Golden Knights face NHL leaders Winnipeg Jets at T-Mobile Arena | Golden Knights

Florida Panthers coach Paul Maurice had only one wish for this season just minutes after winning the Stanley Cup last June.

“It would be up to the Winnipeg Jets to win the next Stanley Cup,” the former Winnipeg coach said.

So far, the Jets are accepting Maurice’s challenge. Winnipeg has stormed to the top of the league with 36 points and a league-best 18-5-0 record.

This is what lies ahead for the Golden Knights. What a way to return home after spending the last week away.

The Knights will play at T-Mobile Arena for the first time since Nov. 17 after collecting seven points out of 10 on a season-long five-game road trip.

“Make no secret of it. We want to win every game. “That’s not going to happen,” coach Bruce Cassidy said.

Not only do the Knights have to deal with the Jets, but it’s also their first home game in a row. On Saturday they will face the Utah Hockey Club for the last time this season.

The Jets got off to the best start in NHL history, winning 15 of their first 16 games while outscoring their opponents 73-34.

But that 15th victory on November 12 against the New York Rangers began a grueling period for Winnipeg, as nine of ten games were played on the road. The defeats piled up – four, all in regular form, in the last seven games.

The strong offense has now cooled down with only 17 goals in this period.

The only constant for Winnipeg hasn’t been the goal, but the goaltending, and Connor Hellebuyck is off to another great start. The reigning Vezina Trophy winner has won 15 of his 18 starts with a .928 save percentage and three shutouts.

Hellebuyck allowed three goals in the Jets’ 4-1 loss to the Los Angeles Kings on Wednesday.

If the Knights are expecting some positivity heading into this matchup, then they have had success against Hellebuyck. He is 6-4-2 in 13 appearances against the Knights, but Hellebuyck has conceded 15 goals in his last three starts, all in regulation losses.

That’s good news for the Knights after they scored once in their 2-1 penalty shootout loss to the Colorado Avalanche on Wednesday.

Cassidy said fatigue set in as expected as the game went on, but felt the offense could have produced more by not being limited to 19 shots on the road.

“We need a little bit more from certain people to make it easier for us,” Cassidy said. “That didn’t happen (Wednesday). Hopefully it happens on Friday.”

Part of the offense could be getting some players back.

Captain Mark Stone has missed the last 10 games with a lower-body injury and his status is uncertain as the Knights likely won’t be able to skate in the morning on Friday. Right wing Victor Olofsson is still in conditioning training with the Silver Knights but could also be headed for a return.

The Knights were notably able to get by without Stone, going 5-3-2 in his absence. But the league’s fifth-best offense (3.74 goals per game) has been held to 2.90 over the last 10 games.

The good news for the Knights is that they will be staying home for more than a day. Their toughest opponent yet awaits them.

“If you look at their record, you can see how they started the season,” center Cole Schwindt said. “We’ve kind of had them circled for some time. We know who we’re going after and it’s going to be a fun game for sure.”

Contact Danny Webster at [email protected]. Follow @DannyWebster21 on X.

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What: Jets at Golden Knights

When: Friday, 5:30 p.m

Where: T-Mobile Arena

TV: KMCC-34

Radio: KKGK (1340 AM, 98.9 FM)

Odds: Knight -115; a total of 6