Expectations were high for the Vegas Golden Knights heading into the 2022-23 campaign. Vegas was coming off its first shortened season after failing to reach the postseason for the first time. A coaching change was made, as Pete DeBoer was dismissed and Bruce Cassidy was hired just over a week after being let go by the Boston Bruins. That switch was a crucial step for the Golden Knights in what proved to be the most successful season in franchise history.
It started as early as training camp, as players bought in to Cassidy’s message and approach. It was clear from the get-go, as the Golden Knights got off to the best start in six seasons, going 13-2-0 out of the gate. The Golden Knights hit a rough patch in January but rebounded in a big way coming out of the All-Star break. Prior to the break, Vegas lost seven out of eight games, going 1-5-2 in that stretch. On the other side of it, however, the Golden Knights won five in a row, went 6-1-2 in February and eventually finished the year on a miraculous 22-4-5 run.
The rest, as they say, is history.
But as Year 7 of Golden Knights hockey approaches, it’s worth looking back at the Golden Knights’ journey to the first Stanley Cup in franchise history, starting with a record-setting 111-point regular season campaign (51-22-9).
Note: Minor injuries are not included in the timeline.
OCTOBER
Record: 8-2-0
Goalie starts split: Thompson (6), Hill (4)
Leading scorers: Eichel (4-6–10), Marchessault (5-3–8), Stephenson (4-4–8), Stone (3-5–8)
Notes: The Golden Knights started the season 3-0-0 before suffering a memorable loss in Calgary. They put together winning streaks of three and four games in the opening month of Year 6, scored first in seven out of 10 games and went 6-for-32 on the power play (18.8 percent) and 18-for-23 on the penalty kill (78.3 percent). Shea Theodore was the only Vegas defenseman with a goal in the month of October; Phil Kessel broke the ironman streak on Oct. 25 in San Jose.
Oct. 11 – Season opener
Game #1: Vegas @ Los Angeles (4-3 VGK)
Jonathan Marchessault scored the first Vegas goal of the season, converting on a 3-on-1 just 1:41 into the second period.
Jack Eichel scored 1:27 into the third, giving Vegas a 2-1 lead. The Golden Knights and Kings exchanged goals in the third, and Mark Stone scored the game-winner with 26 seconds left in regulation, beating none other than future teammate Jonathan Quick.
Cassidy picked up his first win as Vegas bench boss, and it was evident that he had implemented widespread changes. Vegas’ top players came through, with Marchessault, Eichel, William Karlsson, Stone, Chandler Stephenson, Reilly Smith and Alex Pietrangelo all finding the scoresheet in the Golden Knights’ season opener. Eichel and Stone looked healthy and dynamic, the power play looked more threatening than it had in quite some time, and Logan Thompson won his first game as the No. 1 starter for Vegas, stopping 27 of 30 shots for a .900 save percentage. Kessel made his Golden Knights debut, playing 13:56 on a line with Eichel and Smith. The Golden Knights set a franchise record for most shots in a season opener with 51.
Vegas goals: Marchessault (1), Eichel (1), Karlsson (1-PPG), Stone (1)
RECAP
Oct. 13 – Home opener
Game #2: Vegas vs. Chicago (1-0 VGK)
The Golden Knights won their fifth home opener in six seasons. Paul Cotter scored the lone goal for Vegas 8:44 into the second period.
Thompson made 27 saves in his second career shutout and first of the season.
Every Golden Knights skater in the lineup recorded at least one shot on goal.
Vegas goals: Cotter (1)
RECAP
Oct. 15 – Three in a row
Game #3: Vegas @ Seattle (5-2 VGK)
Vegas scored five unanswered goals in the first two periods in a lopsided win. Keegan Kolesar kicked off the scoring off the opening faceoff, as he and William Carrier completed a give-and-go to make it 1-0 just 12 seconds into the contest.
Adin Hill won his first start with the Golden Knights, stopping 31 of 33 shots for a .939 save percentage. Marchessault scored twice, and Eichel and Theodore had two points apiece. Stephenson had a penalty shot but did not convert. Vegas improved to 3-0-0 to start the season.
Vegas goals: Kolesar (1), Marchessault (2-PPG), Smith (1-PPG), Marchessault (3), Theodore (1)
RECAP
Oct. 18 – Undisciplined second
Game #4: Vegas @ Calgary (3-2 CGY)
Carrier and Brett Howden scored in the first period to give Vegas a 2-0 lead. However, everything fell apart in the middle frame when Vegas took six minor penalties. Cassidy’s first challenge as Vegas bench boss was successful, as he got Calgary’s first power-play goal of the second called back; however, the Flames went on to score two more to make it 2-2 through 40 minutes. Mikael Backlund scored with 4:29 left in the third to complete the Flames’ comeback; it was the first time Vegas had trailed since Marchessault’s equalizer against Los Angeles in the season opener.
The Golden Knights were outshot 40-21, and discipline cost them in the end. However, Thompson was stellar, turning aside 37 of 40 shots for a .925 save percentage in his third start of the year.
Vegas goals: Carrier (1), Howden (1)
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Oct. 20 – Back in the win column
Game #5: Vegas @ Winnipeg (5-2 VGK)
The Golden Knights scored four goals in the first period, two of which came in the span of 1:48. Eichel scored twice (he went for the hat trick but missed the empty net), and Hill made 26 saves on 28 shots for a .929 save percentage in his second start (and second win) with Vegas. The Golden Knights took one penalty after taking six in one period against Calgary. Eichel, Karlsson, Marchessault and Pietrangelo had two points apiece.
Vegas goals: Eichel (2), Karlsson (2), Stephenson (1), Eichel (3), Marchessault (4)
RECAP
Oct. 22 – Misfit sighting
Game #6: Vegas vs. Colorado (3-2 COL)
Nathan MacKinnon scored on the power play just under six minutes into the game, and Vegas went 16 minutes without a shot in the opening frame. However, Marchessault scored on the power play off a great feed from Stone (the 300th assist of his career) to make it 1-1 with 44 seconds left in the first.
Cassidy made some late line changes, reuniting the Misfit Line and putting Stephenson, Eichel and Stone together; Stephenson scored to make it a one-goal game 2:22 after Colorado took a 3-1 lead, but the rally fell short despite the exciting push. Vegas blocked 27 shots but went 0-for-2 on the penalty kill.
Vegas goals: Marchessault (5-PPG), Stephenson (2)
RECAP
Oct. 24 – Kessel ties Yandle
Game #7: Vegas vs. Toronto (3-1 VGK)
Kessel tied the ironman streak with his 989th consecutive game, pulling even with defenseman Keith Yandle. He scored what would have been his 400th goal against his former team, but the Leafs challenged it and wiped it off the board.
However, he then assisted on Nicolas Roy’s first of the year, which made it 1-0 just under four minutes into the first. Stephenson scored the game-winner just 42 seconds into the third, and Michael Amadio added an insurance marker less than eight minutes later. Thompson stopped 22 of 23 and made a great desperation save on Auston Matthews at the side of the net.
Vegas goals: Roy (1), Stephenson (3), Amadio (1)
RECAP
Oct. 25 – Kessel is Ironman
Game #8: Vegas @ San Jose (4-2 VGK)
Kessel broke the NHL’s ironman streak with his 990th consecutive game.
