Vegas Golden Knights travel to Honda Center on Nov. 22 seeking division supremacy. The Anaheim Ducks (13-7-1) hold the Pacific Division lead by just 1 point over Vegas (10-4-6). This rematch could reshape the entire playoff picture as both teams battle for positioning.
🔥 Quick Facts:
Vegas extended its point streak to 5 games (5-0-2) with Akira Schmid in net
Schmid boasts league-best .905 save percentage among goalies with 12+ games
Ducks beat Vegas 4-3 in OT on Nov. 8 at T-Mobile Arena
Vegas won 4-1 over Utah on Nov. 21 with offensive depth showing
Leo Carlsson leads Anaheim with 28 points in 21 games this season
What Happened Last Time
The Ducks stole a 4-3 overtime decision from Vegas two weeks ago. Jacob Trouba netted the winner just 28 seconds into overtime. The Ducks controlled the late game momentum, with Leo Carlsson lighting the lamp twice. Pavel Dorofeyev powered home a goal on Vegas’ power play, and Kaeden Korczak forced OT with his first tally of the year. That loss stung for Vegas given their strong position.
Fast forward to today. Vegas’ confidence is building through solid two-way play. The Knights notched a 4-1 victory over Utah on Nov. 21. Jack Eichel potted 2 goals and an assist. Ben Hutton scored in back-to-back games, showcasing the depth advantage. Most importantly, Akira Schmid allowed just 1 goal on 26 shots for the Ducks. The goaltender is the key here.
Why This Matters for the Pacific Division
A Vegas victory puts them 1 point ahead of Anaheim with games in hand. The Ducks have been the hottest team in November (7-4-0), but that recent loss to Ottawa (3-2 on Nov. 21) shows they’re not invincible. Vegas, meanwhile, ranks near the league lead in defensive efficiency, giving up just 25.1 shots per game.
This matchup also carries playoff implications. Jack Eichel leads Vegas with 27 points. His presence gives the Knights a dynamic edge on offense. The Ducks counter with Carlsson’s breakout season and solid Lukas Dostal in goal (10-5-1, .904 SV%). But stats favor Vegas in this contest.
Head-to-Head Statistics and Form
Vegas enters riding a 5-game point streak with Akira Schmid posting a 5-0-2 record. The goaltender’s .905 save percentage ranks among the league’s finest. Over the past four games, Vegas allowed just 7 total goals—that’s defensive excellence. Their recent form shows 3 wins in their last 4 games (3-0-1).
Statistic
Vegas
Anaheim
Record
10-4-6
13-7-1
Points
26
27
Goals Per Game
3.2
3.6
Goals Against Per Game
2.8
3.1
Starting Goalie SV%
.905
.904
November Record
6-2-2
7-4-0
Anaheim struggled lately going 2-4-0 in their last six outings. The Ducks allowed 3 goals in their most recent loss to Ottawa. Their defensive gaps are starting to show. Vegas, conversely, has tightened up the blueline significantly under pressure. That trend favors Vegas heading into this crucial showdown.
Key Players to Watch on the Ice
For Vegas, keep an eye on Jack Eichel with his 27 points (10G, 17A) leading the team. He’s recorded 3+ points four times this season already. Pavel Dorofeyev leads all forwards with 11 goals through 21 games, showing impressive consistency. On defense, Shea Theodore drives offensive chances regularly.
Anaheim counters with Leo Carlsson as their offensive engine at 28 points (11G, 17A). Cutter Gauthier sits at 24 points (12G, 12A). Goalie Lukas Dostal posted a 4-3 victory over Boston on Nov. 19, earning confidence heading into this battle. Their depth is real, but Vegas’ point-streak momentum matters most.
What Happens If Vegas Wins?
A Vegas victory puts the Golden Knights 1 point ahead of Anaheim atop the Pacific Division. That would be Vegas’ 372nd franchise win. More importantly, it would mark their 13th win in Anaheim all-time—a historic trend at Honda Center. Vegas would also improve to 28-7-2 overall against the Ducks in their rivalry.
With such a critical path to the playoffs, Vegas capitalizing on strong goaltending could swing division momentum. The Knights are trending upward with elite defense and Schmid’s stellar performance. This is the moment for Vegas to impose control over the entire Pacific Division race. Every point matters now.
Will Akira Schmid’s exceptional .905 save percentage carry Vegas to another crucial divisional victory? History suggests it very well could. The defensive-minded Golden Knights have momentum, experience, and one of the league’s best goaltenders in this matchup.
Sources
NHL.com – Morning Skate Report and Gameday Statistics
USA Today Sportsbook Wire – Expert Analysis and Picks
ESPN – Team Statistics and Standings
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