Stanley Cup Archives - SinBin.vegas

On July 3, 2021

(Photo Credit: SinBin.vegas Photographer Brandon Andreasen)

If there’s one thing the Golden Knights were not short on as they headed into their fourth Stanley Cup playoff journey, it was experience. Before the 19 games they each played on their path to the Semifinals, the Golden Knights entered the playoffs with 1,086 games of postseason experience on the roster.

On top of that, they also boasted four prominent players that have won Stanley Cups. Between Marc-Andre Fleury, Alex Pietrangelo, Alec Martinez, and Chandler Stephenson, this version of the Golden Knights had players who had won seven of the last 13 Stanley Cups.

When you hear people talk about players like Fleury, Pietrangelo, Martinez, and Stephenson you’ll often hear them mention that accolade. In Martinez’s case, when he was acquired it was literally the only thing anyone wanted to reference when describing him as a player. And, after this season concluded, Martinez himself went right to it when talking about Pietrangelo.

He’s got that championship pedigree. He’s been through a lot of playoff runs. We actually went head-to-head quite a few times. -Alec Martinez on Pietrangelo

Personally, I’m usually a little skeptical when it comes to pedigree making a difference, but this year has made me re-think it a bit seeing the performances of the Cup-winners on the Golden Knights’ roster.

Think about it. Who were Vegas’ best three players on this postseason run?

Vegas And Colorado Preparing For Inevitable Postseason Showdown

On February 17, 2021

(Photo Credit: SinBin.vegas Photographer Brandon Andreasen)

After last night’s 3-2 loss to the Colorado Avalanche, the Golden Knights have played a total of 15 games in the 2021 shortened season. Their overall record is an outstanding 10-3-1 but Vegas’ measuring tape record is 1-1-0.

In six periods against the Avalanche, the pace, style, and quality of hockey was noticeably different. Cliché or not, the last two contests between the heavyweights in the West felt like playoff games. The Golden Knights hadn’t seen the power, skill and speed of Nathan MacKinnon and his talented teammates. Same goes for the Avalanche. In the 13 games Colorado played, only Vegas has a winning percentage of .569 or higher.

You get a real good goaltender like Fleury that is an active player in the net. He’s an aggressive guy. This is a team that checks real well. Their numbers on the analytics side of it is they’re not giving up a lot of scoring chances and you have to earn those chances. -Jared Bednar, Colorado coach

With six matchups left between one another, the Golden Knights and Avalanche will have to do some soul searching. In all likelihood, the winner of the West Division will be one of these two clubs. If that’s the case, both front offices will examine their clubs and ask themselves if the current roster is good enough to beat the other in a long playoff series. To advance it might come down to taking advantage of trade deadline or feeling confident and standing pat.

It might sound simple, but both the Avalanche and Golden Knights should look at each other as their only roadblock to the Stanley Cup Finals. Whether it’s a waiver pickup, a deadline trade, or the elevation of internal depth, any and all acquisitions should be aimed at outlasting the other in a seven-game series. Perhaps Vegas looks to add speed or depth scoring at the deadline to help neutralize Colorado’s pace and power. Or maybe Colorado looks to add some girth and toughness to challenge Vegas’ strength.

There’s no doubt the speed and level of play has been higher than any point we’ve seen. -Pete DeBoer

Last year at the deadline each team added to their offense. Colorado traded for Vladislav Namestnikov and the former 1st rounder scored four goals in the postseason. Vegas acquired depth for three positions. Alec Martinez was brought in to sure up the defense and he’s been in the lineup ever since. Offensively, the Golden Knights supplied the bottom-six with Nick Cousins. And of course, Vegas flip-flopped Malcolm Subban (and in a way Marc-Andre Fleury) for Robin Lehner.

Both teams tend to be active around the deadline, making deals in three straight years. Expect involvement again this year but like Vegas, Colorado has cap issues. It could come down to which front office can be more creative opening up room for more salary.

From what we saw in the last two games, the Golden Knights and Avalanche are evenly matched, despite each playing without key pieces. Both are elite and capable of winning the Cup, but can’t do so without getting through the other.

We all know it, Vegas and Colorado are destined to play in the second round of the postseason and it has the potential of being one hell of series. Best start preparing now.

