David Schoen

The Golden Knights find themselves behind after one game of the Western Conference quarterfinals in part because they fell for the mind games played by San Jose.

Russian forward Nikita Gusev caused an uproar early Thursday when word leaked out of Europe that he is seeking an early release from his Kontinental Hockey League contract in order to sign with the Golden Knights.

Golden Knights coach Gerard Gallant was forced to make some difficult lineup decisions for Game 1 of the Western Conference quarterfinal against the San Jose Sharks.

The 37-year-old Deryk Engelland, a longtime Las Vegas resident and fan favorite, will be an unrestricted free agent in the summer and said he has no plans to stop playing.

The Golden Knights begin defense of their Western Conference championship Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. when they meet the San Jose Sharks in a best-of-seven quarterfinal series.

The Golden Knights aren’t concerned about the health of goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury entering their Western Conference quarterfinal series against San Jose.

Despite their wishes, the Golden Knights are going to have to ‘flip the switch’ as they begin defense of their Western Conference championship against the San Jose Sharks.

Defenseman Nate Schmidt’s 20-game suspension turned out to be a principal factor in the Golden Knights’ slow start.

Bolstered by the return of Nate Schmidt from suspension and the addition of an unlikely goal-scoring sensation, the Golden Knights went on a 19-4-3 run from Nov. 18 to Jan. 8 to climb back into the race in the Pacific Division.

Alex Tuch emerged as an impact performer for the Golden Knights during the first half of the season but was plagued by inconsistency after the All-Star break.

Golden Knights center Cody Eakin set a career high in goals without sacrificing the 200-foot game hes asked to play.

Injuries, a suspension and a brutal road schedule conspired to give the Golden Knights a head-pounding Stanley Cup hangover that lasted well into November.

The Golden Knights close out the regular season Saturday when they meet the Los Angeles Kings at Staples Center.

Goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury will make his first start since March 15 when the Knights play their final home game of the season Thursday against the Arizona Coyotes.