It was quite a night for “Phil the Thrill,” as he also netted his 400th career goal in a come-from-behind road win for the Golden Knights.
Ten different players found the scoresheet. Hill beat his former team for the first time since getting traded, stopping 29 of 31 shots for a .935 save percentage to improve to 3-0-0.
Vegas goals: Kessel (1), Theodore (2), Karlsson (3), Stone (2)
RECAP
Oct. 28 – “Nevada Day”
Game #9: Vegas vs. Anaheim (4-0 VGK)
Vegas secured its third straight win and seventh in nine games. Thompson recorded his second shutout of the season with 29 saves to improve to 4-2-0. Stephenson scored the game-winner on the power play late in the first period, giving him points in five straight games.
Smith netted his first shorthanded goal of the year on his 100th goal as a member of the Golden Knights.
Vegas goals: Stephenson (4-PPG), Smith (2-SHG), Karlsson (4), Roy (2)
RECAP
Oct. 30 – Jack’s late thriller
Game #10: Golden Knights vs. Jets (2-1 VGK, OT)
The Golden Knights were dominant but ran into a stingy Connor Hellebuyck, who stopped 46 of Vegas’ first 47 shots. But Eichel showed flashes of brilliance with his overtime game-winner, a true preview of his postseason performance to come.
Hill finished the month 4-0-0.
Vegas goals: Stone (3), Eichel (4)
RECAP
NOVEMBER
Record: 9-4-1
Goalie starts split: Thompson (10), Hill (4)
Leading scorers: Eichel (7-9–16), Pietrangelo (3-12–15), Stephenson (2-9–11), Stone (6-4–10), Marchessault (3-7–10), Theodore (1-9–10)
Notes: The Golden Knights recorded five consecutive wins at the start of the month to give them a nine-game winning streak; however, they went 4-4-1 the rest of the way. The goalie rotation was consistent, with Thompson starting two games followed by one start for Hill. Vegas scored the first goal of the game eight times and went 8-for-38 on the power play (21.1 percent) and 26-for-36 (72.2 percent) on the penalty kill, good for 19th and 24th overall, respectively.
Nov. 1 – More OT magic
Game #11: Vegas @ Washington (3-2 VGK, OT)
Both teams scored on the power play in the first, but Washington took a 2-1 lead after two. Carrier tied it with just under six minutes left in the third, setting up more overtime heroics for Eichel. However, it was Theodore who scored the game-winner this time.
Vegas goals: Eichel (5-PPG), Carrier (2), Theodore (3)
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Nov. 3 – First to 10
Game #12: Vegas @ Ottawa (5-4 VGK)
Vegas took a 5-1 lead at 10:14 of the second and was able to hold on despite Ottawa’s three unanswered goals. The Golden Knights became the first team in the NHL to hit 10 wins, but it marked the first time the Golden Knights gave up more than three goals. Thompson had a rare gaffe on a deep shot by Claude Giroux in the first; however, he made 42 saves in his sixth win of the year. Zach Whitecloud became the second Vegas defenseman to find twine, and Carrier scored for the second game in a row.
Vegas goals: Stone (4), Smith (3-PPG), Whitecloud (1), Stephenson (5-SHG), Carrier (3)
RECAP
Nov. 5 – Fourth line shines
Game #13: Vegas @ Montreal (6-4 VGK)
The two clubs combined for seven goals – three of which came on the man-advantage – in a wild third period. Nicolas Hague became the third Vegas blueliner to light the lamp, Smith potted two goals, the power play went 2-for-4 and the fourth line’s strong play continued as both Kolesar and Roy scored. Marchessault became the first player to record 300 points with the Golden Knights.
Vegas goals: Hague (1), Smith (4), Smith (5-PPG), Kolesar (2), Roy (3), Marchessault (6-PPG)
RECAP
Nov. 8 – First win in Toronto
Game #14: Vegas @ Toronto (4-3 VGK, OT)
The Golden Knights were outshot 15-5 in the second and were held to 11 shots in the final two periods, but the Karlsson-Smith combination struck yet again to tie the game in the third period, and Smith finished it off with the OT game-winner, giving him five goals in three games. It was his team-leading seventh of the year and came 23 seconds into extra time, improving Vegas’ OT record to 3-0. It was the club’s first road win against the Maple Leafs in franchise history.
Vegas goals: Roy (4), Eichel (6), Smith (6-SHG), Smith (7)
RECAP
Nov. 10 – Are you not entertained?
NEWS: Golden Knights place Laurent Brossoit on waivers
Game #15: Vegas @ Buffalo (7-4 VGK)
Eichel’s highly-anticipated return to Buffalo saw the former Sabres captain explode for a hat trick and four points in the third period. Vegas finished its road trip 5-0-0 for the first time in franchise history, and the Golden Knights improved to 13-2-0 on the year.
Vegas goals: Stephenson (6-PPG), Kessel (2), Cotter (2), Pietrangelo (1), Eichel (7), Eichel (8), Eichel (9)
RECAP
Nov. 12 – Streak ends at nine
Game #16: Vegas vs. St. Louis (3-2 STL)
The Golden Knights’ winning streak ended at nine games after St. Louis scored two goals (the first of which was scored by Ivan Barbashev) in 40 seconds in the second period. Smith added another shorthanded goal in Hill’s first loss with the Golden Knights (.893 SV%).
Vegas goals: Smith (8-SHG), Kessel (3)
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Nov. 15 – Empty third
Game #17: Vegas vs. San Jose (5-2 SJS)
Vegas lost its second straight after giving up four goals in the third period, two of which were empty-netters. Eichel recorded his 400th career point with his 10th goal of the year.
Vegas goals: Eichel (10), Marchessault (7)
RECAP
Nov. 17 – Kessel hits 1K
Game #18: Vegas vs. Arizona (4-1 VGK)
Pietrangelo had three points, giving him 17 in 18 games on the year, in Kessel’s 1,000th consecutive game.
Vegas goals: Pietrangelo (2-PPG), Carrier (4), Stone (5), Smith (9)
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Nov. 19 – McDavid plays spoiler
Game #19: Vegas @ Edmonton (4-3 EDM, OT)
Stone scored on his first career penalty shot in a two-goal performance, but Connor McDavid won it for the Oilers 77 seconds into overtime, handing Vegas its first OT loss of the season.
Vegas goals: Kolesar (3), Stone (6), Stone (7)
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Nov. 21 – Road rally
Game #20: Vegas @ Vancouver (5-4 VGK)
Vegas scored three goals in the span of 7:20 in the third to rally past the Canucks. Carrier scored twice, giving him three goals in three games.
Vegas goals: Stone (8), Carrier (5), Carrier (6), Smith (10), Pietrangelo (3)
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Nov. 23 – William time
Game #21: Vegas vs. Ottawa (4-1 VGK)
Stone scored against his former team for the second time in two games. Pietrangelo recorded his 21st point of the year in his 900th career game, and Carrier and Karlsson potted memorable goals as Vegas scored three unanswered.
It was another notable performance by Thompson, who stopped 38 of 39 to move to 11-3-0 on the season.
INJURY: Howden (return date: Jan. 24)
Vegas goals: Stone (9-PPG), Carrier (7), Karlsson (5), Eichel (11)
RECAP
Nov. 25 – Kraken take first krack
Game #22: Vegas vs. Seattle (4-2 SEA)
The Kraken defeated the Golden Knights for the first time in franchise history. Vegas fought back from a 2-0 deficit but was unable to respond when Seattle added two more in the second period.
