It is the battle of the complete resistible force versus the entirely movable object.

On Tuesday, the Vegas Golden Knights hope to finally record their first win in 2026 against the Winnipeg Jets.

Venue: Canada Life Centre, Winnipeg, MB, Canada

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Date: Tuesday, January 6

Time: 5:00 pm PST

How To Watch: ESPN+, SCRIPPS

Radio: 1340 AM, 94.7 FM

Both top seeds in their respective divisions last season, the Golden Knights and Jets are both undergoing disappointing seasons. The Golden Knights enter the game as losers of five straight games, while the Jets have been grounded with a nine-game losing streak. Somehow, Vegas is still at the top of the Pacific Division by virtue of 12 loser points, but they need to get in gear before someone takes the initiative against them.

Here is how the Golden Knights can finally get back to moving in the right direction.

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Hate losing

Playing angry is no longer a want from head coach Bruce Cassidy, but a demand.

Too many games have gotten away from the Golden Knights, and the frustration is palpable in the locker room. At some point, it has to show on the ice and create positive results. Cassidy has laid down the gauntlet in front of his players, and it is not on them to respond to the challenge.

More consistency

It has become clear that the Golden Knights need more offensive consistency from the depth.

Mitch Marner has been as advertised so far, while Jack Eichel and Mark Stone can typically be counted on to deliver in key moments. However, top-heavy teams tend to struggle when the scoring dries up down the lineup. Players like Colton Sissons have tried to heat up recently, but any contributions from unexpected sources would be greatly appreciated.

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No more excuses

In a league where hair-trigger patience is the norm, this recent stretch is what causes organizations to embrace drastic change.

The Golden Knights have officially reached that precipice, with an opportunity to add points on a road trip against some of the NHL’s lowest-ranked teams all but wasted. With the team returning home after this game, this could very well be the final chance to convince people that the answer to the Golden Knights’ woes is currently in the locker room. If Kelly McCrimmon is still worried about the team’s direction after this stretch, no general manager in the league has moved as swiftly or as decisively in trying to change course.