How the Vegas Golden Knights can end Edmonton Oilers divisional hopes

Early last September, the Vegas Golden Knights weren't picked by many to win the Pacific Division. The so-called "experts" were chiding the mass exodus of forwards leaving last summer.

"ThEy WiLl MiSs JoNaThAn MaRcHeSsAuLt!"

"ThEy MiGhT nOt EvEn Be A pLaYoFf TeAm!"

Meanwhile, those same experts looked at the defending Western Conference champions, the Edmonton Oilers, and thought the following thoughts.

"Hmm, I think Connor McDavid will win a Stanley Cup this season."

"Man, do I LOVE Leon Draisaitl!"

All this was with good reason. They were a game from winning the Stanley Cup and restoring glory to Canada's native sport. The Canadian Geese were supposed to sing songs from Nickelback when the Oilers won the Pacific Division. Justin Trudeau (or Mark Carney) was supposed to have the Oilers traverse through Canada on a party van, giving bottles of maple syrup and poutine plates to the natives...

...Except it never happened. Marred by injuries to McJesus and Draisaitl, along with Stuart Skinner underachieving, the Oilers are destined to fight the Los Angeles Kings in the first round. Again. Meanwhile, the Golden Knights are closing in on 100 points and the Pacific Division. You can thank Jack Eichel (27 goals and 66 assists) and Mark Stone (19 goals and 47 assists) for making it happen.

Now, the two teams will meet on Tuesday at T-Mobile Arena. It'll provide Vegas the ultimate opportunity to provide the knock-out punch against Draisaitl and company, putting them firmly in the divisional driver's seat (much to the dismay of legacy media). But how can they do it, you ask? Well, it goes a little something like this.

The Vegas Golden Knights must score plenty of goals on the Edmonton Oilers

This is easier said than done. It's something of a Booger McFarland take that even some random financial bro from Southern California named Steve would understand. But it remains true. Considering the Vegas Golden Knights are tied for fourth in goals per game (3.41 entering Monday) and have the league's best power play (30.8%), they must stick to their strengths.

You see, the Edmonton Oilers are like a glass cannon: All offense and no defense. They can score goals at will with Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid alone. Given that McHolysocks isn't around for the next game or two, that should make life easier for Vegas. But what about the whole "preventing goals from happening" side of things, you ask?

Stuart Skinner has been underwhelming this season. He's contributing to the team allowing 2.93 GAA (14th in the NHL) and saving .896 of their shots (tied for 20th). How? He has a GAA of 2.91 and a save percentage of .894. His backup, Calvin Pickard, is slightly better (2.71 GAA and a save percentage of .899).

Expect plenty of Jack Eichel and Mark Stone in Tuesday's matchup

The aforementioned issues provide a template for Jack Eichel and crew to dominate. It starts with controlling all three zones and eating up time in the offensive end. Smart passes and keeping the Oilers on their heels are key to putting them out of the Pacific Division race permanently.

Of course, getting off to a fast start is also key. That has been a hit-or-miss aspect of the Golden Knights season, where they either get hot or cold. The last three games have seen the cold side with one first-period goal scored in the past three games. Get the jump on Edmonton early and take their momentum away from them.

It's always fun to stick it to your bitter rivals. Golden Knights fans can't tell you how many times they've heard the Oilers lauded all over the media landscape, whether it's ESPN or SportsNet. They can also tell you that Oilers fans have done plenty of chirping throughout the season. Tuesday offers the perfect chance to show all parties which team is better. Let the games begin. It's going to get dicey.