After months of doubt, the Vegas Golden Knights have a clear path to the postseason.
It’s been a difficult season in Nevada, as injuries have plagued a Golden Knights team that many thought would cruise to a division title in the weak Pacific Division. Now, ironically, an injury outside of Vegas may help the Golden Knights punch their postseason ticket.
Since Vegas dropped out of the playoff picture, I’ve been keeping my eye on the wild card race in the Western Conference. Entering play on Friday, that race features a deadlock between the Nashville Predators and Dallas Stars. Both teams are 42-27-5 with 89 points.
The Golden Knights are only two points behind both of those clubs, though they have played an extra game, which could yield a challenge given how few games remain this season.
The Golden Knights have a clear path to the postseason.
So, if Vegas is still fighting an uphill battle to earn a wild card spot, how will this team get in? As odd as it is, there’s a better chance that the Golden Knights leapfrog the wild card spots altogether and go straight to the Pacific Division’s third position.
That spot is currently occupied by the Los Angeles Kings, but upon further examination, LA’s record is inferior to that of both the Stars and Preds. With 88 points in 76 games played, the Kings’ advantage over the Golden Knights is only one point, and unlike in the wild card race, Vegas is the one here with a game in hand.
All the Knights have to do is win that extra game, and they’ll pass the Kings. Considering the fact that Vegas is 7-1-1 in its last nine games, while Los Angeles is 1-4 in its last five, including a 9-3 thrashing at the hands of the Colorado Avalanche, I think Vegas should feel good about its chances.
To make matters worse for the Kings, the injury I mentioned earlier is one of the season-ending variety. Defenseman Drew Doughty, who scored 31 points in 39 games this year, will not return for the Kings. Meanwhile, Vegas has just welcomed captain Mark Stone back after his injury.
For the Golden Knights, this is the perfect storm. They are playing well after slumping badly in March, while the Kings are trending in the opposite direction.
Logic suggests that Vegas would need to catch the current wild card teams, but in reality, it’s the Kings that have opened a door for the Golden Knights.