Vegas goals: Roy (5-PPG), Kessel (4)
RECAP
Nov. 26 – Ugly blowout
Game #23: Vegas vs. Vancouver (5-1 VAN)
Vancouver scored five consecutive goals, including three straight on the power play. Marchessault scored in the final four minutes of regulation, but Vancouver was dominant in Vegas’ second straight loss.
Vegas goals: Marchessault (8)
RECAP
Nov. 28 – Road win No. 10
Game #24: Vegas @ Columbus (3-2 VGK, SO)
Vegas scored two goals in 56 seconds in the first period, including yet another goal from Carrier. Vegas later blew that two-goal lead, but the Golden Knights came out on top thanks to Cotter’s game-winning goal in the seventh round of the shootout on his first career attempt.
INJURY: Pietrangelo missed the first of nine games for personal reasons, later revealed to be his four-year-old daughter’s serious illness (encephalitis).
Vegas goals: Karlsson (6), Carrier (8)
RECAP
DECEMBER
Record: 8-6-1
Goalie starts split: Thompson (11), Hill (4)
Leading scorers: Stephenson (4-16–20), Stone (7-10–17), Smith (8-4–12)
Notes: It was a “December to Remember” for the Golden Knights’ power play, which converted on 14 of 41 attempts, good for a 34.2 percent efficiency rate. That was second overall behind only Edmonton (39.6 percent). Vegas’ penalty kill also had a strong month, going 33-for-41 (80.5 percent), good for 11th overall. Smith scored eight goals, and Stone and Stephenson combined for 37 points with Eichel out of the lineup in 12 of 15 games. Pietrangelo, Theodore and Whitecloud played a combined 18 games; Daniil Miromanov recorded six points (2-4–6) in 14 games. However, the Golden Knights encountered a constant stream of injuries.
Dec. 1 – Rare road loss
NEWS: Thompson named NHL’s Rookie of the Month for November
Game #25: Vegas @ Pittsburgh (4-3 PIT)
The Golden Knights took a 2-0 lead in the first period but were outscored 4-1 in the second and third frames; Pittsburgh scored two goals in the span of 1:52 in the third period. Vegas gave up 47 shots, which was tied for second-most in franchise history at the time. Thompson made his third consecutive start for the first time, finishing the game with 43 saves on 47 shots (.915 SV%).
Vegas goals: Eichel (12), Smith (11-PPG), Theodore (4-PPG)
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Dec. 3 – Eichel down
Game #26: Vegas @ Detroit (4-1 VGK)
Eichel scored in the first but left the game in the third, favoring his leg as he made his way down the tunnel. It was the club’s first major injury of the season, and while he returned for one game (Dec. 9), he ultimately missed extensive time. Hill snapped a personal three-game losing skid (.960 SV%), improving to 6-2-1.
Vegas goals: Eichel (13), Marchessault (9-PPG), Kessel (5), Smith (12)
RECAP
INJURY: Eichel (eventual return date: Jan. 5)
Dec. 5 – Cassidy’s revenge
Game #27: Vegas @ Boston (4-3 VGK, SO)
The Golden Knights blew a 3-0 lead but won in a shootout in Cassidy’s return to Boston, handing the Bruins their first home loss of the season (14-0-1). Cotter was spectacular and lit the lamp twice while filling in for the injured Eichel; Smith scored the game-winning goal in the shootout. Thompson had a statement win (his 13th of the year); it marked the first time in his career that he faced 40-plus shots in back-to-back starts, and he went on to stop all five Boston shootout attempts.
Vegas goals: Cotter (3), Marchessault (10), Cotter (4)
RECAP
Dec. 7 – Pietrangelo announcement
NEWS: Golden Knights announce Pietrangelo will be away from team indefinitely
Game #28: Vegas vs. NY Rangers (5-1 NYR)
Vegas gave up three goals in under two minutes as part of a four-goal third period in the team’s third straight loss on home ice.
Vegas goals: Marchessault (11-PPG)
RECAP
Dec. 9 – Not Shea’s day
Game #29: Vegas vs. Philadelphia (2-1 VGK, OT)
Theodore sustained an injury after an accidental knee-on-knee collision with Travis Sanheim. Carrier matched his career high in goals (9) as the Golden Knights bounced back with an OT win thanks to a breakaway goal by Marchessault, giving him goals in four straight. It marked Vegas’ 20th win of the year.
INJURY: Theodore (return date: Jan. 27)
Vegas goals: Carrier (9), Marchessault (12)
RECAP
Dec. 11 – Another game, another injury
Game #30: Vegas vs. Boston (3-1 BOS)
The Golden Knights scored one goal, giving them seven in their last five home games. Vegas was without Eichel, Pietrangelo and Theodore before losing Whitecloud to an injury that knocked him out of the lineup long-term.
INJURY: Whitecloud (return date: Feb. 7) – LTIR
Vegas goals: Stone (10-PPG)
RECAP
Dec. 13 – Score fest
Game #31: Vegas @ Winnipeg (6-5 VGK)
Vegas pulled off a comeback win with three straight goals in the third, two of which were power-play strikes courtesy of Marchessault from the left circle. Stephenson had four points, Marchessault and Stone scored twice and Miromanov scored his first career NHL goal as part of a three-point night.
Vegas goals: Miromanov (1), Stone (11), Stone (12), Marchessault (13-PPG), Marchessault (14-PPG), Karlsson (7)
RECAP
Dec. 15 – Power kill strikes again
Game #32: Vegas @ Chicago (4-1 VGK)
Stephenson snapped a 16-game goalless drought, Karlsson found Smith for another shorthanded goal (his fourth of the year) and Smith, Marchessault and Karlsson combined for six points in the win. Brayden Pachal recorded an assist for his first career NHL point. The win improved Vegas’ road record to a staggering 14-2-0. Cotter left the game with an injury after a crushing hit from Jarred Tinordi.
INJURY: Cotter (return date: Jan. 5)
Vegas goals: Stephenson (7-PPG), Smith (13-SHG), Kessel (6), Smith (14)
RECAP
Dec. 17 – Pietrangelo returns
Game #33: Vegas vs. NY Islanders (5-2 NYI)
Smith scored twice on the power play as Vegas dropped another game on home ice. Pietrangelo tallied an assist on the second goal in his first game back in the lineup following his daughter’s health scare.
Vegas goals: Smith (15-PPG), Smith (16-PPG)
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Dec. 19 – Troubles at home
Game #34: Vegas vs. Buffalo (3-2 BUF)
Vegas trailed 3-0 after two periods and was unable to complete a third-period comeback, bringing the Golden Knights to 8-9-0 on home ice.
Vegas goals: Stephenson (8), Smith (17)
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Dec. 21 – Back to .500
Game #35: Vegas vs. Arizona (5-2 VGK)
The December special teams magic continued as Vegas scored two on the man-advantage and added a shorthanded tally. Stone’s first of the night was a strong finish on a perfectly-executed play by Vegas’ top unit.
The Golden Knights lit the lamp four times in the third period and scored two goals on odd-man rushes to improve their home record to 9-9-0. In their previous seven home games, Vegas had scored just 11 goals. Carrier set a career high with his 10th of the season.
