, and if you were to make a list of your top-five Stanley Cup contenders, are they in the mix?

Michael Del Zotto: They were my team to win it all at the start of this season. They didn’t lose too many pieces from last season, and yeah their goaltending surprised us, but their back end is big and can skate. They defend the front of the net very well.

With injuries, like any team with a salary cap, it’s tough to carry depth. They went on a long run last year and it beat them up, because it’s hard to stay healthy. I still like them, but goaltending is my the biggest issue. But I’m not ruling them out.

As for Stanley Cup contenders, they’re still there, but I like like how the L.A. Kings are built, and you can’t rule out the Colorado Avalanche.

Click here to listen to the full segment and the rest of the episode…