Golden Knights remain focused during holiday homestand
At the start of the Golden Knights’ five-game homestand, coach Gerard Gallant worried whether his players would be able to avoid the inevitable distractions of the holiday season.
It appears the Knights were able to wrap their presents and still play hockey without a problem.
The Knights have seven of a maximum eight points on the homestand, which ends Saturday when the Metropolitan Division-leading Washington Capitals (22-12-1) visit T-Mobile Arena. The first puck drops at 5 p.m.
“Sometimes you’ve got lots of other stuff going on with family coming in, but I think the guys really focused because we were playing such good hockey teams,” Gallant said Thursday at City National Arena.
“It was good challenges every night, and I’ve got to give credit to my guys. They got prepared to play every game, and they got ready to play and they played some of their best hockey the last three or four games.”
The Knights have three days between games after Tuesday’s 4-3 win over Tampa Bay, while Washington plays Friday at Arizona.
Gallant said he doesn’t mind the extra time off for his players, even with the leaguewide holiday break running Sunday through Tuesday.
“There’s going to be so many games after Christmas that you’ve got to make sure you get your rest in,” Gallant said.
Perron pens story
David Perron wrote an article for The Players’ Tribune that touched on several topics.
The veteran forward described his initial disappointment about being selected by the Knights in the expansion draft and the unique chemistry the team has developed. Perron went on to explain his growing affinity for the Las Vegas Valley.
“I really like the way it came out because it came from my heart,” Perron said. “To see the way it’s kind of changed and everything, I wouldn’t change a thing because I’m honestly loving every day here, every minute. This town is very special.”
Getting closer
Forward William Carrier and defenseman Luca Sbisa were full participants at practice Thursday. Gallant said a decision will be made Friday or Saturday whether one or both will be activated from the injured-reserve list.
Contact David Schoen at dschoen@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-5203. Follow @DavidSchoenLVRJ on Twitter.
