Although the Vegas Golden Knights aren't in the playoffs this season, it's fun to look back and see how they won their first Stanley Cup. After all, nostalgia is a powerful tool, which is why everyone's seeing a slew of reboots and remakes. Why not go down memory lane and see some defining moments from last season?
Let's lay out the plot for those not in Las Vegas. The Golden Knights fired their head coach, Pete DeBoer after they missed the playoffs for the first time in franchise history. Granted, 2021-22 wasn't too kind to the team, for it brought an unbridled collapse and many injuries to the team. Still, he was replaced by Bruce Cassidy, who's fresh from Boston and looking for a new start.
The team comes out swinging, starting 13-2 in their first 15 games. On par with the Boston Bruins (who would have a record-breaking regular season), everything is good in Las Vegas. Then they remained steady until January 14, which started a dry run of four points in eight games. Everyone is panicking and mass hysteria ensues among the fan base.
Then, a funny thing happened. The All-Star Break goes and Vegas suddenly goes on a five-game winning streak. That started with a resounding 5-1 road victory over the Nashville Predators on February 7, 2023. Eventually, that would lead to the Golden Knights winning the Pacific Division and gaining home ice advantage throughout the Western Conference side of the playoffs.
After that, the Winnipeg Jets were soundly defeated, followed by the Edmonton Oilers and the Dallas Stars. Then, Vegas took care of Florida in the Stanley Cup Finals, 4-1, to finish their story and win their first title. Memory lane is calling, so let's look back at the three defining moments of last season's awe-inspiring run.
Michael Amadio's double-overtime goal in game three against Winnipeg
The Vegas Golden Knights were deadlocked in a battle against the Winnipeg Jets in game three of the first round. After surrendering a 4-1 lead, tensions were high for fans. Suddenly, Connor Hellebuyck was playing better after a disastrous first two periods and the Jets offense found life. As a result, the game went into overtime. However, it wasn't until the second overtime that Michael Amadio saved the day.
Dylan Samberg tries to clear the puck out of his own zone, only for it to bounce off Ivan Barbashev. Amadio pounces on the open puck to fire a one-timer past Hellebuyck, sending everyone home. It was a series-defining goal that prevented a terrible collapse from being completed, with the Vegas forward's situational awareness coming in clutch.
What's more, this was his first playoff goal of his career. It couldn't have come at a better time, for the Golden Knights nearly lost control of the game (and possibly the series). While losing Josh Morrissey for the rest of the series played a significant role, the Canadian center's timely goal also put the Stanley Cup run into motion.