Golden Knights Eye Pacific Division Title Against Eliminated Kraken in Final Regular Season Clash
The NHL's regular season is nearing its end, and the Vegas Golden Knights are poised to clinch the Pacific Division title against the Seattle Kraken on Wednesday night. With all playoff spots secured but seeds still up for grabs, this matchup holds significant weight for Vegas, who needs just one point to secure their second consecutive division title and fifth overall. Currently, the Golden Knights sit at 93 points, while the Edmonton Oilers follow closely with 91 points. The Knights are heavily favored at -475 to win, making it a strategic moment for bettors. A regulation draw will suffice for Vegas to finish atop the division, a remarkable feat considering their establishment in the 2017-18 season. The recent coaching change from Bruce Cassidy to John Tortorella has revitalized the team, leading to a streak of seven games without a regulation loss. Key player Jack Eichel has notably stepped up, recording his first power-play goal of the season and achieving four points in a single game, a franchise record. In contrast, the Kraken have been eliminated from playoff contention and are struggling offensively, averaging just 2.79 goals per game. Despite leading the season series against the Knights 3-0, all victories came by a single goal, adding pressure for Vegas to avoid an embarrassing sweep. As the Golden Knights gear up for this crucial game, the potential implications extend beyond the division title, possibly influencing their playoff trajectory as they seek an easier first-round matchup. With Tortorella's leadership, the Knights are confident and ready to seize the moment.
Source: CBS Sports - 2026-04-15