A troubling trend has not yet corrected itself for the Golden Knights this season. After falling to the Penguins on Sunday afternoon, VGK have now dropped 12 consecutive games to teams currently sitting in playoff position.
Their overall record against playoff opponents is now 5-10-10, or a .400 points percentage. And the record against the seven other Western Conference playoff teams is a dismal 1-6-6, or .308 points percentage.
We shared this chart back in December, but it’s worth bringing back up to illustrate just how far off the pace VGK are from where they’ve been in the past against the league’s elites.
| Season | vs. West | vs. East | Total | Points Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25‑26 | 1-6-6 | 4-4-4 | 5-10-10 | 0.400 |
| 24‑25 | 12‑7‑4 | 8‑7‑1 | 20‑14‑5 | 0.577 |
| 23‑24 | 14‑6‑2 | 7‑9‑0 | 21‑15‑2 | 0.579 |
| 22‑23 | 13‑8‑3 | 9‑5‑2 | 22‑13‑5 | 0.613 |
| 21‑22 | 13‑11‑2 | 7‑7‑2 | 20‑18‑4 | 0.524 |
| 20‑21 | 13‑9‑2 | N/A | 13‑9‑2 | 0.583 |
| 19‑20 | 11‑6‑1 | 6‑6‑4 | 17‑12‑5 | 0.574 |
| 18‑19 | 10‑12‑1 | 6‑9‑1 | 16‑21‑2 | 0.436 |
| 17‑18 | 14‑7‑3 | 10‑5‑1 | 24‑12‑4 | 0.650 |
This trend must be bucked if the Golden Knights want to remain in the playoff hunt. Tonight’s game in Buffalo is the second of a stretch of seven straight games against playoff teams. Detroit, Minnesota, Edmonton, Dallas, and Pittsburgh are next on the calendar, and there are plenty more down the stretch.
VGK have a total of 10 more against Western Conference playoff opponents left on the schedule, including three with Edmonton and a pair against each of Dallas and Seattle.
Unless they sweep all 10, this year’s team will go down in the Vegas record books as the worst against Western Conference elites, but a 10-game sample size is enough to erase the memories of the first 13.
With the division and conference as tight as they currently are, the Golden Knights could reasonably play any of the Western Conference contenders. And while they have a losing record against all of them, there’s time to make amends.
Vs ANA: 0-1-2 (0 games remaining)
Vs COL: 0-1-1 (1 game remaining)
Vs DAL: 0-0-1 (2 games remaining)
Vs EDM: 0-1-0 (3 games remaining)
Vs MIN: 0-1-1 (1 game remaining)
Vs SEA: 0-1-1 (2 games remaining)
Vs UTA: 1-1-0 (1 game remaining)
In a weird way, the schedule will do the Golden Knights a favor. To win the division, or even qualify for the postseason, they’re going to need to beat many of the conference’s best.
The plan is simple. Break the habit of struggling, start to display dominance, then continue doing it all the way to the Stanley Cup Final.
Otherwise, a repeat of 2021-22 could be in the cards, and that would mean major fallout this summer.
Pistol Pete
Attn: Larry
You get your wish with Raphael Lavoie he’s been called up and deservedly so 25 pts (12G/13A) in 24 games this season. Those are very decent numbers. Plus he’s tall and heavy. Zero points in 16 NHL games however now might just be his time!
Pistol Pete
6’4” 216. Shoots right listed as C/RW.
https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/335712/raphael-lavoie
Larry
I’m glad to see Lavoie be given a shot, but through 2 periods has only been noticeable in a negative way, let’s hope he and the boys can play a strong 3rd period and secure a win!
knights fan in minny
It’s do or die time
Emmanuel
Theyre 8 points ahead of the 9/10/11 seeds, all three with huge minus goal differentials. Theyre in unless theres a total collapse.
Looks like both divisions will have 4 teams getting in, most of the season it looked like only 3 Pacific teams would get in but the Kraken are on a roll.
Former season ticket holder
Ken, 5 wins and 20 losses is not a .400…in fact it doesnt matter as if we actually do make the playoffs, we …well..it will show at that timenhow bad the Pacific is (at this moment)
Its the return of the Ducks & Sharks
Ken Boehlke
5-10-10 is .400 points percentage. 20 points out of a possible 50.
Pistol Pete
I don’t really care about the last 25 games. VGK had a lousy run in January the year they won the Cup. Forget this season’s trends. Anything is possible. They are currently ranked 13th in P% @ .583. All that matters is making the playoffs and playing lights out. I am not all that crazy about the current goaltending but even that can get come around. We need Hart to get healthy.
