Las Vegas (AP) — Life around the Golden Knights is rarely dull, and that was especially true at the end of last season when the team made dramatic coaching changes, firing their champion coach, hiring another with a title, and then replacing him with a third following an unexpected run to the Stanley Cup Final.
However, the Golden Knights’ focus isn’t on the tumultuous process but on the ultimate goal: winning the championship. They narrowly missed clinching their second Stanley Cup in four years, falling just two wins short—at one point leading Carolina 2-1 in the series.
“Coming two games shy of winning the Stanley Cup is something you don’t forget,” said center Jack Eichel on the first day of training camp. With the new season beginning soon—with Chicago visiting on September 29—they are especially eager to finish what they started. Vegas remains among the favorites, with betting odds ranging from +850 to 10-1 at major sportsbooks.
As the franchise begins its tenth season, their benchmark has consistently been winning the Cup, a goal since their debut in 2018 when they reached the final but lost to Washington in five games.
“We believe we have some unfinished business,” said GM Kelly McCrimmon. “Being two wins away from the Stanley Cup and not getting there fuels our focus each year. The journey is long—you need to be a playoff team first, which starts with a strong training camp, a good start to the regular season, and then enduring 84 games.”
Vegas has never been afraid to make bold moves, dating back to plans for their 2017 expansion draft. They made strategic trades and signings, landings such as William Karlsson and Shea Theodore, who remain crucial to the team.
Management has continually sought to upgrade both their roster and coaching staff. They fired Gerard Gallant in January 2020, Pete DeBoer in May 2022, and even let go of Bruce Cassidy, who led Vegas to the 2023 Cup final, with eight games remaining last season. Cassidy was replaced by John Tortorella, a fiery coach who guided Tampa Bay to the 2004 title. Tortorella’s energy sparked Vegas to a 7-0-1 finish, helping them climb from third to first in the Pacific Division, and saw them sweep through the first three playoff rounds, including a stunning victory over Colorado, the Presidents’ Trophy winners.
Yet, despite advancing far, they fell just short of the Cup again, losing to the Hurricanes in six games after blowing a two-goal lead in Game 2. “When you come that close, it stinks,” said forward Mitch Marner.
Although Tortorella’s influence was immediate and impactful, he was soon replaced. The franchise turned to Ryan Craig, who coaches the team’s AHL affiliate in Henderson and has been part of the organization since 2017.
“Craig’s messaging won’t need much change; he understands how we operate,” captain Mark Stone expressed. “We were two wins from another Stanley Cup, and we’re happy with how the team is built and our mindset.”
Vegas’ relentless drive to succeed is rooted in a culture that’s never been content with falling short. The team has missed the playoffs only once in its history, making it one of the most successful expansion franchises in North American major sports.
Everyone associated with the team recognizes the high expectations, and management is committed to meeting them.
“I think this group always feels like they have something to prove, mostly to themselves,” Eichel added.
Fan Take: This ongoing quest for the Cup keeps the excitement alive around Vegas and fuels hope that this could finally be the year they lift their second championship. For hockey fans, the Golden Knights’ relentless pursuit of excellence exemplifies the passion and competitiveness that make the sport so thrilling to watch.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
