The tests keep coming for the Vegas Golden Knights as 2026 is on the horizon.

On Monday, the Golden Knights see another elite team make their way to Vegas when they face the Minnesota Wild.

Venue: T-Mobile Arena, Paradise, NV

Date: Monday, December 29

How To Watch: ESPN+, SCRIPPS

Last time out, the Golden Knights could only come away with a moral victory against the Colorado Avalanche, losing 6-5 after a shootout. Despite their 11th time falling past regulation, getting a point from the President’s Trophy favorite without the likes of Jack Eichel and Shea Theodore is something worth noting. However, the Golden Knights are undoubtedly tired of collecting loser points, and they want to make a statement against another powerhouse in the West.

Here is how the Golden Knights can make that happen.

Despite being without several of their top point-getters, the Golden Knights have still managed to produce offense.

In their last four games, the Golden Knights have put up 18 goals. Even against Colorado, depth scorers such as Alexander Holtz, Ben Hutton and Colton Sissons contributed to keep the momentum going. This is what it takes to keep the tide flowing, and the Golden Knights hope their hard work in the offensive zone continues to pay dividends.

While the effort on offense against Colorado was admirable, it came at the cost of defense late.

The Golden Knights were unable to keep the Avalanche from buzzing, blowing two two-goal leads and allowing Carter Hart to be peppered with shots from the third period onward. For a team that was known for limiting shots heading into the game, the uncharacteristic performance ultimately undid all the hard work Vegas put in. A full 60-minute effort will be required to hold off the Wild, especially if they are holding another lead.

The Golden Knights have faced the Wild before this season, but this games features a new wrinkle.

On Dec. 13, the Wild launched the biggest blockbuster trade of the season, acquiring All-Star defenseman Quinn Hughes from the Vancouver Canucks. Hughes has added a new level of dynamism to the Wild, scoring seven points in as many games and leading Minnesota to five wins in that span. The Golden Knights are well aware of the threat that the former Norris Trophy winner brings to the table, so expect them to plan accordingly.