INJURY: Marchessault (return date: Jan. 7)
Vegas goals: Miromanov (2-PPG), Stone (13-PPG), Carrier (10), Stone (14-SHG), Amadio (2)
RECAP
Dec. 23 – Typical VGK-STL matchup
Game #36: Vegas vs. St. Louis (5-4 VGK, SO)
In yet another thrilling 5-4 game between the Golden Knights and Blues, Pietrangelo scored a gorgeous goal on the backhand against his former team, and Stephenson scored with the extra attacker to tie it up at 4-4 with 1:36 left in regulation.
Vegas was led by the top line of Stone, Stephenson and Amadio, which combined for nine points. Stephenson extended his point streak to seven games with a four-point night, Amadio scored for the second game in a row and finished the game with three points, while Stone added two points and the game-winning goal in the shootout.
Vegas goals: Pietrangelo (4), Stone (15), Amadio (3), Stephenson (9-PPG)
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Dec. 27 – Another d-man down
Game #37: Vegas @ Los Angeles (4-2 LAK)
Amadio scored for the third game in a row on Vegas’ 14th power-play goal of the month, and Brayden McNabb lit the lamp against his former team for his first of the year. But Vegas proceeded to surrender three unanswered goals in its third regulation road loss of the season. Alec Martinez left the game after blocking a shot with his foot.
INJURY: Martinez (return date: Jan. 7)
Vegas goals: Amadio (4-PPG), McNabb (1)
RECAP
Dec. 28 – The first pull
Game #38: Vegas @ Anaheim (3-2 ANA, SO)
The Golden Knights outshot the Ducks 51-27 but still fell short, suffering back-to-back road losses for the first time in 2022-23. Vegas gave up two first-period goals to Adam Henrique, resulting in the first goalie change of the year (Thompson came in for Hill). The Golden Knights scored yet another shorthanded goal.
Ben Hutton – filling in for the injured Martinez – scored his first of the year and first since March 10, 2021, but John Gibson shut the door the rest of the way. Vegas went 0-for-5 on the power play, and Anaheim scored on both of its shootout attempts.
Vegas goals: Stone (16-SHG), Hutton (1)
RECAP
Dec. 31 – So long, 2022
Game #39: Vegas vs. Nashville (5-4 VGK, OT)
Filip Forsberg’s hat trick threatened to send Vegas into New Year’s Eve on a three-game skid, but the Golden Knights fought back for an overtime victory courtesy of a Haguerbomb.
Stone and Stephenson each had three points, and Smith scored his 18th of the year.
INJURY: Miromanov (return date/assigned to AHL: Feb. 25)
Vegas goals: Kolesar (4), Amadio (5), Smith (18), Stephenson (10), Hague (2)
RECAP
JANUARY
Record: 4-6-2
Goalie starts split: Thompson (8), Hill (4)
Leading scorers: Roy (4-4–8), Karlsson (4-4–8), Kessel (3-4–7)
Notes: The power play fell back down to earth in the opening month of 2023, which was by far Vegas’ worst stretch of the season. Stone’s injury played a huge role in that, but after netting 14 power-play goals in December, the Golden Knights followed that up with just three, going 3-for-22 (13.6 percent), which was good for 29th overall. Their third-ranked penalty kill made up for it, however, killing 21 of 24 (87.5 percent), but it didn’t stop Vegas from stringing together losing streaks of three and four games.
Jan. 2 – A win in Denver
Game #40: Vegas @ Colorado (3-2 VGK)
Every member of the fourth line found the scoresheet as Amadio extended his point streak to seven games (5-4–9) and Roy scored twice, snapping a 17-game goalless drought.
Vegas goals: Amadio (6), Roy (6), Roy (7)
RECAP
Jan. 5 – Welcome back, Cotter (and Jack)
NEWS: Thompson named to NHL All-Star Game
Game #41: Vegas vs. Pittsburgh (5-2 VGK)
Both Cotter and Eichel found the scoresheet, combining for two goals and five points in their first game back in the lineup. Hill made 38 saves, and Stone, Karlsson and Kessel all had two-point games.
Vegas goals: Kessel (7), Eichel (14), Stephenson (11-PPG), Stone (17), Cotter (5)
RECAP
Jan. 7 – Many happy returns
Game #42: Vegas vs. Los Angeles (5-1 LAK)
Marchessault scored in his first game back in the lineup, but it was a flat performance by the Golden Knights, which snapped a three-game winning streak. It was Vegas’ second loss to Los Angeles in 12 days.
Vegas goals: Marchessault (15)
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Jan. 10-11 – Roster moves, ASG news
NEWS: Vegas waives Jake Leschyshyn, sends Pachal down to Henderson
NEWS: Cassidy named Pacific Division coach in All-Star Game
NEWS: Rangers claim Leschyshyn off waivers
Jan. 12 – Captain casualty
Game #43: Vegas vs. Florida (4-2 VGK)
The Golden Knights delivered a come-from-behind win but lost Stone in the process; after playing less than four minutes, Stone left the game with a back injury that sidelined him for the final 39 games of the regular season. The turning point came on a successful second-period challenge for offside; the Golden Knights went on to score three unanswered goals in the third, with Carrier’s game-winner coming with 2:36 left.
INJURY: Stone (return date: April 18 – Game 1 vs. Winnipeg)
Vegas goals: Roy (8), Eichel (15), Carrier (11), Karlsson (8-PPG)
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Jan. 14 – Slow start
Game #44: Vegas vs. Edmonton (4-2 EDM)
The Golden Knights gave up two goals in the first two minutes of the game and were never able to recover in an overall sloppy effort. Vegas scored at 13:39 of the second to pull within one, but Edmonton stormed back and scored 18 seconds later. Vegas added a goal in the final minute of the frame, but it wasn’t enough for the win. Byron Froese recorded his first point with the Golden Knights. It was Vegas’ sixth straight loss against a division opponent (0-5-1).
Vegas goals: Kolesar (5), Cotter (6), Karlsson (9)
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Jan. 16 – DeBoer’s return
Game #45: Vegas vs. Dallas (4-0 DAL)
The Golden Knights were completely outplayed by the Stars and DeBoer in his return to T-Mobile Arena. It marked the first time Vegas was shut out in 2022-23.
Vegas goals: NA
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Jan. 19 – Three in a row
Game #46: Vegas vs. Detroit (3-2 DET)
The Golden Knights scored twice in the final minute of a period (19:23 of the first, 19:17 of the third) but were unable to net the equalizer in the remaining 43 seconds, suffering the team’s third consecutive loss.
Vegas goals: Pietrangelo (5), Karlsson (10)
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Jan. 21 – False hope
Game #47: Vegas vs. Washington (6-2 VGK)
The Golden Knights exploded for six goals against dreadful Washington goaltending, but it would not be the end of their January struggles, as Vegas went on to lose the next four. That being said, five different players lit the lamp for Vegas, including Martinez, who got his first of the year. Cotter recorded his second career two-goal game, and Roy had three points (1-2–3). Vegas scored a goal in the first four minutes of each period (2:17, 2:15, 3:59).
Vegas goals: Martinez (1), Roy (9), Amadio (7), Froese (1), Cotter (7), Cotter (8)
RECAP
Jan. 22 – Keller effort
Game #48: Vegas @ Arizona (4-1 ARI)
Vegas was forced to chase all night after giving up a goal just under two minutes into the game. The Golden Knights did the same in the second period and almost did it again in the third, but Thompson came up with the save. It was a flat and mistake-laden performance that saw Clayton Keller score a hat trick while the Golden Knights went 1-for-4 on the power play.
