BCE

William Karlsson, Jonathan Marchessault, Reilly Smith, Shea Theodore, Brayden McNabb, and William Carrier helped the Golden Knights reach the Cup final in the team’s inaugural season in 2017-18. The Golden Knights exceeded the expectations of even the rosiest optimists but, ultimately, they couldn’t vanquish the Washington Capitals.

Unexpected as that Cup run was, disappointment doesn’t listen to reason. Anyone who’s had a first chance fail can relate to the dream of a second chance, to rectify what didn’t go quite right the first time. And in 2023, the Golden Knights are a win away from a return to the Cup final, with the big prize just five wins away.

Vegas’s effort in Game 4 seemed somewhere between milquetoast and uneven. The Golden Knights were flat for two periods and couldn’t protect a lead, losing in overtime 3-2. Game 5 is a chance for redemption and will be played in Vegas. I think the Golden Knights win and their team defence is a big reason why. My picks reflect that forecasting.

Dallas Stars at Vegas Golden Knights

Saturday, May 27 – 8 PM ET

Allow me to pour cold water on the Dallas Stars’ Game 4 victory. Sure, ugly wins still count as victories, but their Thursday triumph was for three reasons: Jason Robertson, the Stars’ more aggressive forecheck, and Jake Oettinger. I am dubious they can replicate this formula.

Find a hose because Robertson is on fire. He has four goals in his last four games. He had a preposterous 11 shots on goal on Thursday night. And more offensive zone time by the Stars in Game 4 allowed him to roam in search of a quiet area. He could plant himself on the weak side and set up for a quick strike. He could sidle his body to the far post and wait for the puck to find him off a