Colorado Avalanche right wing Valeri Nichushkin (13) and Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Brayden McNabb (3) battle for the puck in the second period at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/9108f74b-f2cf-4885-a6dc-18080cec4444.jpeg] Colorado Avalanche right wing Valeri Nichushkin (13) and Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Brayden McNabb (3) battle for the puck in the second period at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images The Vegas Golden Knights can clinch home ice in the first round of the playoffs if they can pick up one point against the Colorado Avalanche [http://thn.com/colorado]. The Golden Knights currently hold a five-point lead over the Los Angeles Kings [http://thn.com/la] for the Pacific Division and a nine-point lead over the Edmonton Oilers [http://thn.com/edmonton], with five games remaining. An overtime loss would mean the Oilers could not make up the ground to catch the Golden Knights, guaranteeing the first round of the playoffs would begin in T-Mobile Arena. Acquiring that point will be a difficult task. The Avalanche loaded up at the deadline, adding multiple significant contributors and have been one of the best teams in the NHL since the deadline. The Avalanche are third in the Central Division with 98 points and will likely take on the Dallas Stars [http://thn.com/dallas] in the first round of the playoffs. The Golden Knights are slowly beginning to get healthy. Alex Pietrangelo returned on Apr. 3 [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/vegas-golden-knights/latest-news/alex-pietrangelo-set-to-return-to-golden-knights-lineup-against-league-leading-jets], meaning Tomas Hertl and Ilya Samsonov are the remaining Golden Knights players out with injuries. Both are considered day-to-day and are working their way back to full health. Akira Schmid and Scott Wedgewood are tonight's expected starters. Puck drop is set for 6:30 PM PST at Ball Arena. Stay updated with the most interesting Golden Knights stories, analysis, breaking news and more! Tap the star to add us to your favourites on Google News [https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqBwgKMK-q0gsw7sXpAw/sections/CAQqEAgAKgcICjCvqtILMO7F6QMwiNvfCA?hl=en-CA&gl=CA&ceid=CA%3Aen] to never miss a story. Tomas Hertl Returns To Golden Knights' Practice In Non-Contact Jersey [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/408f6401-7da7-4fe8-b3d3-527db3d64789.jpeg] Tomas Hertl Returns To Golden Knights' Practice In Non-Contact Jersey Vegas Golden Knights center Tomas Hertl practiced today in a non-contact jersey for the first time since suffering his injury against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Mar. 23. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/vegas-golden-knights/latest-news/tomas-hertl-returns-to-golden-knights-practice-in-non-contact-jersey] Golden Knights Recall Akira Schmid Amid Injury Concern For Ilya Samsonov [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/77258d9d-a8b3-427c-ae12-ee1720ec4428.jpeg] Golden Knights Recall Akira Schmid Amid Injury Concern For Ilya Samsonov The Vegas Golden Knights have recalled goaltender Akira Schmid from the Henderson Silver Knights as they deal with a possible injury concern with Ilya Samsonov. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/vegas-golden-knights/latest-news/golden-knights-recall-akira-schmid-amid-injury-concern-for-ilya-samsonov]