Vegas’ Cup Run Got Tougher With New Playoff Format

On December 23, 2020

(Photo Credit: SinBin.vegas Photographer Brandon Andreasen)

With the new divisional alignments, the NHL needed to create a playoff format that fits. Canada has its country-wide division intact, and the US will provide the other three. The Golden Knights will be in a division with most of their Pacific buddies, but will also have to deal with two top Central teams in Colorado and St. Louis.

East: Bos-Buf-NJ-NYI-NYR-Phi-Pgh-Was
Central: Car-CBJ-Dal-Det-Chi-Fla-Nas-TB
West: Ana-Ari-Col-LA-Min-SJ-STL-VGK
North: Cgy-Edm-Mtl-Ott-Tor-Van-Wpg

With a mish-mash of divisions and conferences, the NHL decided to come up with a plan to reward the team that preserves from each division. Essentially, the Golden Knights will have to beat two teams from their division to secure a spot in the final four.

Any other season, the Golden Knights would regularly begin the postseason by playing a Pacific division team. In 2018, Vegas swept a first-round series against LA and in 2019, San Jose controversially sent the Golden Knights packing after the opening round. This year though, without wild cards, Vegas will have to be the best in the West to win the Cup.

The new playoff format throws a wrench at tradition. Since divisional realignment in 2014 (with exception of the 2020 postseason), every Stanley Cup champion was forced to defeat two divisional rivals. This season will have more of a twist. Each division will have a four-team playoff to decide one team to advance to the NHL semifinals.

With temporary divisions in place, the Golden Knights may end up having a difficult path to the Finals. Depending on their seeding, Vegas could face both Colorado and St. Louis to reach the semi-finals. Talk about some heavy lifting. If we simply go off paper, the Avalanche, Blues and Golden Knights are the top three teams in their expanded division. Leaving one spot for Anaheim, Arizona, LA, Minnesota, or San Jose.

Of course it’s not a foregone conclusion the Golden Knights will secure one of the four open playoff seats, but I think we all agree it would be a major surprise if they didn’t. Which is why it’s imperative for Vegas to get off to a strong start. A sluggish beginning to a shortened 56-game schedule could mean a lower seed, and a tougher path through the Colorado and St. Louis.

Unlike last postseason, there are no lightweights in the 2021 playoffs.

Five Sports Illustrated Experts Pick Vegas To Play For The Cup (Plus Our Picks)

On April 20, 2020

(Photo Credit: SinBin.vegas Photographer Brandon Andreasen)

As we continue holding out for some level of hope for the NHL season to resume, some outlets are continuing the tradition of making their annual Stanley Cup predictions. This year Tampa Bay and Vegas were the two teams most picked to play in the Cup finals by Sports Illustrated.

Five SI experts chose the Golden Knights to participate in the Final if the season were to continue play. Unfortunately, four out of the five picked the Golden Knights to lose in the Stanley Cup Final.

Matt Larkin: Lightning over Golden Knights in six

Sam McCaig: Lightning over Golden Knights in five

Edward Fraser: Lightning over Golden Knights in six

Ryan Kennedy: Lightning over Golden Knights in six

Each prediction had Vegas losing to Tampa in six games or less. Ouch, not even one deciding game. The lone SI expert that awarded Lord Stanley’s cup to the Golden Knights left Tampa out of the Final completely. Here’s his explanation of why he chose VGK as the 2020 NHL champions.

Dan Falkenheim: Golden Knights over Bruins in six
Since Jan. 15, no team has a higher share of expected goals (58.5%). Robin Lehner’s arrival ensured Vegas would enter the playoffs with the NHL’s best netminding situation. And all the sudden, with Max Pacioretty turning back the clock, the Golden Knights looked like the West’s top team before the pause.
Much less drama for the Bruins, some 2,700 miles away. Save for a mediocre 4-5-6 stretch running from early December into the New Year, Boston has been the league’s most consistent team throughout the season. Tuukka Rask’s emergence as the Vezina frontrunner helped the Bruins carve out an eight-point lead in the Atlantic Division and serves as a reminder that he can carry a team as far as he wants to. Both Boston and Vegas are built to withstand the rigors of postseason hockey—each has reached the finals within the last three years—but the Golden Knights are the team that comes out on top in a matchup between recent Stanley Cup losers. -Dan Falkenheim, SI.com

It’s an intriguing matchup, to say the least. The last two Stanley Cup runner-ups battling to end their finals losing streaks. Both teams are recognized for elite-level skill and fantastic goaltending. Plus after the pause, Max Pacioretty and Mark Stone will be fresh and fully healthy for Vegas and Boston’s older veterans will get some much needed extra rest for their pursuit.

