People like to assume that the Vegas Golden Knights are Gary Bettman's little darlings in the NHL. They think that the referees are paid off and give Vegas all the calls because of the team's appeal. Like, what was that 2023 run all about, right?
Surprisingly, that was the only Stanley Cup that the team won in its franchise history. The Golden Knights have run into some rotten luck during their postseason, dealing with some questionable calls and misplays on the ice.
If fans would simply look at the team's history, albeit short, they'd realize that the Golden Knights aren't as decorated in the postseason department as they'd like to think. Sure, there are moments such as the 2018 Stanley Cup Final run and 2023. However, the Golden Knights have had nightmare moments hurt them along the way.
In fact, there are three moments that come to mind here. These moments ended Vegas's hopes for making a magical run, breaking the hearts of many in Las Vegas. Let's plug our noses like we're eating brussel sprouts and relive (or don't, your choice) the moments that hurt the Golden Knights' faithful forever.
1.) The San Jose Sharks coming back from a 3-1 deficit
Remember when the Vegas Golden Knights were a game away from the second round in 2019? You could almost taste the glory of facing the Colorado Avalanche in the next round. Well, it didn't happen, although Vegas came close twice.
Back-to-back overtime losses, including the infamous "Not A Minor" game, led to Vegas being ousted. In turn, Gerard Gallant was let go the next season and the Golden Knights turned to legendary conference final coach, Pete DeBoer.
2.) Marc-Andre Fleury's Game 3 gaffe against the Montreal Canadiens
Sometimes, you need to take Steve Dangle's advice and tend the goal. It's not like you have to rush anything and make a mistake. Expect that's exactly what happened as Marc-Andre Fleury misplayed a puck, leading to Josh Anderson's game-tying goal.
Mind you, Anderson also got the game-winner. But that also led to the Montreal Canadiens upsetting the Golden Knights in the series, 4-2. Although Montreal lost to the Tampa Bay Lightning in the Stanley Cup Final, it capped off an amazing run that had the unfortunate tale of involving the Golden Knights.
3.) Going scoreless in the last two games against the Edmonton Oilers
Now, fans will talk about how Braden Holtby's big stop was more unfortunate because it swung the momentum in Washington's favor. But hear me out on this one.
Imagine not scoring a goal after Reilly Smith's miracle goal against the Oilers in Game 3. I'm talking about getting shut out in back-to-back games. That's certainly bad news, right?
Well, that's what happened for the Golden Knights as the offense went ice-cold in last season's second round matchup. What's worse was that it was against Stuart Skinner, of all goaltenders. Talk about taking one on the chin against your hated rivals.
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