The "Gold" Standard

If you thought the Vegas Golden Knights would get off to a blistering 7-1 start to their NHL season, you would've been laughed out of the building. However, that is the case as the Golden Knights have amassed 14 points, beating teams like the Chicago Blackhawks and the St. Louis Blues. Their 7-1 start is the best start ever in the NHL by an expansion team in the Modern Expansion Era.

A big part of their success has been left wing James Neal. The ex-Nashville Predator has scored six goals this season, which leads the team. The Golden Knights have also been stingy against opposing teams on the back check, yielding only 2.4 goals a game (3rd in the NHL). This is in spite of losing starting goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury with a concussion. A team that makes it their primary focus to deflect shots has given opponents fits with the puck.

Now is it possible that the Golden Knights make the postseason come April? To be honest, it's entirely possible. The Pacific Division is the one of the weaker divisions in the NHL. Edmonton hasn't woken up yet. Arizona, San Jose, and Anaheim are all underwhelming. Also, are the first-place Los Angeles Kings for real? Granted, the Golden Knights are wrapping up a seven-game home stand and will have their first true road trip in franchise history. In fact, nine of their next eleven games are on the road, with the Knights only having four home games throughout the month of November. It will be a big test for a hungry Vegas squad.