Dallas Stars News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now!
Vegas Golden Knights Struggle in Pacific Division
30 Jan 2026
Chapter 1: What is the current status of the Vegas Golden Knights in the Pacific Division?
From Dallas Stars coverage, this is your January 30th update. The Vegas Golden Knights are hanging on to first place in the Pacific Division, but they're 25 wins, 14 losses, and 14 overtime. Losses give them a below 500 record with 64 points, now tied with the Edmonton Oilers.
They dropped a tough 5-4 shootout decision to the Dallas Stars at home on Thursday, despite leading the division heading into the Olympic break. The game got wild after Vegas trailed 4-1.
They rallied in the third period with a shorthanded goal from Riley Smith, Ivan Barbashev, snapping a 16-game goal drought to make it 4-3, and Mitch Marner tying it with a wrist shot from the blue line with just 49 seconds left. But overtime solved nothing, and in the shootout, Dallas' Jason Robertson and Mikko Rantanen scored while Vegas missed.
Chapter 2: What are the main issues affecting the Golden Knights' performance in overtime and shootouts?
Coach Bruce Cassidy was blunt about the issues, pointing to turnovers and a lack of direct play. He even held a rare mid-game video session between the second and third periods to wake up his team, something he said he has not done in 10 years. Those overtime and shootout woes have stung.
with 13 overtime losses and just one win in six shootouts for a lineup boasting stars like Jack, Eichel, Mark Stone, and Thomas Hertel. Injuries and trades have hurt the blue line, too. Alex Pietrangelo is on long-term injured reserve after the deal for Marner.
Chapter 3: How have injuries and trades impacted the Vegas Golden Knights' defense?
Brayden McNabb has been out all January, and new additions like Rasmus. Anderson and Jeremy Lazan are still adjusting. Goaltender Aden Hill made some big stops but let in four goals, and the team needs better defense in front to keep pucks out of high-danger areas. With two games in hand on Edmonton and four games left before the Olympic break, Vegas hopes to get healthier and find their groove.
Hills should play a couple more, and they resume February 25th in Los Angeles.
Chapter 4: What strategies is Coach Bruce Cassidy implementing to improve the team's play?
Oh, and mark your calendars for February 20th, 2027, when they face Dallas at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Support for this DNN episode comes from our sponsor.
No need to switch positions when your head is inside.
Chapter 5: What are the Golden Knights' hopes for the upcoming games and their playoff chances?
A Solly pillow.