Did you know that the Vegas Golden Knights had an all-time record of 11-2-1 against the Seattle Kraken entering Thursday's game? That type of dominance would warrant one of those teams as the better "expansion story."
The Seattle Kraken story is more impressive than the Golden Knights expansion story due to planning properly for the future.
— THE Kraken Pod (@KrakenPod) March 20, 2023
From year one to two, the Kraken are historically one of the best expansion stories…
BUT, national media ignores us in favor of larger markets. https://t.co/USIqkXU5gj
Don't tell that to the residents of Cascadia, though. They don't realize there was a better story that happened before their team's arrival. We're talking about making two Stanley Cup Finals in your first six seasons. Don't forget seven Stanley Cup playoff appearances in eight seasons. You can't say that about the Kraken.
In fact, that superiority was on full display on Thursday night. The Golden Knights took care of Seattle, 2-1. Ivan Barbashev got the "Barby Party" started in the first period, scoring in transition. You're one step closer to the division, baby.
The first period was closer than expected, though. Both teams were tied in shots, 8-8. The Golden Knights did lead in chances after one, 7-5, though. They also had more chances off the cycle in the first period, 3-1.
It would start a game that would leave the Kraken playing like the Seattle Mariners: Hopeless and already eliminated from playoff contention.
A business-as-usual win for the Vegas Golden Knights
There might've been some familiar faces missing from action on Thursday. That included Jack Eichel and Alex Pietrangelo, who were dealing with illnesses and injuries alike. But it was business as usual for the Vegas Golden Knights on Thursday night after one period.
It was relatively quiet on the homefront. However, Adin Hill had another masterful performance. He stopped 24 of 25 shots, getting his 31st win of the season.
Not to be outdone, William Karlsson and Reilly Smith teamed up for the game's second goal. It would be Karlsson's ninth goal of the season, with Brayden McNabb and Smith getting the assists. Nothing like a little "Misfit" nostalgia to get you through the day, eh?
There might've been an unorthodox Jared McCann goal to get Seattle on the board. However, the stats were skewing more towards the Golden Knights after two periods. Vegas had more shots on goal (18-13), more shot attempts (45-38), more overall chances (14-11), and more chances off the cycle (6-3).
Beating the Seattle Kraken isn't enough for the Pacific Division title
Unfortunately, they didn't get any help from the Anaheim Ducks regarding the Pacific Division. They lost to the Los Angeles Kings, 6-1. That loss pushed the division-clinching festivities until Saturday, when the Golden Knights take on Jonathan Marchessault and the Nashville Predators.
Sometimes, it takes facing a familiar punching bag to get you two crucial points. The Golden Knights might've been scared by the Kraken's outstanding performance on Monday against Los Angeles. However, that didn't stop them from going about their business. As a result, they got two points and moved one step closer to winning the Pacific Division. Add in a returning Tomas Hertl and things start getting interesting.
Now, Vegas can bump that record to 12-2-1, establishing itself as a greater "expansion story." Soon, they'll also lay claim to a better title: Pacific Division champions. It'll give them home-ice advantage for the first two rounds as well, which is a much-needed boost. Given that the Golden Knights are 28-9-3 at T-Mobile Arena, it'll be another "business as usual" playoff run.