Defense Optional: Why the Red Light Will Be Busy in Columbus
The Vegas Golden Knights finally snapped their losing streak with a gritty overtime win in Winnipeg, but let's not pretend all their problems are solved. This matchup has "high-scoring affair" written all over it.
Chase the Goals
Instead of sweating the winner in what could be a trap game for Vegas, the smartest strategy is to chase goals. The Over on the goal total feels like the safest play on the board.
Key Players to Watch
Ivan Barbashev (VGK)
Positioned to clean up rebounds against a soft Columbus interior.
Sean Monahan (CBJ)
Perfectly suited to exploit Vegas's current weakness at the net front.
Deep Value Plays
"This game has all the makings of a track meet. Both teams are dealing with defensive injuries, and both have the firepower to exploit it."
— VGK Fan Zone Analysis
The Bottom Line
The smart money is on goals—lots of them. This one should deliver fireworks from puck drop to final horn.
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