NOTES
Saturday's game is the first game back at T-Mobile Arena for former Vegas goalie Marc-Andre Fleury. In four seasons with the Golden Knights, Fleury set franchise records in wins (117), saves (5,509), and shutouts (23). He won the Vezina Trophy as the NHL's top goalie in 2021.
The Blackhawks are making their first visit to T-Mobile Arena since Dec. 10, 2019.
Vegas is playing its fifth consecutive home game Thursday night.
BROADCAST INFORMATION
TV: AT&T SportsNet
Radio: FOX Sports 98.9/1340
LAST TIME OUT
The Golden Knights snapped a two-game winless skid with a 5-1 win against the New York Rangers on Thursday night at T-Mobile Arena. Jonathan Marchessault led the way with two goals while Mattias Janmark, Brett Howden and Mark Stone also found the back of the net. Robin Lehner made 18 saves to win in his return from injury.
OPPOSITION UPDATE
Chicago has endured its bumps and bruises this season and heads into Saturday's contest with an 11-18-5 record and 27 points. The Blackhawks sit seventh in the Central Division. Since the turn of the calendar, the Blackhawks are 0-3-1 and are coming off a 6-4 loss to the Arizona Coyotes on Thursday night. Chicago hasn't won since Dec. 15 in a 5-4 overtime victory against the Washington Capitals.
Patrick Kane has clicked at a point-per-game pace with 30 points (7G, 23A) in 30 games. Alex DeBrincat has scored a team-high 21 goals while Seth Jones leads Blackhawks blueliners with 25 points (3G, 22A). Fleury has made 22 starts for Chicago and has a 9-11-2 record.
WHEN LAST WE MET
The Golden Knights and Blackhawks last shared the ice in the bubble in Edmonton during the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs. After Chicago upset the Edmonton Oilers in the Stanley Cup Qualifiers, the Golden Knights snagged a 4-1 series win against the Blackhawks to advance to the second round.
VGK SCORING LEADERS
Chandler Stephenson - 35 points (10G, 25A)
Reilly Smith - 28 points (11G, 17A)
Jonathan Marchessault - 26 points (18G, 8A)
Shea Theodore - 25 points (7G, 18A)
Mark Stone - 24 points (7G, 17A)
Alex Pietrangelo - 23 points (5G, 18A)
Max Pacioretty - 21 points (12G, 9A)
A VEGAS VICTORY WOULD…
- Mark the 197th win in franchise history
- Give Vegas a league-best 24 wins
KEYS TO THE GAME
Keep Emotions in Check: Fleury's return will be an emotional event for the players and fans alike. Compartmentalizing feelings at puck drop will be key for the Golden Knights and should help them get a strong start.
Familiar Foe: Fleury spent four years of practices on the City National Arena ice, so Vegas' shooters are very familiar with him. Each shot will have a bit more thought behind it as the Golden Knights try to score on their old netminder.
