Scoring Potential Of VGK’s Top Line Has Fans Excited For Opening Night
As Training camp opened, Golden Knights fans were teased with a fresh-looking lineup for the 2025-26 season. Of course, nothing is permanent this early into camp, but the sneak peek has Vegas fans eagerly waiting for the first official puck drop of the season.
With the addition of superstar right-wing Mitch Marner inserted into their top six, Vegas is primed for another competitive, division-winning regular season. The Golden Knights ended the season with the 5th most goals in 2024-25 and should match or exceed that mark with the alignment of players released this week. Some would like to see William Karlsson and Reilly Smith matched up with Marner, while others are already penciling in 30 goals for Ivan Barbashev.
No matter how the lineup is drawn up, coach Bruce Cassidy will have multiple effective options with the stars he’s blessed to have on his club. Some fans believe the coach’s roster is so talented that they may never lose.
In eight regular seasons, the Golden Knights have averaged 249.25 goals per year. Sure, the numbers were a little askew with the two shortened seasons, but overall, Vegas has had no problems scoring since they entered the league. So how many could the newly assembled team score in 2025-26?
We’re both going to have to shoot it. I think we’re both going to get some good opportunities. We’ve got to be comfortable in the areas to not be afraid to shoot. Barby’s going to be around the net hunting those pucks, so just try to get it around there. – Mitch Marner
If we use simple math, Barbashev’s goal total should rise. He averages 18 per season, but he’s slightly above his career average since becoming a Knight. If he gets paired with Eichel and Marner, anything less than 25 will be a disappointment. In fact, if he’s not performing while on the top line, there’s a strong chance Cassidy bumps Barbashev down for one of his other wingers who are capable of scoring. Just look at the options on the current third line. Most of Vegas’ wings would surpass their career bests besides Eichel and Marner.
When you add in Eichel’s career averages, it’s fair to think his goal total will increase, and his assists total could decrease. If that scenario plays out this season, the bench, Cassidy, and the fanbase would be ecstatic. If the top line collects 25+ from Barbashev and 40+ from Eichel, Marner won’t have to force shots he is uncomfortable with.
So, when you add Marner’s 28 goals per season average with the total of goals expected by Barbashev and Eichel, you’re talking about one of the highest scoring lines in the NHL.
And we haven’t even discussed the middle six yet.
“NFL Declines to Fine Jets’ Micheal Clemons for Roughing the Passer Hit on Josh Allen”
🔥 NFL DECISION ON JOSH ALLEN INCIDENT SHOCKS FANS
Josh Allen’s remarkable start to the 2025 season almost faced a dramatic setback in Week 2 against the New York Jets. After a roughing-the-passer hit from Jets defensive end Micheal Clemons, Allen suffered a bloody nose that briefly forced him out of the game. However, the resilient quarterback returned to lead the Buffalo Bills to a dominant 30-10 victory, with his nose still bruised but no signs of slowing down.
Following the game, Allen addressed the injury and the uncertainty surrounding what exactly struck him. “I'M NOT SURE WHAT HIT ME EXACTLY—COULD HAVE BEEN A HAND, A HELMET, OR A KNEE. BUT I KNOW MY OWN HELMET HIT THE BRIDGE OF MY NOSE. IT WAS LEAKING, BUT I JUST WANTED TO GET BACK OUT THERE AND FINISH THE GAME.”
Despite the penalty for roughing the passer, fans were left questioning whether the NFL would take further action against Clemons. However, in a surprising move, the league announced that Clemons would not be fined for the incident. ESPN’s Rich Cimini reported on Saturday:
Allen, undeterred by the injury, suited up for Thursday’s home game against the Miami Dolphins, wearing a clear visor for added protection. It was the first time he had used such gear in an NFL game, although he had worn similar equipment during his time at Wyoming. The visor seemed to have no impact on his performance, as Allen threw 22 completions on 28 attempts for 213 yards and three touchdowns, leading the Bills to a 31-21 win over the Dolphins.
With Week 4 on the horizon, Allen’s nose may still be bruised, but there are no indications that it will prevent him from playing when the Bills return to Highmark Stadium to face the New Orleans Saints on September 28. With the opportunity to extend their undefeated start to 4-0, Allen will look to continue his MVP-caliber performances and guide the Bills further toward playoff contention.
