The Vegas Golden Knights' inaugural season saw surprise, as they went all the way to the Stanley Cup Final. Last season, their sophomore season, saw their first taste of disappointment, as they were ousted in Round 1 after a 3-1 series lead and a late 3-0 lead in Game 7. This year brings expectations--heavy ones, and it all started with the Round Robin. The Knights entered at #3, but ended up sweeping the Round Robin to capture #1 in the West, and doing so by scoring five goals a game. In the West Quarters, the Knights made quick work of the upstart Chicago Blackhawks, only needing five games to win that series and advance. Players such as Alex Tuch, Jonathan Marchessault, Shea Theodore, and the goaltending of Robin Lehner and Marc-Andre Fleury led the way for Vegas.
The 24-team tournament included six Canadian teams, but only one remains: the Vancouver Canucks. Like the Islanders, the Canucks began their journey in the Qualifying Round, defeating the Minnesota Wild in four games before ousting the defending Stanley Cup Champions, the St. Louis Blues, in six games. The team was led by Calder finalist Quinn Hughes and featured key players such as Brock Boeser, Elias Pettersson, Bo Horvat, and Chris Tanev, with Jacob Markstrom in net. Vancouver looks like they can good enough to upset the Knights, and while they are good enough, I don't think they will.
Prediction: Knights in six
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