Vegas Dominating The Pacific Division Again, Except LA

This season the Golden Knights are a sterling 15-4-1 against Pacific Division teams. It’s been an annual occurrence too. Since 2017, the 31st franchise is 125-49-17 against their most common opponents. That’s a .699 points percentage, which translates to a 115-point 82-game regular season. It’s helped VGK claim the top spot in the Pacific in three of the first six seasons in which the division was used. And, as it stands, they’re poised to make it four of seven.

VGK’s 2024-25 Record vs. Pacific

• 4-0-0 vs. Anaheim
• 2-0-0 vs. Calgary
• 2-1-0 vs. Edmonton
• 1-3-0 vs. Los Angeles
• 3-0-0 vs. San Jose
• 1-0-1 vs. Seattle
• 2-0-0 vs. Vancouver

Since their inaugural campaign, the Golden Knights have cleaned up on bottom-feeding opponents, while keeping it level with perennial postseason participants. One-time rival San Jose Sharks have historically fared the worst out of all the teams in the Pacific. Despite being the only divisional rival to eliminate Vegas in the playoffs. In 2024-25, the Golden Knights are undefeated against the Sharks.

The Seattle Kraken have entered the postseason just once. Although, they do deserve credit for winning a series. However, unlike the Golden Knights, the Kraken have failed to build a winning culture. They are dangerously close to passing the Sharks for the worst points percentage against the Golden Knights, with Anaheim to follow.

VGK’s Franchise History vs. Pacific Division

• 27-7-1 vs. Anaheim
• 15-8-1 vs. Calgary
• 11-11-3 vs. Edmonton
• 18-15-3 vs. Los Angeles
• 11-2-1 vs. Seattle
• 27-2-5 vs. San Jose
• 16-4-3 vs. Vancouver

It’s clear, Vegas is the class of the division this season and really since 2017-18. Unfortunately, regular season victories over the Ducks, Kraken, or Sharks won’t matter if the Golden Knights cannot solve the best of the divisional clubs in the playoffs.

As we witnessed on Sunday evening, the Golden Knights have had issues with the Kings. Los Angeles won the season series 3-1-0, and has ripped off three straight wins against VGK. There’s a real chance both meet up in the postseason. As of right now, Vegas would gladly escape facing the Kings in the opening round.

Things with Edmonton are always a wild card. Technically, the Oilers have a five-point advantage in 25 games against the Golden Knights since 2017. Nevertheless, the feeling is that Vegas always has the upper edge in the postseason. Or course, the Golden Knights eliminated the Oilers in six in 2023 but the relationship has shifted slightly since then with Edmonton winning the Western Conference a year ago.

Realistically, all three Pacific contenders have flaws but are considered Stanley Cup contenders. It’s in Vegas’ best interest to lock up the division and take their chances with a wild card matchup. Let Edmonton and LA battle it out again for a fourth straight postseason.

Then again, what are the odds the Kings can defeat the Golden Knights seven times in one season? I’m sure it’s low but Vegas fans would rather have a less stressful start to the playoffs.