Although SI went heavy on Tampa, they’re not the team I selected to win the cup. Nor to come out of the East. Here are our predictions for this year’s Stanley Cup finals.

Playoff Participation Plan Diminishes Vegas’ First Place Finish

On April 6, 2020

(Photo Credit: SinBin.vegas Photographer Brandon Andreasen)

Silly comments from P.K. Subban shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone around the Golden Knights. Remember this?

He knows he bit me. I’m not trying to rip his head off. I’m not that type of player… I don’t know how I walk out of there with four minutes in penalties… It wasn’t explained. They tried to apologize after the fact that they gave me four minutes in penalties. My finger is bleeding. I don’t know what you want me to do.-P.K. Subban accusing Pierre-Edouard Bellemare of biting his finger, 01/23/19

Well P.K. is back, and he’s pushing the idea of a ridiculous 31-team playoff. Subban believes the NHL should allow every club a chance to compete for the Stanley Cup, including his 68 point Devils team. Contenders like the Golden Knights worked hard to position themselves for a Cup run, but none of that matters to the former Norris Trophy winner.

It was kind of floated around… I saw a few things on social media and I like that. For my team specifically, we were pushing to make the playoffs down the stretch. I would like to see our team have an opportunity to compete for the Stanley Cup. I’d love too see a 31-team playoff and give those pesky Devils an opportunity of bringing the Cup back home to New Jersey. I’d love to see that. -PK Subban on ESPN

While it might sound intriguing to certain fanbases, it makes zero sense for any legitimate contender. In fact, the real losers would end up being the Golden Knights and other elite clubs. Why should they be punished for playing strong during the 71-game paused season?

The NHL is not college basketball, or even the World Cup. The Stanley Cup playoffs is not a tournament of rewarded participants, it’s a tournament of winners. So, why would Vegas, St. Louis, Boston or Tampa want to risk playing a team that has nothing to lose, and face losing to a #16th seed? They wouldn’t, and frankly, they’d be wronged if the league forced them too.

If you’re New Jersey, you’re sitting there and you say, ‘okay fair enough we realize below the cut line.’ Then you say but Montreal, sitting with 71 games 71 points. The Devils go ‘whoa, whoa, whoa, time out, we’re three points behind Montreal with two games in hand. Why would you give Montreal a chance?’ The Devils would say ‘well Montreal can’t be a part of any postseason thing because we got a better point percentage then them.’ So, I guess that’s kind of where P.K. was coming from. -Bob McKenzie

Golden Knights Rough Patch Not Uncommon For Cup Finalists

On February 16, 2019

(Photo Credit: SinBin.vegas Photographer Brandon Andreasen)

The Golden Knights are currently in the midst of the worst slump in franchise history. They’ve lost eight of their last 11, five straight at home, and have gone from chasing down the top spot in the Pacific Division to looking over their shoulders to just stay in playoff position.

It’s often said (and Max Pacioretty recently said it to us) that most teams go through tough stretches. So, I decided to go back through the past 10 Stanley Cups to see if it is indeed the case.

The graph below shows the participants in the previous 10 Cup Finals with their worst losing streak, worst 10 game stretch, and where they finished in their division. The Golden Knights of this year currently have a worst losing streak of four and their worst 10 game stretch is 3-7-0.