Pistol Pete
Whoops 5-10-10 vs. playoff teams my bad. Well same difference. All that matters is how we play come playoff time. Btw how many of those 12 consecutive losses are OTL? Ken tends to treat an OTL as a straight up loss. P% does not treat an OTL as a straight up loss. Kind of a disconnect there.
Walt
12 straight losses to playoff teams. that says it all about how weak this years team really is.
the next 4 games will be make or break for the season.
it is pretty sad that the fans have to wonder if their team can even put forth a decent effort in the first 2 periods of any game they play… that is pathetic.
Pistol Pete
On a scale of 0-10 in terms of fan positivity and comradery you rank one big fat zero!
Walt
4Q2 ahole.
hey Ken, get this pompon under control.
Henderson One
Hate to have to pay Playoff Ticket Prices to see a team that does not seem to care
Pistol Pete
Then don’t go then ace.
JB
My wife and I moved back to Vegas in spring of 2017, just a few months before the Knights started their first season. I have never missed watching or listening to a game in their entire 9 seasons. But now, I am wondering, if the players don’t care about how they play, then maybe I shouldn’t either? I’ll give them another week or so to prove they deserve my time and hope.
Ken Boehlke
Am I missing something? What gives the indication that they don’t care? Simply that they don’t win as much as they have in the past?
I’ve always found it kind of ridiculous to consider losing and caring as synonymous. One team has to lose the game, even if they both are giving everything they have to win.
JB
That’s just the point Ken. They haven’t been giving everything. Surely you can see that?
Pistol Pete
You seem to forget they have a Cup to go along with their four division titles and four conference finals and are currently leading the Pacific. Yeah the Pacific is the worst division in the league but who cares? You guys seem willing to give up before the playoffs begin. You can do that just saying.
trade
might the Vgk be looking for some speed to play with Jack E. ?
Bobby McMann, F, TOR
McMann, who can become an unrestricted free agent July 1, could be traded with the Toronto Maple Leafs falling out of playoff contention after a four-game skid (0-3-1) following the Olympic break. The 29-year-old wing ranks fourth on Toronto in goals (19 in 60 games) and is approaching his career high from last season (20 in 74 games). He’s also one of two NHL players with at least 19 goals, 125 shots on goal and 130 hits (135) this season (other: Dylan Cozens of Ottawa Senators). Per NHL EDGE stats, McMann ranks fourth in the entire NHL in max skating speed (24.25 mph) and is also near the top of the rankings at his position in 20-plus mph speed bursts (194; 98th percentile). McMann also excels in other advanced stats categories like long-range shots on goal (13; 86th percentile), high-danger goals (10; 85th percentile), midrange goals (six; 85th percentile), hardest shot (89.22 mph; 82nd percentile) and high-danger shots on goal (42; 81st percentile).
hdbiker7851
VGK’s are destined to fail – given their current mental attitude about the game. At this point they are way overpaid armatures and should be ashamed – their play is pathetic and that is actually being kind. Hate to say it would not be surprising if they didn’t make the playoff which may be a blessing in disguised rather than being embarrassed even further. It’s pretty sad how things are going. Interesting to see how Buffalo handles them today with their new GM at the helm. Time for the Creator to get more involved and look at what a FO change might make. Cassidy in no way should be made the fall guy for their pathetic performance it starts farther up the line.
Pistol Pete
Like Walt on a scale of 0-10 in terms of fan positivity and comradery you rank one big fat zero!
NAM
Dude your rating and commenting on everybody’s post with this shit has grown old. Everybody here has to listen to you drone on, but then you can’t handle what any body else has to say. Here’s a little guidance for to think about, I am being serious. If the only purpose of a post you (or anybody) are about to make is to attack someone personally and it is no longer about a topic or response/rebuttal etc of what the person said, stop and don’t post it.
vgk21
the Cassidy system depends on a strong physical forecheck to work properly, to keep the puck deep in the O zone.
and McCrimmon has not given this team those type of bottom 6 players. thus, there is a big disconnect between the coach’s system and the FO personnel moves.
Pistol Pete
Attn: Larry
You’re getting your wish ‘bro!
Golden Knights projected lineup:
Ivan Barbashev — Jack Eichel — Raphael Lavoie
Pavel Dorofeyev — Mitch Marner — Reilly Smith
Braeden Bowman — Tomas Hertl — Keegan Kolesar
Brandon Saad — Colton Sissons — Cole Reinhardt
Jeremy Lauzon — Shea Theodore
Noah Hanifin — Rasmus Andersson
Brayden McNabb — Kaedan Korczak
Akira Schmid
Adin Hill
vgk21
Hill not starting?
that looks like sayonara for him in Vegas then.
