Some positivity came at the right time for the Vegas Golden Knights.

On Thursday, the Golden Knights hope to start stringing together some victories going against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Venue: T-Mobile Arena, Paradise, NV

Date: Thursday, January 8

How To Watch: ESPN+, SCRIPPS

The Golden Knights hope that their last game is a turning point for their season, coming back to defeat the Winnipeg Jets in overtime. It did not quell every concern regarding the team’s recent stretch of play, but at least they returned home with something positive to build off of. However, the Golden Knights know better than to rest on their laurels, and more work is required to truly turn the corner.

Here is how the Golden Knights can keep up the good work.

As it has at points this season, special teams was pivotal in the Golden Knights getting a victory last time around.

Mark Stone started the comeback in Winnipeg with a power play goal, and Tomas Hertl finished it with one of his own in the last minute of overtime. As inconsistent as the Golden Knights have been five-on-five, they have shown the ability to capitalize on mistakes made by their opponents to gain the man advantage. Against a Columbus penalty kill that ranks 29th in the league, the Golden Knights can see their chances of victory increase if they can draw penalties and get their offense rolling.

While Bruce Cassidy was generally pleased with his team’s effort against the Jets, one of his major gripes in recent games reared its head again.

Shots have been making their way into the Golden Knights’ net from long distance as of late, and Winnipeg was able to make good on that issue. That could pose a problem against the Blue Jackets, whose defensive corps features Zach Werenski and others who are not afraid to rip shots from the point. Expect there to be a focus on defending the top of the offensive zone, putting on the pressure in order to limit opportunities and create turnovers.

Last game was a start for the Golden Knights, but they can ill afford to lose the momentum now.

It is always difficult to put together a 60-minute effort any night in the NHL, but the Golden Knights could certainly use one. Now that they know they can play winning hockey in their current state, the positive momentum could give way to a resounding victory. If the team can manage to get a hot streak going, it would go a long ways towards gaining some separation on a Pacific Division that is all jumbled up as of late.