Vegas goals: Kessel (8-PPG)
RECAP
Jan. 24 – Wasteful thinking
Game #49: Vegas @ New Jersey (3-2 NJD, OT)
Thompson was sensational, but the Golden Knights blew a late lead, surrendering a goal with 1:10 remaining in regulation. Vegas took its first penalty of the night in overtime, leading to New Jersey’s game-winner at 3:54. It was Vegas’ best game in weeks, but the Golden Knights let the win slip through their fingers. Howden returned to the lineup for the first time since Nov. 23.
Vegas goals: Hutton (2), Karlsson (11)
RECAP
Jan. 27 – Gallant’s game
Game #50: Vegas @ NY Rangers (4-1 NYR)
For the second time, the Golden Knights managed just one goal against Gerard Gallant’s Rangers. Hill stopped 36 of 39, but the Golden Knights couldn’t execute in the Big Apple. Theodore returned to the lineup for the first time since Dec. 9.
Vegas goals: Kessel (9)
RECAP
Jan. 28 – Rough road trip (0-2-2)
Game #51: Vegas @ NY Islanders (2-1 NYI, OT)
The Golden Knights lost their fourth straight and seventh in their last eight games heading into the All-Star break. Carrier scored his 12th of the year but was unsuccessful on a penalty shot in overtime.
Vegas goals: Carrier (12)
RECAP
Jan. 30 – Get your game on, go play
NEWS: Stephenson named to All-Star game
FEBRUARY
Record: 6-1-2
Goalie starts split: Thompson (1), Hill (5), Brossoit (3)
Leading scorers: Theodore (2-8–10), Eichel (5-4–9), Smith (1-6–7)
Notes: The Golden Knights experienced multiple injuries on the goalie front, but Laurent Brossoit made his season debut with a brilliant three-game stretch despite going 1-0-2. Carrier finished second on the team with four goals as his stellar campaign continued. Vegas’ power play was the worst in the NHL in February, going 1-for-20 (5 percent), and the Golden Knights’ penalty kill went 19-for-23 (82.6 percent). However, the Golden Knights turned their season around following the All-Star break, suffering just one regulation loss in nine games after losing seven of the last eight in January; this hot streak carried Vegas all the way to a Stanley Cup parade.
Feb. 1 – Captain down
NEWS: Golden Knights rule Stone out indefinitely
Feb. 7 – The shape of things to come
Game #52: Vegas @ Nashville (5-1 VGK)
The Golden Knights scored five straight goals in their first game out of the All-Star break. Even Hill found the scoresheet with an assist on Pietrangelo’s third-period tally. Carrier, Kessel and Stephenson all had two points in the turnaround matchup. Whitecloud returned to the lineup for the first time since Dec. 11.
Vegas goals: Amadio (8), Carrier (13), Kessel (10), Stephenson (12), Pietrangelo (6)
RECAP
Feb. 9 – Goalie drama, new and old
Game #53: Vegas @ Minnesota (5-1 VGK)
The Golden Knights won consecutive games for the first time in more than a month in their second straight 5-1 victory coming out of the All-Star break.Vegas chased a very unhappy Marc-Andre Fleury, who gave up five goals on 23 shots through two periods; this included Smith’s penalty-shot goal that snapped a 13-game goalless drought.
However, the main concern was Thompson’s health.
INJURY: Thompson (returned March 23 but didn’t finish game, missed remainder of season)
Vegas goals: Roy (10), Pietrangelo (7), Cotter (9), Smith (19), Eichel (16)
RECAP
Feb. 12 – Super Bowl touchdown
Game #54: Vegas vs. Anaheim (7-2 VGK)
The Golden Knights scored a touchdown of goals on Super Bowl Sunday, with five of the tallies coming in the third period; two sets of two goals were scored within two minutes (1:31, 1:19). Cotter scored for the second straight game, Howden snapped a 22-game goalless drought with his second of the season, Eichel’s goal was in and out of the net so quickly no one else knew he scored and Amadio potted a dandy.
Vegas goals: Cotter (10), Howden (2), Theodore (5), Kessel (11), Eichel (17), Amadio (9), Carrier (14)
RECAP
Feb. 16 – Buzzer-beater
Game #55: Vegas vs. San Jose (2-1 VGK)
Cotter scored for the third straight game, and the unstoppable Carrier scored the game-winning goal with just 18 seconds in regulation to give Vegas its fourth consecutive win.
Vegas goals: Cotter (11), Carrier (15)
RECAP
Feb. 18 – Defensive stand
Game #56: Vegas vs. Tampa Bay (5-4 VGK)
The two clubs combined for six first-period goals, four of which were scored in the span of 2:07 on seven combined shots. Marchessault lit the lamp twice, and Theodore – the Lightning killer – recorded a game-high three points (1-2–3).
Vegas survived Tampa’s second-period surge, yielding just one goal to make it a one-goal game heading into the third, where Vegas gave up just five shots on goal. It was a dominant 20 minutes in which Vegas shut down an explosive Lightning offense to hold on for the win.
This game, perhaps more than any other, foreshadowed Vegas’ postseason resilience and the Golden Knights’ ability to shut down top players and top teams.
INJURY: Hill (returned as backup Feb. 25)
Vegas goals: Howden (3), Marchessault (16), Theodore (6), Marchessault (17), Roy (11)
RECAP
Feb. 21 – What doesn’t kill you
Game #57: Vegas @ Chicago (3-2 CHI, SO)
Brossoit made his season debut for the injured Hill and stopped 37 of 39 shots (.949 SV%), but the Golden Knights blew a late lead and fell in a shootout. Eichel’s surge following the All-Star break continued, as he made a great play to poke the puck through Seth Jones’ skates before confidently scoring on an odd-man rush.
Tyler Johnson scored off the faceoff to force overtime with 55 seconds left in the third, and then Patrick Kane’s potential game-winner got called back as it crossed the goal line just past the final horn. However, Johnson went on to score the game-winner in the shootout.
Vegas suffered its first loss since the All-Star break, though it was one that served a purpose. Not only did Brossoit have a standout performance, but the game drew more attention to certain weaknesses in Vegas’ game that were improved down the stretch. However, Roy sustained an injury that kept him out of the lineup for a month.
INJURY: Roy (return date: March 22)
Vegas goals: Kolesar (6), Eichel (18)
RECAP
Feb. 22 – A trade
NEWS: Golden Knights send Shea Weber contract, draft pick to Arizona for Dyson Mayo
Feb. 23 – Rally towel
Game #58: Vegas vs. Calgary (4-3 VGK, OT)
The Golden Knights scored twice in a dominant third-period effort, erasing a 3-1 deficit and allowing just one shot on goal in the entire frame. Carrier’s equalizer at 12:35 of the third was his 16th of the season and gave him six points in his last seven games. The Golden Knights completed the comeback when Pietrangelo scored 42 seconds into extra time.
Brossoit made 17 first-period saves to keep Vegas in the game; it was his first NHL win since March 4, 2022. Eichel’s second-period goal snapped Vegas’ 0-for-25 stretch on the power play.