Team	Longest Streak	Worst 10	Season Points	Division Finish
17-18 WSH^	L3	3-6-1	105	1st
17-18 VGK	L3	4-5-1	109	1st
16-17 PIT^	L4	4-3-3	111	2nd
16-17 NSH	L4	2-5-3	94	4th
15-16 PIT^	L5	2-5-3	104	2nd
15-16 SJS	L6	2-6-2	98	3rd
14-15 CHI^	L3	4-6-0	102	3rd
14-15 TBL	L2	3-5-2	108	2nd
13-14 LAK^	L5	1-8-1	100	3rd
13-14 NYR	L4	3-7-0	96	2nd
12-13 CHI*^	L2	5-5-0	77 *	1st
12-13 BOS*	L4	3-5-2	62*	2nd
11-12 LAK^	L5	2-6-2	95	3rd
11-12 NJD	L4	4-6-0	102	4th
10-11 BOS^	L4	3-4-3	103	1st
10-11 VAN	L4	4-2-4	117	1st
09-10 CHI^	L3	3-5-2	112	1st
09-10 PHI	L5	2-8-0	88	3rd
08-09 PIT^	L5	2-8-0	99	2nd
08-09 DET	L5	3-6-1	112	1st

*Lockout shortened season ^Stanley Cup Champion

Four of the previous 10 Stanley Cup Champs have experienced five game losing streaks at some point during the season. Six of the previous 10 have had at least a four game losing streak.

Stanley Cup Facts FAQ

On April 6, 2018

In Fans

Today, the Stanley Cup made what we hope to be one of many trips to Las Vegas over the course of the next few months. We had a chance to sit down with Keeper of the Cup, Mike Bolt to talk answer a bunch of questions about the world’s most famous trophy that were mainly sent in by you guys via social media.

How much does the Cup weigh and what is it made out of?

The Cup weighs 34.5 pounds and is made of silver and nickel alloy. It’s 35.25 inches tall.

How many Cups are there?

There are three versions of the Cup. The “Presentation Cup” is the Cup that travels and is given to the team that wins. The “Replica Cup” lives at the Hall of Fame in Toronto and serves as a stand-in when the Presentation Cup is traveling. The “Dominion Hockey Challenge Cup” was donated by Lord Stanley and also lives at the Hall of Fame.

How long does the winner get to keep the Cup?

100 days is the standard but it varies depending on the season schedule and the Cup’s event schedule.

What do cities display in their arena after they win?

Replicas created by the team. They must be smaller than the actual Cup.

How many names does each team get to put on the Cup, how are they chosen, and what are the guidelines?

A total of 52 names are allowed to be engraved into the Cup. Each person must have been with the organization when the team won the Stanley Cup. The organization chooses the names and sends them to the league. There is no minimum number of games a player must play to be on there.

How is it transported?

There is a “road case” with plenty of padding that goes along with it. Due to TSA guidelines, it must be checked on airlines. There have been mishaps with the airlines but normally it checks and makes it to the next destination without any problems.

Who travels with the Cup?

One of the Keepers of the Cup is present with the Cup at all times including on each player’s “Day with the Cup.” The people who travel with it rotate.

Marc-Andre Fleury’s Day With The Stanley Cup

On July 22, 2017

In News, Personnel

It’s a long standing tradition in the NHL, each player on the Stanley Cup willing team gets a day to do whatever he pleases with the world’s best trophy. Today, new Vegas Golden Knight Marc-Andre Fleury has his day with the Cup.

Marc-André Fleury begins his day at the Ronald McDonald House (Montréal, QC) #stanleycup @penguins @NHL @HockeyHallFame pic.twitter.com/QTDdvWpWc3
— Philip Pritchard (@keeperofthecup) July 22, 2017

The Cup wants a Big Gulp when you go in, Marc-André! (Varennes, QC) #stanleycup @penguins @NHL @HockeyHallFame pic.twitter.com/qhL7sopfUk
— Philip Pritchard (@keeperofthecup) July 22, 2017

https://twitter.com/keeperofthecup/status/888828556192731136

Au volant de sa Jeep, Marc-André Fleury avait une passagère bien spéciale à ses côtés. Un texte d'@antoinedeshaies https://t.co/IGLa9rYPJ3 pic.twitter.com/syxkB9Zzec
— Radio-Canada Sports (@RC_Sports) July 23, 2017

Before arriving in Vegas for this season, Marc-Andre Fleury spent this weekend with the Stanley Cup.
More: https://t.co/tOYUmhesr8 pic.twitter.com/4vcflX4c7B
— Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) July 24, 2017

Predicting Award Winners And When Vegas Wins Each Trophy