The Golden Knights are expected to finish second in the Pacific based on projections from The Hockey News' AI projection model, Kevin.

The Hockey News AI projection model, Kevin, predicted the upcoming season. It predicted the Vegas Golden Knights to finish second in the Pacific Division behind the Edmonton Oilers.

Here are the final projected finishes, as projected by Kevin, a predictive learning model created by Rachel Doerrie:

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Vegas Golden Knights

Last year: 51-22-9, 1^st in Pacific (Won Stanley Cup)

Projected Finish: 2^nd in the Pacific

Keys to the Season

1. Stone stays healthy: Mark Stone is a vital piece to winning the Stanley Cup He is an excellent two-way forward with the ability to make everyone he plays with better. He elevated Chandler Stephenson to All-Star status before getting hurt last season. He also suffered a broken wrist in the Stanley Cup finals, so his health is a big question mark for the Golden Knights. If he stays healthy, which is a massive if, he can easily lead the Golden Knight back to the promised land.

2. Team defense over individual goalie performance: Last season, the Golden Knights played five goalies, making the most important position an afterthought. The Golden Knights will need to protect its goalies again this season with excellent team defense. They led the NHL in blocked shots, something that the Golden Knight should continue to do under Bruce Cassidy.

3. Jack Eichel maintains “Playoff Jack” mode: Jack Eichel played some of the best hockey of his career during the Stanley Cup run. He scored 24 points, but it was his two-way play that had him close to winning the Conn Smythe. If Eichel maintains that level of play for the regular season, the Golden Knights will be a difficult team to defeat 5-on-5.

Most-likely Scenario: The Golden Knights earn a playoff spot, if not win the division with a strong 5-on-5 play. Mark Stone plays enough games to make a difference and Jack Eichel continues to flash his excellent two-play to help the Golden Knights

Worst-case Scenario: Stone gets hurt early and injuries snowball from there. Eichel can’t carry the load, and the goaltending falls apart. In the worst-case scenario, the Golden Knights miss the playoffs in a crowded Pacific Division.