Schmid has outplayed him this season, and deserves the start.
but I am surprised that Sean Burke and company are not starting their 6 million dollar man.
knights fan in minny
Maybe a new goalie coach Hasn’t he been there since day one Sometimes fresh eyes help
Walt
Sabres making aggressive push for Robert Thomas.
would like to see him in Vgk jersey, but that likely isn’t happening.
knights fan in minny
That’s huge if they get him
Pistol Pete
Let’s keep an eye on this guy.
Ben Hemmerling named Upper Deck/AHL rookie of the month for February. Last Silver Knight to be so recognized since LT.
https://www.hendersonsilverknights.com/ben-hemmerling-named-upper-deck-ahl-rookie-of-the-month/
knights fan in minny
Is it time to dangle Korzack I think teams would be interested
Pistol Pete
We have no idea what the coaching staff thinks of Viliam Kmec the rookie D in Henderson. Long, heavy can skate. Looked like he might come up like Korczak. Just 8 points all assists in 44 games but at least he’s +2. Work in progress hopefully.
Pistol Pete
As of the 2025-2026 season, Kmec is continuing his development in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Henderson Silver Knights.
Scouting Profile and NHL Potential
Scouts and analysts highlight several key attributes that suggest he has NHL ability:
NHL-Ready Size: Standing 6’3″ and weighing approximately 210-220 lbs, Kmec possesses the “pro-ready” frame desired for NHL defensemen.
Mobility: Despite his size, he is described as a mobile athlete who can make a reliable first pass out of the defensive zone.
Two-Way Growth: Originally known as a stay-at-home defender, he significantly increased his offensive production in his final junior season (2024-25), recording 61 points in 63 games for the Prince George Cougars and becoming a finalist for the WHL’s Defenseman of the Year.
Defensive Reliability: He is noted for leveraging his strength well during defensive zone shifts and using “shoulder peaks” to scan for pressure effectively.
Pistol Pete
Current Status (2025-2026 Season)
Team: Henderson Silver Knights (AHL).
2025-26 Stats: In 43 games played so far this season, he has recorded 8 assists and 21 penalty minutes.
NHL Path: While currently developing in the AHL, he is viewed as a “late bloomer” who could fast-track to an NHL debut as a call-up for the Golden Knights if injuries occur, given the relatively thin depth chart of defensive prospects in the Vegas organization.
Professional Contract Details
Kmec’s current contract ensures he remains within the Vegas system through the 2026-27 season.
Pistol Pete
Bowman is -12 but 23 pts (8G/15A) is a very solid start to his NHL career over half a point a game. Raphael Lavoie is yet to register a single point in his first 16 NHL games but 12G/13A in 24 games in Henderson this season are very solid numbers indeed and Cassidy appears poised to start him tonight on the Eichel line. That tells me a lot about how the coaching staff is viewing the 6’4” 216 pound forward right about now. Me thinks he’s gotten stronger on the puck and is forechecking. Apparently the guy has one helluva shot and good hands. Let’s see if he can do what Bowman has done. Here’s to wishful thinking!
Pistol Pete
That is 44 games for Bowman. Forgot to put that in there. 23 pts in 44 games over half a point a game. Very solid performer big body. Strong on the puck, good on the walls, forechecks and high tails it back into his end. Exactly the things a good development staff forces out of prospects. Precisely what we hope to see of Lavoie.
Pistol Pete
I wish to apologize to Walt and hdbiker in particular. Got carried away with the terminology. You are entitled to your views it has been an up and down season with at times no end in sight.
Among us more positive fans, myself, SMH, and Jose to name a few it can be disconcerting for you guys to harp on the negative. This team HAS struggled this season we all know it. Hopefully despite this they can still launch a run.
trade
Cassidy said there’s also an illness going around the room with Theodore, Marner and another player.
hope this game goes like the one in LA where the JV team came up big.
trade
Minny acquires McCarron from Nashville. the kind of tough botttom sixer the Vgk could use
Bob Hobrough
Good move for the wild Mccarron is good in the face off circle and the Wild need to improve in the circle
Marli
The VGK stink – period! They have a record of 31 wins and 38 losses. Kelly M. should be fired. You can’t buy the Cup. But, in true VGK fashion, Cassidy will get the axe!