The Golden Knights are the reigning Western Conference Champions. They were able to achieve this in large part due to their dominance against the Pacific Division. A year ago, Vegas went 20-6-3 against the Pacific en route to claiming the division title. They then defeated the Pacific Division’s Kings and Sharks to reach the Western Conference Final.
This year, the standings look a bit different with the Golden Knights firmly planted in 3rd place with 79 points through 68 games. That’s seven points short of San Jose and 10 off Calgary’s pace. However, like last year (and every year for that matter), the road to the Western Conference Final for Vegas goes through the Pacific. And while the Golden Knights are playing at just a 58.1% points percentage, they are significantly better against their own division.
vs. Pacific 14-5-2 (.714)
vs. Metro 9-6-1 (.593)
vs. Central 8-8-0 (.500)
vs. Atlantic 6-7-2 (.467)
Vegas has a winning record and/or positive goal differential against every team in the division as well.
vs. Anaheim 4-0-0 (+11 GD)
vs. Vancouver 2-0-1 (+3 GD)
vs. Arizona 2-1-0 (+2 GD)
vs. Calgary 2-1-0 (-2 GD)
vs. Los Angeles 2-1-1 (o GD)
vs. San Jose 1-1-0 (+5 GD)
vs. Edmonton 1-1-0 (+2 GD)
In the division, only the Sharks have a better record than the Golden Knights, and Vegas has the ability to flip that script with a pair of games against San Jose on March 18th and 30th.
San Jose 15-4-3 (.750)
Vegas 14-5-2 (.714)
Calgary 11-7-2 (.600)
Arizona 12-9-2 (.565)
Los Angeles 8-8-2 (.500)
Vancouver 9-10-4 (.478)
Edmonton 8-11-2 (.476)
Anaheim 7-10-3 (.425)
In two seasons, the Golden Knights record inside the Pacific Division is an incredible 34-11-5 (.730) with a goal differential of +47 (+26 in 17-18 and +21 in 18-19).
The Golden Knights have eight Pacific Division games remaining on the schedule before what is almost certainly a seven-game series against a division foe in the first round and a seven-game series against another one in the second round.
The playoff format is probably going to change at some point, maybe even as soon as next year, but while it remains the way it is, there’s no question it’s advantage Vegas.
Joe E
So you think it will take all 14 games to get to the WCF?
Ken Boehlke
I hope not but a pair of Game 7 wins would be awfully fun to watch.
Mike G
Curious who you think would be the better first round matchup? For me it’s Flames. Something about the Sharks scares me…
Scott Carlson
With Stone in the mix I am not as worried. We have the best goal tended and the faster team so, I like our chances. I also think all our bad puck luck in the beginning of the season is behind us. Go knights Go!!!!
vgk2019
The biggest concern for the Knights is the fact that they will be playing games 1, 2, 5, and 7 of likely EVERY series on the road.
The Stone age version of the Knights, which is focused on defensive mindset, and shutdown-style team D, will hopefully overcome any road game disadvantage.