The Vegas Golden Knights are a professional ice hockey team in the National Hockey League (NHL). Although they are considered a relatively new team, they have already made a significant impact in the league. In this article, we will delve deeper into the history, achievements, and current state of the Vegas Golden Knights.
History
The idea of having a professional ice hockey team in Las Vegas, Nevada, was first proposed in 2007. The city was known for its gambling and entertainment industries, so it was thought that adding a sports team would further boost the local economy. After years of negotiations and planning, the NHL announced in 2016 that it had granted an expansion franchise to Las Vegas, with the team set to begin play in the 2017-2018 season. The team name, Vegas Golden Knights, was unveiled on November 22, 2016, and the team's logos and colors were also revealed.
The Golden Knights began building their roster through the NHL Expansion Draft in 2017. The team was allowed to select one player from each of the other 30 NHL teams, with some restrictions in place to ensure a balance in talent across the league. The Golden Knights selected players such as Marc-Andre Fleury, James Neal, and Jonathan Marchessault, who would go on to become integral pieces of the team.
Achievements
During their inaugural season, the Golden Knights defied all expectations by making it to the Stanley Cup Finals. They finished the regular season with a record of 51 wins, 24 losses, and 7 ties, which was the best record ever by an expansion team. They also won their division and conference titles, earning the top seed in the Western Conference playoffs.
In the playoffs, they swept the Los Angeles Kings in the first round, defeated the San Jose Sharks in six games in the second round, and swept the Winnipeg Jets in the conference finals. They faced the Washington Capitals in the Stanley Cup Finals, ultimately losing to them in five games. Despite not winning the championship, the Golden Knights had one of the most successful inaugural seasons in sports history.
The Golden Knights continued their success in the 2018-2019 season, finishing with a record of 43 wins, 32 losses, and 7 ties. They secured a playoff spot once again, but were defeated by the Sharks in the first round, in a controversial game seven where a five-minute penalty on Cody Eakin played a significant role.
The 2019-2020 season was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the Golden Knights finished with a record of 39 wins, 24 losses, and 8 ties, earning them the top seed in the Western Conference playoffs during the NHL bubble playoffs held in Edmonton. However, they were defeated by the Dallas Stars in five games in the Conference Finals, extending their run without winning the Stanley Cup.
Current State
The Vegas Golden Knights have continued to be a competitive team in the NHL. They are currently competing in the 2020-2021 season, which is being played amid ongoing COVID-19 concerns. The team has made a number of moves to improve their roster, including signing Alex Pietrangelo in free agency and trading for Robin Lehner. They currently sit second in the West Division and are well on their way to clinching another playoff spot.
Off the ice, the Golden Knights have become one of the most popular teams in the league. They have a passionate fan base in Las Vegas and have helped to grow the game of hockey in the area. The team also has a number of unique traditions, such as the pregame show featuring a medieval jousting performance, and the fan-favorite "Knight Line" parade, where fans line up outside the arena to welcome the players as they arrive.
Conclusion
The Vegas Golden Knights have quickly become one of the most successful and popular teams in the NHL. Although they are still seeking their first Stanley Cup, they have shown that it is possible for an expansion team to achieve great success. With a talented roster and passionate fan base, the Golden Knights are poised to continue their success in the years to come.
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