Vegas goals: Eichel (19-PPG), Whitecloud (2), Carrier (16), Pietrangelo (8)
RECAP
Feb. 25 – LB’s robbery
Game #59: Vegas vs. Dallas (3-2 DAL, SO)
The Golden Knights gave up another goal in the final minute of regulation, leading to a loss in extra time. However, it extended Vegas’ point streak to eight games (6-0-2) coming out of the All-Star break. Theodore extended his personal point streak to six games, and Eichel became the first Golden Knights skater to hit 20 goals with his third goal in three games.
Brossoit was fantastic, helping the Golden Knights reach extra time for the third straight game. His stop on Tyler Seguin in overtime was a regular-season save-of-the-year candidate; Brossoit finished the game with 41 saves on 43 shots (.953 SV%).
INJURY: Brossoit (return date: March 25)
Vegas goals: Amadio (10), Eichel (20)
RECAP
Feb. 26 – In a Barbie world
NEWS: Golden Knights acquire Barbashev from Blues
Feb. 27 – Only regulation loss in February
NEWS: Vegas recalls goaltender Michael Hutchinson from Henderson
Game #60: Vegas @ Colorado (3-0 COL)
The Golden Knights’ eight-game point streak came to an end at the tail end of an otherwise-fantastic month. The game-winner came just 14 seconds into the first when Hill coughed up the puck, but Vegas struggled in the neutral zone and was not hard on the puck in the offensive zone.
It was the second time through 60 games that Vegas was held off the scoresheet, and it proved to be the team’s first and only regulation loss in February. Barbashev made his Golden Knights debut, playing 16:40 and, ironically, skating on the top line with Eichel and Marchessault.
Vegas goals: NA
RECAP
Feb. 28 – LB on IR
NEWS: Golden Knights place Brossoit on injured reserve
MARCH
Record: 11-3-1
Goalie starts split: Quick (7), Hill (3), Brossoit (2), Patera (2), Thompson (1)
Leading scorers: Eichel (7-10–17), Marchessault (9-7–16), Pietrangelo (1-13–14), Barbashev (5-7–12), Smith (5-7–12), Karlsson (3-8–11)
Notes: Five different goaltenders started for the Golden Knights in the month of March, yet Vegas only suffered three regulation losses and four total defeats. The hot stretch from February carried over into the busiest month of the season. The power play improved, going 8-for-35 (22.9 percent), but the penalty kill fell off a cliff (67.7 percent, good for 31st in the NHL). Much like in Vegas’ eventual playoff run, production was spread out, though Eichel and Marchessault led the way with a combined 33 points. Pavel Dorofeyev led the team with three game-winning goals.
March 1 – Deadline deal
NEWS: Golden Knights acquire Teddy Blueger from Penguins
Game #61: Vegas vs. Carolina (3-2 VGK)
In a statement win, the Golden Knights demonstrated patience, capitalized on their chances and kept Carolina to the perimeter. Smith netted the game-winner with 3:42 remaining. It was a full-line goal for Smith, Amadio and Karlsson; Karlsson made a perfect bank pass to set up Smith’s 20th of the year, which was his first goal since Feb. 9 and just his second in 2023.
Following Smith’s go-ahead tally, the Golden Knights were able to kill off the 6-on-5 after blowing late leads twice in their previous four games. Barbashev was on the ice at the end of the game in just his second contest with Vegas. Eichel scored twice, giving him seven goals and 11 points in nine games.
Vegas goals: Eichel (21), Eichel (22), Smith (20)
RECAP
March 2 – Quick on the draw
NEWS: Golden Knights acquire Quick from Los Angeles Kings
March 3 – One Hill of a game
Game #62: Vegas vs. New Jersey (4-3 VGK, SO)
Hill played out of his mind and carried the Golden Knights in a game they had no business being in (the Devils held a 96-57 edge in shot attempts). Hill was sensational, stopping 47 of 50 shots (.940 SV%) and, according to MoneyPuck, saving 4.06 goals above expected. In one game. Even New Jersey had to tip its cap to one of the best performances by any goalie in the 2022-23 regular season.
The trio of Marchessault, Eichel and Barbashev was responsible for all three goals and combined for seven points in the contest.
Theodore won the game with the lone shootout goal in the fourth round, while Hill stopped all four Devils attempts.
However, the Golden Knights suffered a costly injury to the red-hot Carrier, which kept him out for the rest of the regular season.
INJURY: Carrier (return date: April 27 – Game 5 vs. Winnipeg)
Vegas goals: Marchessault (18), Marchessault (19), Eichel (23)
RECAP
March 5 – Several firsts
Game #63: Vegas vs. Montreal (4-3 VGK)
Barbashev scored his first two goals with the Golden Knights, the first of which came on a perfect passing sequence with Eichel and Marchessault.
Smith and Karlsson teamed up for another fantastic passing play to give Vegas a 3-0 lead through two periods.
The Golden Knights made things interesting in the third, giving up a goal 23 seconds after taking a 4-1 lead and then giving up another goal 35 seconds later. Cassidy called a rare timeout to settle things down, which proved to be enough for the Golden Knights to help Quick win his Golden Knights debut; he made 25 saves (.893 SV%).
Vegas goals: Theodore (7), Barbashev (11), Smith (21), Barbashev (12)
RECAP
March 7 – Bob’s your uncle
Game #64: Vegas at Florida (2-1 FLA)
A stellar performance by Hill, who stopped 40 of 42 for a .952 save percentage, wasn’t enough to help the Golden Knights overcome a 2-0 hole. Theodore made it a one-goal game in the second period, but the power-play strike was the only puck that got past Sergei Bobrovsky. Theodore scored for the second game in a row, giving him four goals and 12 points in his last 11 games. Eichel extended his point streak to four games, giving him 15 points in his previous 12 contests. This marked the first time all season Vegas lost in regulation when surrendering two or fewer goals.
Vegas goals: Theodore (8-PPG)
RECAP
March 9 – Martinez masterpiece
Game #65: Vegas at Tampa Bay (4-3 VGK, OT)
Kolesar opened the scoring just 27 seconds in, and the teams were tied at 1-1 through 40 minutes of play (during which Vegas was held to just nine shots on goal). Vegas took a two-goal lead with goals from Karlsson (shorthanded) and Stephenson (power play) just over three minutes apart, but the Lightning evened things up with two goals in the final 2:07 of regulation. Both benches were thin after 10 misconducts were handed out late in the frame, but the Golden Knights prevailed.
Martinez made a diving play to net the game-winner 3:09 into extra time, allowing the Golden Knights to sweep the season series against the Bolts.
Quick made 34 saves on 37 shots for a .919 save percentage, improving to 2-0-0 with Vegas.
Vegas goals: Kolesar (7), Karlsson (12-SHG), Stephenson (13-PPG), Martinez (2)
RECAP
March 11 – Quick fix
Game #66: Vegas at Carolina (4-0 VGK)
Quick won his third straight start, shutting down the Hurricanes with a 33-save effort. In his first three starts with Vegas, Quick posted a 1.97 goals-against average, a .939 save percentage and one shutout.
Smith scored for the third time in his last six games after netting one goal in his previous 21.
Vegas scored a goal in all three periods, and Howden added an empty-net goal to seal the win. Teddy Blueger assisted on the play, giving him three points in five games since coming over at the deadline.
