Getting a game-winning goal in hockey is an awesome and great achievement. Finally, you've put your opponents to rest and can take home two points, getting you one step closer to the Stanley Cup playoffs. Whether it's a goal in a blowout victory or an overtime winner, there's no better feeling than putting the game away. It's equivalent to getting the Christmas gift you wanted, leaving your inner child to jump around for joy.
It's become commonplace for the Vegas Golden Knights since their inaugural season, for they've developed a reputation as a winning team. They've relied on big names such as Jack Eichel and Jonathan Marchessault to produce clutch moments. In turn, it's led to a winning culture recognized by the league, which has earned them some admirers and haters.
Plenty of names could be the franchise leader in game-winning goals. That comes with the territory of being a successful NHL team. When the front office finds some diamonds in the rough and caps it off with a superstar, they're bound to win games... and a Stanley Cup. With that, who's the Golden Knights's all-time leader in game-winning goals?
Jonathan Marchessault is the Vegas Golden Knights all-time leader in game-winning goals
Jonathan Marchessault might be a Nashville Predator now, leaving the Vegas Golden Knights behind after contract negotiations broke down. However, he's the franchise leader in game-winning goals, totaling 32 during his Golden Knights career. His career-high with Vegas came in 2017-18 and 2018-19, scoring six each season. He also had that total the year before coming to Las Vegas, scoring six game-winning goals with the Florida Panthers in 2016-17.
He's the overwhelming franchise leader, with Chandler Stephenson, Max Pacioretty, and William Karlsson tied for 20 game-winning goals each. But what about Jack Eichel? He's sure to be hovering around 19 or 18, right?
Eichel is actually 10th all-time in game-winning goals for the Golden Knights. He has 11 during his time in Las Vegas, leaving him behind names such as Alex Tuch (15) and Shea Theodore (14). Granted, he hasn't spent much time with Vegas compared to Marchessault. However, that should jump up in the future, especially if Kelly McCrimmon re-signs him.
That could even leave him as the new leader of this category if things go right. The "Original Misfit" now doing the boot-scootin' boogie in Nashville leaves an opportunity for a new king. That could be good news for the Massachusetts native, who's looking to become the face of the franchise.