Milestone Opener
The Vegas Golden Knights will begin their tenth NHL campaign on September 29, opening the season against the Chicago Blackhawks in what the franchise has billed as its earliest opening ever.
A Quick Turnaround
The schedule compresses the off‑season, leaving the club just over three months since the Cup final concluded on June 14, a timeline that has forced first‑year coach Ryan Craig to balance preparation with player recovery.
Veteran defenseman Shea Theodore has spoken about the need for rest and health, noting that the condensed schedule could test the depth of the roster.
Historical Edge
The Knights hold a 17‑3‑4 edge over the Blackhawks and have won ten of twelve meetings in Vegas, giving them a psychological advantage heading into the first meeting of the new season. Their home opener record stands at 5‑1‑1, and they are 7‑1‑1 in regular‑season openers overall.
The early start also underscores a shift in the league’s calendar, as the team will not open later than October 2 for the first time, a milestone that highlights the growing prominence of the franchise.