INJURY: Kolesar (return date: March 25)
Vegas goals: Marchessault (20), Smith (22), Cotter (12), Howden (4)
RECAP
March 12 – Carousel in the crease
Game #67: Vegas at St. Louis (5-3 VGK)
Jiri Patera became the first goaltender drafted by the Golden Knights to appear in a game for Vegas, and he came away victorious with a 30-save effort in his Golden Knights debut.
Kolesar was a late scratch, paving the way for Dorofeyev to get his first NHL action since Dec. 28. He had an excellent game skating with Karlsson and Smith; the trio combined for two full-line goals and six points, and Dorofeyev netted his first career NHL point on Karlsson’s first-period tally. He followed it up with his first career NHL goal, which proved to be the game-winner.
Vegas goals: Karlsson (13), Marchessault (21), Amadio (11), Dorofeyev (1), Pietrangelo (9)
RECAP
March 14 – Deadline payoffs
Game #68: Vegas at Philadelphia (5-3 VGK)
Vegas finished its road trip 4-1-0 with a win in Philadelphia. Dorofeyev scored for the second game in a row, while Marchessault scored for the third straight game. Vegas’ deadline acquisitions all contributed to the win, as Barbashev and Blueger combined for three goals, while Quick won his fourth consecutive start with the Golden Knights.
Vegas goals: Dorofeyev (2), Barbashev (13-PPG), Blueger (3), Marchessault (22-PPG), Barbashev (14)
RECAP
March 16 – Humbling defeat
Game #69: Vegas vs. Calgary (7-2 CGY)
With their backs against the walls, the Flames came out and secured their first-ever regulation win at T-Mobile Arena with a 7-2 victory. Vegas fought back from a 2-0 hole, evening things up late in the second, but proceeded to surrender five unanswered goals in a lopsided loss. Quick gave up six goals on just 29 shots (.793 SV%).
Vegas goals: Whitecloud (3), Smith (23)
RECAP
March 19 – Jack attack
Game #70: Vegas vs. Columbus (7-2 VGK)
Three days after losing 7-2 to Calgary, the Golden Knights managed to flip the script with a 7-2 victory against the visiting Blue Jackets. Eichel scored a hat trick, Pietrangelo recorded four points and Patera was excellent in his second start, turning away 35 of 37 shots (.946 SV%).
Smith extended his point streak to eight games, and Dorofeyev got back on the score sheet with a goal and an assist.
Vegas goals: Kessel (12-PPG), Eichel (24), Dorofeyev (3-PPG), Whitecloud (4), Eichel (25), Cotter (13), Eichel (26)
RECAP
March 21 – Moving on up
Game #71: Vegas at Vancouver (4-3 VGK)
The Golden Knights improved to 9-0-0 when taking a 1-0 lead in March. Quick won his fifth game in six starts for his 375th career win, moving him ahead of John Vanbiesbrouck into second place on the all-time wins list among American-born goaltenders.
After taking a 2-0 lead in the first, the Golden Knights gave up two goals in the second period, including the first penalty-shot goal scored against Vegas in franchise history. But Vegas never surrendered the lead, holding on for the 4-3 win and an important two points.
Vegas goals: Kessel (13), Smith (24), Blueger (4), Dorofeyev (4)
RECAP
March 23 – Mixed bag
Game #72: Vegas at Calgary (3-2 VGK)
The Golden Knights pulled off a gutsy 3-2 win against a desperate Flames club, improving to 16-3-2 following the All-Star break. Amadio set a new career high in goals when he scored his 12th of the season, while Roy, who returned to the lineup after missing 14 games, scored the game-winning goal.
However, the club suffered two significant injuries, as both Smith and Thompson were unable to finish the game. It was Thompson’s first start since Feb. 9, but he was pulled late in the third with the game on the line. Quick came in cold and closed out the win, but the injury kept Thompson out of the mix for the rest of the year.
INJURY: Thompson (missed remainder of 2022-23 season)
INJURY: Smith (return date: April 3)
Vegas goals: Marchessault (23), Amadio (12), Roy (12)
RECAP
March 25 – Western sweep
Game #73: Vegas at Edmonton (4-3 VGK, OT)
Aside from one tough moment, Brossoit was excellent in his first start in a month, stopping 27 of 30 shots for a .900 save percentage in his second win of the year (2-0-2). Kolesar returned to the lineup after missing six games, but that didn’t stop Dorofeyev from extending his hot streak, as he netted a power-play goal to give Vegas a 2-1 lead late in the first. Leon Draisaitl evened things up in the second, and both teams lit the lamp in the third to set up overtime. Roy scored the game-winner for the second game in a row since returning from an injury.
The win brought Vegas one win shy of a playoff berth.
Vegas goals: Eichel (27), Dorofeyev (5-PPG), Marchessault (24), Roy (13)
RECAP
March 28 – Failed opportunity
Game #74: Vegas vs. Edmonton (7-4 EDM)
The Golden Knights failed to clinch a playoff spot in an ugly loss to the Oilers, who bounced back after an overtime loss three days earlier. It was a rough game across the board. Edmonton scored three straight goals in the second and added a fourth early in the third to put it out of reach. Edmonton went 3-for-3 on the power play, and the Oilers’ top players (McDavid, Draisaitl, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Zach Hyman) combined for 11 points. It was the first time in March that Vegas scored first but didn’t win (11-1-0).
Vegas goals: Marchessault (25), Karlsson (14-SHG), Amadio (13), Marchessault (26)
RECAP
March 30 – Ticket punched
Game #75: Vegas at San Jose (4-3 SJS, OT)
The Golden Knights clinched their fifth playoff berth in franchise history despite falling short in San Jose in a 4-3 overtime loss. The Golden Knights recovered from a 2-0 deficit, making it 2-2 on Barbashev’s power-play goal 68 seconds into the middle frame; after falling down 3-2, Amadio scored in the third to force overtime, but Logan Couture scored less than a minute in.
Vegas goals: Hague (3), Barbashev (15-PPG), Amadio (14)
RECAP
APRIL
Record: 5-0-2
Goalie starts split: Brossoit (5), Quick (2)
Leading scorers: Stephenson (3-5–8), Eichel (0-6–6), Smith (2-3–5), Pietrangelo (2-3–5)
Notes: The Golden Knights wrapped up the regular season without their two starting goaltenders, relying instead on Brossoit and Quick; Brossoit went 5-0-0, while Quick went 0-2-2; however, the two managed to squeeze out 12 out of a possible 14 points, which was critical as the Golden Knights very narrowly won the Pacific Division and Western Conference. The special teams flipped once again, as the power play went 2-for-19 (10.5 percent, 27th overall) and the penalty kill went 13-for-17 (76.5 percent, 19th overall).
April 1 – Wild start
Game #76: Vegas vs. Minnesota (4-1 VGK)
The Golden Knights gave up the first goal but scored four unanswered tallies to kick off the month with a 4-1 win against a red-hot Wild club that had lost once in regulation in its previous 21 games. Brossoit was solid, stopping 29 of 30 (.967 SV%), and Vegas got a boost from secondary scoring, with goals from Hutton, Whitecloud and Howden.
