The Vegas Golden Knights are stumbling at the worst possible time, and their latest loss has pushed them into unfamiliar territory.
After a 4-3 overtime defeat to the Edmonton Oilers, Vegas not only slipped further in the Pacific Division race but also made franchise history, though not the kind they would want.
Golden Knights Set Unwanted Franchise Record
Since returning from the Olympic break, Vegas has struggled to stay consistent, losing 11 of its last 16 games. Their record now stands at 32-26-15 through 73 games. With 41 total losses, including both regulation and overtime, the Golden Knights are guaranteed, for the first time in franchise history, to end a season with more losses than wins.
Since entering the NHL in 2017, Vegas has been one of the most successful expansion teams in sports, avoiding a losing record every season. Even in 2021-22, when they missed the playoffs, they still posted more wins (43) than losses (39). That streak is now set to end this season.
One major factor has been their growing number of overtime defeats. Vegas has already set a franchise record with 15 overtime or shootout losses. While those “loser points” have kept them in the playoff conversation, they’ve also masked the broader inconsistency in their results.
Several key players have also cooled off. Mark Stone had gone five games without a point before his two-goal effort against Edmonton, while Jack Eichel endured a seven-game goal drought.
There’s also been a focus on offseason acquisition Mitch Marner. Although he has produced 70 points in 72 games, nearly a point-per-game pace, he hasn’t matched the elite scoring levels expected after last season’s near 100-point campaign.
Vegas coach Bruce Cassidy addressed the Golden Knights’ current situation, emphasizing the need to refocus on winning. “We’re just trying to get our game together and get in,” he said. “I’m not, it’s been a battle for us since the Olympic break to win games. So, let’s get winning again, feel good about ourselves, take care of winning, and then we’ll worry about…”
Even with their recent struggles, Vegas is still in the playoff race thanks to the NHL’s points system. However, no matter what happens from here, they’re now set to finish a season with more losses than wins for the first time in franchise history.
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The Golden Knights will look to regroup when they face the Washington Capitals on Saturday, hoping to stop the slide before the postseason push tightens even further.
