Golden Knights Aim to Ride Marner's Playmaking in Game 1 vs. Mammoth

Vegas' star-studded top line looks to get off to a fast start in the NHL playoffs

Apr. 19, 2026 at 2:20pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the action and energy of a hockey game between the Mammoth and Golden Knights, with sharp, overlapping shapes and planes representing the players, puck, and arena.The Golden Knights' star-studded top line looks to orchestrate a Game 1 victory over the Mammoth in the NHL playoffs.Las Vegas Today

The Vegas Golden Knights will host the Mammoth in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series on Sunday, April 19, 2026. Vegas is led by a top line of Mitch Marner, Jack Eichel, and Mark Stone, who are expected to drive the offense. Marner's playmaking skills and ability to set up his linemates should be a key factor in the game.

Why it matters

The Golden Knights are favored at home and have a significant talent advantage over the Mammoth. How Marner, Eichel, and Stone perform together could determine the outcome of the series opener. Vegas' goaltending has been a concern, but if they can get strong production from their top line, it could help offset any issues between the pipes.

The details

Mitch Marner is slated to skate on the Golden Knights' top line with Jack Eichel and Mark Stone. While the trio only spent 45 minutes together during the regular season, they controlled 67% of the shot attempts, 75% of the expected goals, and 78% of the scoring chances in those minutes. Marner is known for his playmaking abilities, and with goal-scorers like Eichel and Stone on his wings, he should have plenty of opportunities to rack up assists in Game 1.

  • The Golden Knights and Mammoth will face off in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series on Sunday, April 19, 2026 at 10:00 p.m. ET.

The players

Mitch Marner

A skilled playmaker who will center the Golden Knights' top line alongside Jack Eichel and Mark Stone.

Jack Eichel

A prolific goal-scorer who will look to take advantage of the scoring chances created by Marner's passing on the top line.

Mark Stone

A two-way forward who will complement Eichel and Marner's offensive abilities on the Golden Knights' top line.

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What’s next

The winner of this Game 1 matchup will take an early lead in the series, putting pressure on the losing team to respond in Game 2.

The takeaway

The Golden Knights' top line of Marner, Eichel, and Stone has the potential to dominate the Mammoth in Game 1. If Marner can effectively distribute the puck and create scoring chances for his linemates, Vegas should have a strong chance of taking the series opener at home.