Entering Tuesday's game against the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Vegas Golden Knights were on a three-game losing streak. Losers of five of their previous six, the Golden Knights had to play in Toronto... against Auston Matthews. Golden Knights fans were losing their collective minds at thought of playing one of the NHL's best at Scotiabank Center.
However, everything turned out okay as the Vegas Golden Knights demolished the Maple Leafs, 6-2. Led by a red-hot Jonathan Marchessault scoring two goals, Vegas shook off their three-game losing streak. They gained two points in the process, keeping some distance between them and Edmonton.
Of course, this prompts a question: What is the longest losing streak in Golden Knights history? What's the longest Golden Knight fans had to suffer before getting a win? The answer might surprise you and will put the team's success into perspective.
Longest Losing Streak for the Vegas Golden Knights
The longest losing streak in Vegas Golden Knights history happens to be five games. The Golden Knights went a whole week without winning, starting on March 8, 2022, and ending on March 15, 2022. This was also the season where Vegas missed the playoffs for the first time in franchise history. Of course, they won the Stanley Cup the next season, so it was quickly forgotten.
Golden Knights fans have fretted about the team's current direction, fearing they'll drop out of the playoff race. With the team's injuries flaring up, the fears came in full swing. However, the longest losing streak for Vegas this season was a mere four games. Four games!
Another factor to consider is Vegas being comfortable in the playoff standings. 11 points stand between the Golden Knights and the first outlier for a playoff spot heading into Wednesday. Therefore, there isn't much cause for concern for the Vegas Golden Knights, especially heading into March.
About the Vegas Golden Knights in 2021-2022
There were numerous concerns about this season, too. Many injuries to the likes of Mark Stone and Brayden McNabb devastated the team, leaving the Golden Knights out of playoff contention. While this is the same set of circumstances for Vegas, this is a different team. Now you have Marchessault playing for a contract. Now you have Nic Roy stepping up his game. Now you have Bruce Cassidy getting more from his team, setting the standard. Everything is starting to feel right for Vegas.
Yes, the Vegas Golden Knights have dealt with such adversity this season. It's rough losing top players like Stone and Jack Eichel. However, the Golden Knights are a fortified unit. Winning the Stanley Cup last season while retaining almost the whole team should give fans reason for hope. Plus, players like Eichel are returning. No longer are you seeing a sea of Henderson Silver Knights come in. Now, you have the big guns coming in, bolstering the special teams and offense.
For some, the sky might be falling. But the Golden Knights haven't lost five games in a row this season. In fact, they won seven straight to start the season, putting them in their current position. After all, it could be worse. You could be rooting for a team like the Arizona Coyotes. Right, Bruce?