Another game on the schedule for the Vegas Golden Knights

When someone wrongs you in life, what is the first thought that comes to your mind? Do you want to forgive them for not knowing any better? Or do you want to get revenge and get back at them for the wrong they did? That is the question the Vegas Golden Knights will have on December 6th against the Dallas Stars, the same team that knocked them out last season.

With Vegas boasting a loaded lineup featuring the returning Mark Stone and the newly acquired Noah Hanifin and Tomas Hertl, there was hope for a repeat as Stanley Cup champions. However, those hopes were dashed in seven games when the Stars filled the neutral zone. As a result, Jake Oettinger became an unstoppable force, making it impossible for the Golden Knights to figure out.

But that game is special compared to those previously mentioned in previous writings. It may not feature the return of an “Original Misfit” for the final home game of the 2024-25 season. It also won’t have the “new team smell” of a game against the Utah Hockey Club. There are, however, plenty of reasons why Vegas hockey fans should circle Dec. 6, 2024, on their calendars.

Obviously, the one factor that stands out is revenge. When a team is eliminated by another team, they hope to bounce back the following season. In most cases, the opportunity presents itself and the team prepares for that approaching date. The Vegas Golden Knights see December 6th as a “golden opportunity,” with names like Mark Stone giving their opponents another chance.

But the story goes beyond just revenge. There are also some Golden Knights ties to the Stars, starting with the man behind the bench. Pete DeBoer has had tremendous success with Vegas, compiling a 98-50-12 record. That included two semifinal appearances during his tenure, making them one of the most dangerous playoff teams despite not winning a Stanley Cup. Another trip to T-Mobile Arena will draw fans to see their former head coach back behind the Stars bench. Add former Golden Knights star Evgenii Dadonov to the mix and things get even more spicy.

Regardless of what happens on December 6th, it should be a date when fans flood T-Mobile Arena for another big game. The Dallas Stars have become one of the most competitive teams in recent memory, and this year is no different. There’s more at stake than revenge. There are also two points that could ultimately determine home-field advantage in the Western Conference playoffs… or even the Stanley Cup Final.