The top 3 moments in Vegas Golden Knights history
Tell your friends that Vegas Golden Knights hockey is a month away. Tell the village, tell your family, and tell your dentist. Fans will flock to T-Mobile Arena to see superstars like Jack Eichel skate around the ice. The whole world must know that the greatest season in sports is around the corner, with the regular season starting two months from now.
Fond memories of the team's past successes come with that anticipation, Watching past legends like Marc-Andre Fleury make a ridiculous save or Jonathan Marchessault score a clutch goal brings a smile to many faces in Las Vegas. It's also led to postseason success, including a Stanley Cup in the hollowed halls.
The historical success fosters some contempt and awe from fellow hockey fans. Some people admire what the Golden Knights have done during their team history, following their success with admiration. Others are jealous of their achievements, wishing they could be like them. Whatever the case, the Golden Knights have ruled their kingdom.
Of course, the jealousy crowd have relished in some of the bad moments of Vegas's short history. That includes a 3-1 lead blown against the San Jose Sharks and a controversial major penalty called on a cross-check. However, Golden Knights fans think more about the blissful times than the bad moments.
Why wouldn't they? Vegas has built a winning culture turning the team into a regular Stanley Cup contender. They've done this by finding diamonds in the rough via trade, free agency, and even the Expansion Draft. These players have created such moments, bringing excitement and leaving behind a legacy. With that, here are three of the best overall moments in the Golden Knights' history.
3.) Marc-Andre Fleury wins the Vezina Trophy
The Vezina Trophy is one of the most prized achievements in the NHL. It honors the spectacular work of a goaltender during a season, parallel to a baseball pitcher winning the Cy Young. It's awarded to a specialty position that serves a greater purpose to the team's success.
When the Vegas Golden Knights drafted Marc-Andre Fleury with the 29th pick in the 2017 Expansion Draft, the expectation was that he'd be the starting goaltender. The team wanted a stable player in net and the former first-overall draft pick proved his worth with the Pittsburgh Penguins. However, he would go beyond the call, leading the Golden Knights to the Stanley Cup Final in the inaugural season.
But 2020-21 was a special season in itself, with Fleury posting a GAA of 1.98 and a save percentage of .928. Despite the shortened season, the "Original Misfit" won the first Vezina Trophy in franchise history. It cemented his place in Golden Knights history, making him the best goaltender in the franchise.