The Vegas Golden Knights have a newfound sense of confidence ever since they hired John Tortorella. The team is rolling through the Stanley Cup playoffs, while carrying a record of 19-4-1 since being hired. But one aspect has some fans worried: playing on the road. However, that doesn't worry Tortorella one bit, as proven by his words during the NHL's media day.
"I don't care what building we play in. This isn't way back in the day when there were situations and buildings that there might have been a little bit of intimidation or whatever. It's just not that way in our game anymore."John Tortorella during NHL media day
Believe it or not, there's plenty of truth to the statement. Entering Game 1, the Golden Knights are 34-25 all-time on the road during the Stanley Cup playoffs. That included a 7-3 record during the Stanley Cup-clinching season of 2023.
That should inspire Golden Knights fans to believe that their team has a chance in the Stanley Cup Final. You have a veteran team loaded with superstars who have a newfound swagger to their name. With Vegas rolling into Game 1 on Tuesday, that should have fans feeling confident about their odds against another red-hot team: the Carolina Hurricanes.
Still, let's dive further into the statistics and see how far Tortorella's point goes. You don't get to this point in time without seeing where the team's been throughout their history. That's right, dear reader. Let's dive into a history lesson and see how the Golden Knights have done on the road all-time during the Stanley Cup playoffs, shall we?
How have the Vegas Golden Knights done all-time on the road during the Stanley Cup playoffs?
The Golden Knights have had a good road showing during their franchise history. They've been average or above the median mark in most seasons, with the exception of one. That would be 2019, when they were eliminated by the San Jose Sharks in seven games. The only win that season came in Game 2 in a 5-3 win.
Mind you, that came off a controversial "major penalty" that the NHL admitted they messed up on. But the overall record indicates that Vegas has done incredible work in a couple of seasons. How have the Golden Knights done on an individual basis for each season, you ask?
Season | Road Record |
|---|---|
2018 | 6-4 |
2019 | 1-3 |
2021 | 4-5 |
2023 | 7-3 |
2024 | 2-2 |
2025 | 3-2 |
2026* | 6-2 |
* indicates current record
Two seasons stand out for the Golden Knights here: 2023 and the current season. Mind you, 2023 was the Stanley Cup-winning season, where the Golden Knights only lost in Edmonton, Dallas, and Sunrise, Florida. This season, it consisted of losses in Salt Lake City and Anaheim, whereas Vegas swept the road series against the Colorado Avalanche.
The Golden Knights have a "golden" (no pun intended) opportunity to continue that run on Tuesday. The Hurricanes are an excellent team that's on a generational run, carrying a 12-1 playoff record with them this postseason. Wouldn't it be something to get yourself off on the right foot by taking Game 1 against the Hurricanes?
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