Vegas goals: Hutton (3), Whitecloud (5), Howden (5), Stephenson (14)
RECAP
April 3 – Three for three vs. Minny
Game #77: Vegas at Minnesota (4-3 VGK, SO)
The Golden Knights defeated the Wild for the second game in a row, though this one required a shootout. Vegas completed the season sweep of Minnesota for the first time in franchise history. Dorofeyev scored two goals, including the equalizer with just 35 seconds remaining in regulation.
Smith returned to the lineup after suffering an injury on March 23 against Calgary. He scored the game-winning goal in the five-round shootout, with Eichel and Dorofeyev also scoring.
Dorofeyev finished an impressive 10-game stretch in which he scored seven goals and nine points. Brossoit got his third straight start and second win of the month.
Vegas goals: Kolesar (8), Dorofeyev (6), Dorofeyev (7)
RECAP
April 4 – Glass half-empty
Game #78: Vegas at Nashville (3-2 NSH, OT)
Vegas lost the second half of a back-to-back, falling short in overtime in Smashville. Pietrangelo scored twice for the Golden Knights in a dominant second-period push, but former first-round pick Cody Glass scored the game-winner in overtime. Quick stopped 24 of 27 (.889 SV%) to move to 5-2-1 with Vegas. It was a tough night for special teams, as Vegas went 0-for-3 on the power play and gave up two power-play tallies.
Vegas goals: Pietrangelo (10), Pietrangelo (11)
RECAP
April 6 – Keep ’em coming
Game #79: Vegas vs. Los Angeles (5-2 VGK)
The Golden Knights scored three goals in the span of 3:13 in the first 6:07 of the first period of a critical game against the Kings. All three goals came courtesy of Cassidy’s new-look line of Barbashev, Stephenson and Kessel. Roy scored 5:16 later on the power play to cap off a four-goal first period.
Vegas took a 5-0 lead 62 seconds into the second period, scoring five times on just 15 shots. Brossoit picked up his third straight win with 30 saves on 32 shots (.938 SV%).
Vegas goals: Kessel (14), Barbashev (16), Stephenson (15), Roy (14-PPG), Marchessault (27)
RECAP
April 8 – The final regular-season loss
Game #80: Vegas at Dallas (2-1 DAL, SO)
The Golden Knights lost in a shootout in a tightly-checked game, but they locked up home-ice advantage in the first round of the playoffs with the point. Howden gave Vegas a 1-0 lead late in the first, which Dallas matched in the middle frame. Neither team lit the lamp in the ensuing 32:01 of regulation and overtime; Roope Hintz was the only player to score in the shootout, giving the Stars the win and the extra point (despite Cotter’s best effort). Hutton recorded the secondary assist on Howden’s goal, giving him five points in his last six games. Jake Oettinger remained undefeated against Vegas following the win.
In his final start with Vegas, Quick stopped 24 of 25 shots (.960 SV%); he helped Vegas earn 12 points down the stretch, and he played a critical role in securing an additional two points when he replaced Thompson late in the third against Calgary.
Vegas goals: Howden (6)
RECAP
April 10 – A nod to Phil
NEWS: Kessel nominated for Bill Masterton Trophy
April 11 – 50 wins
Game #81: Vegas vs. Seattle (4-1 VGK)
The Golden Knights won the first half of a home-and-home against Seattle, picking up win No. 50 of the season in the final home game of the regular season. Amadio, Karlsson and Smith combined for three goals and eight points, with Amadio lighting the lamp twice.
Cassidy called timeout early in the third before a 5-on-3 opportunity, and Marchessault scored 18 seconds later to give Vegas the commanding 4-1 lead, which they carried to the final buzzer. Pietrangelo tied his career high in points (54) with the primary assist on Marchessault’s 28th goal of the season, which led the team. Brossoit stopped 20 of 21 shots for his fourth straight win.
Vegas goals: Amadio (15), Amadio (16), Smith (25), Marchessault (28-PPG)
RECAP
April 13 – Conquering the West
Game #82: Vegas at Seattle (3-1 VGK)
The Golden Knights needed just one point to lock up the top seed in the Western Conference, but they came away with two. It wasn’t pretty, as Seattle outplayed Vegas for most of the game, but another outstanding performance by Brossoit as well as a 4-for-4 effort on the penalty kill helped the Golden Knights wrap up the regular season on a high. Brossoit stopped 30 of 31 shots (.968 SV%) in his sixth start in eight games; he finished the regular season with a 7-0-3 record and zero regulation losses. Eichel returned to the lineup after missing a few games; he tallied an assist for his team-high 66th point of the season.
The win set up a first-round matchup against the eighth-seeded Winnipeg Jets.
Vegas goals: Smith (26), Martinez (3-SHG), Stephenson (16)
RECAP
Final thoughts
The Golden Knights clinched their third Pacific Division title in six seasons and finished first in the Western Conference with 51 wins and a franchise-best 111 points. The Golden Knights did not lose in regulation in April (or in the final eight games of the regular season) despite being in the middle of a heated playoff race.
Remarkably, the Golden Knights finished the season on an exceptional 22-4-5 run coming out of the All-Star break.
One year after missing the postseason for the first time ever, the Golden Knights ran into similar injury issues but never let it halt their momentum, which was borderline unstoppable in the final three months of the campaign, as Vegas didn’t lose consecutive games in regulation in the final 31 contests. The Golden Knights’ longest stretch of regulation losses in the entire season was three games, and it only happened once (Jan. 14 through Jan. 19).
One of the reasons for the team’s ability to win games was the group effort in net. The five-man rotation benefited from Cassidy’s goalie-friendly system, but everyone stepped up at various points throughout the year. The Golden Knights started a franchise-high five goaltenders and dressed a franchise-high six (including Hutchinson). At the end of the day, the goalie starts were as follows:
Thompson: 36
Hill: 25
Quick: 9
Brossoit: 10
Patera: 2
Vegas defied the odds in net but also got steady contributions from throughout the lineup. Marchessault narrowly won the goal-scoring race with 28 goals (compared to Eichel’s 27 and Smith’s 26), and 12 different players hit double digits in goals – Marchessault: 28, Eichel: 27, Smith: 26, Stone: 17, Stephenson: 16, Carrier: 16, Amadio: 16, Kessel: 14, Karlsson: 14, Roy: 14, Cotter: 13 and Pietrangelo: 11.
Also, six players recorded 50-plus points – Eichel: 66, Stephenson: 65, Marchessault: 57, Smith: 56 and Pietrangelo: 54. The previous high for Vegas was five players in 2017-18 (Karlsson: 78, Marchessault: 75, David Perron: 66, Smith: 60 and Erik Haula: 55).
In the end, the Golden Knights didn’t excel in any particular area, finishing 14th in goals per game (3.26), 11th in goals against per game (2.74), 18th on the power play (20.3 percent), 19th on the penalty kill (77.4 percent), 15th in shots per game (31.5), seventh in faceoff percentage (52.3 percent), 14th in hits per 60 (23.17) and 14th in shootout win percentage (.556).
But good teams find ways to win, and that’s exactly what the Golden Knights did on a consistent basis, which helped Vegas clinch the Western Conference and secure home-ice advantage through at least the first three rounds of the playoffs. Everyone throughout the organization contributed when called upon, and the team was able to bounce back from anything and everything. That ability proved to be particularly important throughout the 22-game postseason run that resulted in the first Stanley Cup parade in Sin City.
For more on that run, stay tuned for Part 2 of Journey to the Cup.
Statistics courtesy of NHL.com.