As reigning Stanley Cup champions, the Vegas Golden Knights continue to sail to the top of the National Hockey League (NHL) standings and can particularly thank striker Jonathan Marchessault.
With 19 wins and 43 points on the clock, head coach Bruce Cassidy's men are in an excellent position despite some pitfalls such as goalkeeper Adin Hill's lower-body injury, which allowed Jiri Patera to take over on Sunday. Everyone contributes to the success of the club and this is the case of Marchessault, who received the Conn-Smythe Trophy last spring. The forward also recorded a second double in his last five games in the 5-4 shootout triumph over the San Jose Sharks. If he keeps up the pace, he will surpass his total of 57 points from 76 games from the previous season; So far he has scored 20 points in 29 duels.
“He’s an underdog, but he’s also capable of making plays. He is effective in both directions of the ice. […] That's what he can offer us,” Cassidy told the media about his protégé, who scored a penalty goal on Sunday.
His best goal production going forward?
The former Quebec Remparts has threaded the needle 14 times this season and could be setting a personal career high. His most outstanding record in this regard comes from 2016-2017 and 2021-2022, when he scored 30 goals each. The number 40 certainly presents an opportunity for whoever plays on the right wing of the trio completed by Chandler Stephenson and Brett Howden. If his team can continue to refine its power play, its chances are better. The Knights rank 13th in the NHL with a 21.7% efficiency rate and the No. 81 team has scored five power play goals.
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Vegas hosts the Calgary Flames on Tuesday.