Opinion
4 min read

Can the Golden Knights Conquer the Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena?

As the Vegas Golden Knights prepare to face off against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena, fans are eager to see if their team can bounce back from a recent string of challenging games. The upcoming match on March 5th is not just another game; it's an opportunity for redemption.


Mar 19, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Vegas Golden Knights center Michael Amadio (22) skates during the second period against the Columbus Blue Jackets at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-USA TODAY Sports

The VGK have had a turbulent time in their last few outings. On February 23rd, they faced a tough loss against the Toronto Maple Leafs with a score of 7-3. Despite playing on home ice at T-Mobile Arena and having an attendance that nearly hit the venue's capacity, they couldn't capitalize on their chances. Their shooting percentage was decent at 12 percent, but it paled in comparison to Toronto's impressive 17 percent.


Two days prior, on February 21st, VGK again fell short against the Nashville Predators with an identical scoreline of 5-3. The statistics tell a story of missed opportunities and defensive lapses; although they had four powerplay chances, only one resulted in a goal. Their penalty kill was solid though, as they managed to keep Nashville from scoring during their man advantages.


Mar 19, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Eric Robinson (50) skates against Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Nicolas Hague (14) during the first period at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-USA TODAY Sports

However, there is hope for VGK fans as we look back further to February 19th when VGK secured a convincing win over the San Jose Sharks with four goals while keeping them scoreless. This victory showcased what VGK are capable of when firing on all cylinders – efficient offense coupled with impenetrable defense.


The key takeaway from these past performances is inconsistency – both in execution and outcome. Yet this inconsistency also means that when VGK get it right, they can be formidable opponents.


Mar 19, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Vegas Golden Knights center Chandler Stephenson (20) skates with the puck against Columbus Blue Jackets center Jack Roslovic (96) and defenseman Andrew Peeke (2) during the first period at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-USA TODAY Sports

Against CBJ at Nationwide Arena – which has been known to rattle visiting teams – VGK must leverage their strengths while addressing weaknesses exposed in previous games. They need to improve their faceoff win percentage which stood strong at around 56 percent during their win but faltered slightly during losses.


CBJ will not make things easy for them; however, given that this game is away from home turf for VGK and considering CBJ’s potential home advantage factor into play dynamics significantly.


VGK fans should expect an intense battle where every shift counts and every play could turn the tide of the game. It will require resilience from players like those who showed up against San Jose Sharks ensuring solid goaltending performance and capitalizing on powerplay opportunities more effectively than seen against Predators or Maple Leafs.


Mark your calendars for March 5th as Vegas Golden Knights aim to prove themselves once again starting at Nationwide Arena in Columbus Ohio where puck drop is scheduled after sunset local time zone hours (convert accordingly). Fans unable or preferring not attend live can catch action via broadcast networks ESPN+ online or BSOH/SCRIPPS television channels depending upon preference convenience accessibilities available within respective areas regions locales etcetera.

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