Pavel Dorofeyev, a key player for the Vegas Golden Knights with 35 goals this season, will miss Game 6 against the Minnesota Wild due to an undisclosed injury. Coach Bruce Cassidy announced that Dorofeyev is day-to-day and will be replaced by Victor Olofsson, who has contributed 15 goals this season. Olofsson is expected to step in on the power play, showcasing Vegas' depth as they aim to close out the first round of the Western Conference series. Despite the absence of Dorofeyev, the team remains confident, emphasizing that they are not overly dependent on any single player.

In his last game, Dorofeyev's injury occurred late in a tight 3-2 overtime victory over the Wild, where he started on the top line alongside Jack Eichel and William Karlsson. Mark Stone has taken over his spot, and the reshuffled lines have shown promise, outshooting Minnesota significantly in their previous matchup. The Golden Knights currently lead the series 3-2, with a potential Game 7 looming if the Wild even the odds.

Matt Duchene of the Dallas Stars exemplifies the structured habits many NHL players adopt to prepare for games. His routine includes a two-hour nap, a specific meal of pasta and salmon, and reviewing pregame notes. This habitual framework helps players enter the right mindset, whether it involves their dressing order or warm-up methods. Other players like Pavel Dorofeyev and Mikko Rantanen also share culinary preferences that reflect their game-day rituals, emphasizing the importance of comfort food.

Furthermore, the psychological aspects of these routines are notable. Players like Scott Wedgewood engage in specific on-ice actions before each period, while coaches such as Pete DeBoer have their own pregame traditions. Such rituals, while sometimes seen as superstitions, are core to their game-day preparations, ensuring they maintain focus and readiness for performance.

Matt Duchene of the Dallas Stars relies on a strict routine before games, including a two-hour nap and a specific meal of pasta and salmon. Routines are common among NHL players to help them mentally prepare for games. These can include pre-game meals like Pavel Dorofeyev's pasta with Alfredo or Tomas Hertl's scrambled eggs for breakfast.

Other players have unique rituals, like Scott Wedgewood's tapping of the goalposts or Alex Pietrangelo’s adjusted schedule due to family life. Coaches also engage in routines, with Pete DeBoer's walk through Denver becoming a tradition. Game day preparations can change, but many players maintain a consistent dressing order. Enjoying a nap is key, as is maintaining a relaxed mindset to avoid overthinking, as expressed by goaltender Logan Thompson.

The Vegas Golden Knights triumphed over the Minnesota Wild in Game 1 of their Western Conference playoff series, securing a 4-2 victory. Brett Howden emerged as a standout, netting two goals, while Tomas Hertl contributed one goal and an assist. Pavel Dorofeyev also found the back of the net, and goaltender Adin Hill made 18 saves to bolster the Knights’ defense.

The match saw an exchange of goals in the first period, with Hertl and Minnesota's Matt Boldy each scoring. Dorofeyev's goal during a power play gave Vegas a brief two-goal cushion, but Boldy's late effort kept the Wild within reach. Howden's empty-netter sealed the win as the Knights prepare for Game 2.

Pavel Dorofeyev's 35th goal of the season propelled the Vegas Golden Knights to a 4-1 victory over the Vancouver Canucks in their regular-season finale. The Knights, now holding the second seed in the Western Conference, showcased strength despite resting some starters. Jack Eichel made a notable return, scoring after a four-game absence due to injury. Victor Olofsson contributed with a goal and an assist, while Cole Schwindt celebrated his first NHL goal. Vancouver's Pius Suter managed to score, but the team's playoff hopes were dashed earlier in the week.

As the Golden Knights prepare for the playoffs against the Minnesota Wild, it’s worth noting their dominance over Vancouver this season, winning all four matchups. The Canucks, however, finished the season in the Pacific Division's fifth spot, marking yet another year without playoff action.