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The Vegas Golden Knights know exactly what this NHL Western Conference Final demands. Against the high-speed attack of the Colorado Avalanche, talent alone will not be enough. That is why all eyes have shifted toward Mitch Marner.
Speaking on Spittin’ Chiclets, former NHL winger T. J. Oshie made it clear how important Marner has become to Vegas’ playoff hopes.
“I think they’re trending exactly how they should be,” Oshie said. “I think they needed Mitch Marner to play like this in order to really get the job done. They’re not quite as fast as some of the other teams. I think they can play fast, which is different than straight speed, but I think they’re gonna need Mitch Marner. They’re gonna need him to be a superstar against Colorado.”
MORE: Mitch Marner continues MVP-level run as Golden Knights knock out Ducks
That assessment matches what has unfolded this postseason. Marner has completely changed the narrative surrounding his playoff reputation since arriving from the Toronto Maple Leafs. Through two rounds, he leads all playoff scorers with 18 points (7 goals, 11 assists) in 12 games while driving Vegas offensively in every situation.
Vegas Golden Knights right wing Mitch Marner (93) during the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
More importantly, Marner fits exactly what coach John Tortorella wants structurally. Vegas is not built like Colorado. The Avalanche overwhelm opponents with pace, transition pressure, and relentless puck movement led by Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar (will not play in Game 1).
Vegas plays differently. They rely on layered defensive structure, physical puck battles, and forcing turnovers into controlled counterattacks. Marner’s two-way game has become the bridge connecting those styles. His ability to create offense without sacrificing defensive responsibility gives Vegas a player capable of surviving Colorado’s speed game.
MORE: Golden Knights find relief amid Oilers, Kings’ pursuit of Bruce Cassidy
Oshie also pointed toward another major factor: health. That pressure falls heavily on captain Mark Stone, whose defensive instincts remain central to Vegas’ identity.
“They’re gonna need to be healthy,” Oshie said. “I don’t know where Stone’s at, how he’s feeling overall. You have to be healthy against Colorado. I think Minnesota’s had a phenomenal roster. They had Ek out and Brodin out, and you can’t do it.”
Colorado enters as the favorite for good reason. The Avalanche are 8-1 this postseason and continue rolling four dangerous lines. Still, Vegas believes this version of Marner gives them something they lacked in previous playoff runs: a dynamic offensive creator capable of matching elite teams shift for shift.
“My gut tells me that Colorado is the heavy favorite the rest of the playoffs, remaining four, but if Mitch Marner plays how we saw him there in that last series, Colorado showed that they can get scored on,” Oshie said. “Minnesota was scoring goals on them at certain times, but they’re gonna need Stone healthy.
“And he’s gonna need some big goals, some of those big turnovers that he creates into odd-man rushes, those power play goals around the net. So, I think a lot is going to rely on that.”
Still. Marner is the player who could change the ceiling of the series.
Against Colorado, that may be the difference between competing and surviving.
Continue reading...
Speaking on Spittin’ Chiclets, former NHL winger T. J. Oshie made it clear how important Marner has become to Vegas’ playoff hopes.
“I think they’re trending exactly how they should be,” Oshie said. “I think they needed Mitch Marner to play like this in order to really get the job done. They’re not quite as fast as some of the other teams. I think they can play fast, which is different than straight speed, but I think they’re gonna need Mitch Marner. They’re gonna need him to be a superstar against Colorado.”
MORE: Mitch Marner continues MVP-level run as Golden Knights knock out Ducks
That assessment matches what has unfolded this postseason. Marner has completely changed the narrative surrounding his playoff reputation since arriving from the Toronto Maple Leafs. Through two rounds, he leads all playoff scorers with 18 points (7 goals, 11 assists) in 12 games while driving Vegas offensively in every situation.
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Vegas Golden Knights right wing Mitch Marner (93) during the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
More importantly, Marner fits exactly what coach John Tortorella wants structurally. Vegas is not built like Colorado. The Avalanche overwhelm opponents with pace, transition pressure, and relentless puck movement led by Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar (will not play in Game 1).
Vegas plays differently. They rely on layered defensive structure, physical puck battles, and forcing turnovers into controlled counterattacks. Marner’s two-way game has become the bridge connecting those styles. His ability to create offense without sacrificing defensive responsibility gives Vegas a player capable of surviving Colorado’s speed game.
MORE: Golden Knights find relief amid Oilers, Kings’ pursuit of Bruce Cassidy
One major concern for the Vegas Golden Knights
Oshie also pointed toward another major factor: health. That pressure falls heavily on captain Mark Stone, whose defensive instincts remain central to Vegas’ identity.
“They’re gonna need to be healthy,” Oshie said. “I don’t know where Stone’s at, how he’s feeling overall. You have to be healthy against Colorado. I think Minnesota’s had a phenomenal roster. They had Ek out and Brodin out, and you can’t do it.”
Colorado enters as the favorite for good reason. The Avalanche are 8-1 this postseason and continue rolling four dangerous lines. Still, Vegas believes this version of Marner gives them something they lacked in previous playoff runs: a dynamic offensive creator capable of matching elite teams shift for shift.
“My gut tells me that Colorado is the heavy favorite the rest of the playoffs, remaining four, but if Mitch Marner plays how we saw him there in that last series, Colorado showed that they can get scored on,” Oshie said. “Minnesota was scoring goals on them at certain times, but they’re gonna need Stone healthy.
“And he’s gonna need some big goals, some of those big turnovers that he creates into odd-man rushes, those power play goals around the net. So, I think a lot is going to rely on that.”
Still. Marner is the player who could change the ceiling of the series.
Against Colorado, that may be the difference between competing and surviving.
Continue reading...
