They haven’t lost a playoff game in franchise history. Let that sink in a bit. Okay, the Vegas Golden Knights are only in their first season. But sweeping the likes of the Los Angeles Kings, a team with no less than 8 players with two Stanley Cup rings? Now that’s impressive. Throw in the fact that head coach Gerard Gallant had never won a playoff series as a head coach, and it makes this story all that much more amazing.
2018 NHL Golden Knights Playoff Advice
Vegas won all four games by a goal, suggesting that they indeed can play shutdown defense when it matters the most and that they aren’t afraid of the big moments. Other than Tomas Tatar, this team didn’t really even make a move at the trade deadline! General Manager George McPhee is rewriting the book on what an expansion team can do. Seattle is screwed.
Currently, the NHL playoff odds for Vegas to win the cup sit at 5 to 1. That’s right, this team is favored over the two-time defending champion Penguins, who sit at 11 to 2.
So how are they doing it, exactly, and are they for real? They’re doing it with team defense and incredibly fast transition speed. This team is relentless. They never stop forechecking or pushing the pace, but they also don’t lapse in their own end. It’s like McPhee went out and got only players would be 100% buy in to a system. And it’s worked. They are definitely for real.
Now, are they good enough to get by the likes of the Predators and Jets, who are much deeper offensively? I think so. Remember, the NHL postseason is all about team defense, discipline, clutch play and top notch coaching.
I’ll admit it; I’ve doubted this team over and over again. I kept thinking that the clock would strike midnight because this has never been done before. We’re truly in uncharted territory.
So will I make an NHL betting water against the Golden Knights the rest of the Stanley Cup playoffs? Heck no! I’ve been prove wrong four games in a row now (shh, don’t tell anyone!).