Golden Knights desperate for answers as they close out tough month against Sharks

The Vegas Golden Knights are more than ready to close the book on what has been an inconsistent November.

On Saturday, the Golden Knights hope to get some momentum going against a fierce rival in the San Jose Sharks.

Venue: T-Mobile Arena, Paradise, NV

Date: Saturday, November 29

Time: 7:00 pm PST

How To Watch: ESPN+, SCRIPPS

Radio: 1340 AM, 101 ESPN (101.1 FM)

The Golden Knights have found themselves on a skid to close out the month, entering tonight’s game on a four-game losing streak. With 12 losses in the last 19 games, including only two wins in the last nine at home, Golden Knights fans are reaching a point where restlessness is setting in. A victory would go a long way towards easing anxiety, both for the team and the fans.

Here is what must be done to correct this recent course.

On thin ice

The heat is on the Golden Knights defense after what can only be described as an unacceptable performance against the Montreal Canadiens.

Despite only giving up 19 shots, Vegas gave up four goals in their loss. Shea Theodore and Brayden McNabb, who had been previously lauded for being a shutdown defensive pair, made too many mistakes and ended as -3 on the night. With limited time to clean things up, their efforts will be crucial if the Golden Knights want to bounce back.

The kids are alright

The Sharks might still be out of the playoff picture, but this year has finally matched the optimism that has come out of San Jose in recent years.

With a win tonight, the Sharks would have 10 wins in the month by of November; they won 20 games all of last season. Much of the positive play has come from their young core, with their top three point-scorers (Macklin Celebrini, Will Smith, William Eklund) and starting goaltender Yaroslav Askarov all currently under the age of 23. A win against the Golden Knights would indicate that a changing of the guard is approaching, something Vegas is keen to not allow too easily.

Feeling the pressure

For a Golden Knights organization not known for their patience, a stretch like this is often the catalyst for serious change.

While the recent play of Jack Eichel and Braeden Bowman have tried to stabilize things, the losses continuing to pile up is an early sign of concern. Goaltending has been inconsistent since Adin Hill went down with injury, and too many games have gotten away from them in recent days. With a two-day break in between this game and their next one against the Chicago Blackhawks, another rough outing could prompt some major changes.