(Photo Credit: SinBin.vegas Photographer Brandon Andreasen)
Last season, the Golden Knights finished the season in first place in the Pacific Division with 110 points. Currently, the local club is on pace for 99 points but another first-place finish. Based on previous years, Vegas could mimic their remaining 24 games and skate into the playoffs playing their best hockey.
VGK’s Success With 24 Games Remaining Under Bruce Cassidy
2024-25: 16-4-4 (36 Points)
2023-24: 13-10-1 (27 Points)
2022-23: 16-4-4 (36 Points)
VGK have collected 36 points in two of the last three seasons and with the 12th easiest schedule left, should be looking to do it for a third time under Bruce Cassidy. Even with the somewhat down year, the Golden Knights average a .643 points percentage from late February to mid-April. If Cassidy’s club can match their seasonal points percentage average, then Vegas will reach the century mark by season’s end.
In the six full seasons dating back to the Golden Knights inaugural season, each Pacific Division victor earned more than 105 points. That’s more than attainable for VGK down the stretch.
Full Season Pacific Division Winners Since 2018
2024-25: Vegas (110 Points)
2023-24: Vancouver (109 Points)
2022-23: Vegas (111 Points)
2021-22: Calgary (111 Points)
2018-19: Calgary (107 Points)
2017-18: Vegas (109 Points)
Sure, Vegas is on a difficult East Coast road trip, but they have dealt with the same type of late-season travel in years past. The Golden Knights picked up points in three out of four late season eastern conference away games last year and won four out of five on the East Coast in 2023. Both seasons, VGK finished in first place and held home ice advantage to start the postseason.
Heading into tonight’s out-of-conference matchup in Washington, Vegas will play four straight playoff contenders at their home arenas. It’s not an easy week, but their history shows they can manage a lengthy opposite coast road trip with 20 or so games remaining, especially when they are healthy, or at least close.
