Well, ladies and gentlemen. The Vegas Golden Knights are heading to the Stanley Cup playoffs for the eighth time in nine seasons. They did the deed against the Colorado Avalanche, winning in overtime, 3-2. Be sure to send Jack Eichel your thanks for the game-winning overtime goal... and perhaps a beer.
The funny thing about all this is that this should be known as the worst season in franchise history. Bruce Cassidy was fired with eight games left in the season and the Golden Knights had more losses than wins for the first time in franchise history.
Yet! The Pacific Division saved the Golden Knights through its feces-stenched mediocrity, gifting them that playoff spot on Saturday. With teams like the Edmonton Oilers and the Los Angeles Kings underachieving in 2025-26, it makes life much easier.
But let's move on from the big win and see who the Golden Knights should face. Three teams come to mind here for the first round matchup. That would be the Utah Mammoth, the Edmonton Oilers, and the Anaheim Ducks. Maybe it could be the Kings if they get hot. But only one of those teams would be the perfect fit for Vegas to face in the first round.
Why the Edmonton Oilers doesn't make sense for the Vegas Golden Knights
Obviously, you know the names that reside on this team. There's Leon Draisaitl (if he plays in the first round) and Connor McDavid, two gigastars who've given the Golden Knights fits before. But there's another problem that hangs in the balance.
The rivalry has tilted heavily in Edmonton's favor, with the Oilers winning eight of their 10 games. That includes last season's playoff matchup, where the Golden Knights lost, 4-1.
Yes, you can talk about how the goaltending and blue line are non-existent. You can also refer to the most recent blowout. However, that means nothing until you can beat McDavid, Draisaitl, and company more consistently. Otherwise, you're going to have a rough time getting out of the first round against Edmonton.
Why the Utah Mammoth doesn't make sense for the Vegas Golden Knights
If you asked me who I'd choose between the Utah Mammoth and the Edmonton Oilers, I'd choose the Mammoth. Sure, Utah has better goaltending and offensive weapons on the surface. However, there are deeper problems that undercut the team.
For one, this will be an inexperienced group, with a majority of the Mammoth players going into their first Stanley Cup playoffs foray. That also goes for head coach Andre Tourigny, who would face off against a more experienced adversary in John Tortorella.
Still, Utah has a wide array of goal scorers, starting with Clayton Keller (26 goals and 58 assists), Nick Schmaltz (31 goals and 41 assists), and Dylan Guenther (40 goals and 32 assists). That alone could be problematic enough to tip the scales in Utah's favor. Just look at March 19's 4-0 shutout as a perfect example.
The right team for the Vegas Golden Knights is none other than the Anaheim Ducks
Let's get one thing straight. Joel Quenneville is arguably a better head coach than John Tortorella. I know, you're going to strangle me for saying that. But look at how many Stanley Cups he's won (three), along with his record (1,011-604-77-155, 2,254 points). That puts Anaheim at a distinct advantage.
However, there's trouble in paradise for the Ducks. As with the Mammoth, Anaheim is relatively inexperienced in the postseason, with few names (think Chris Kreider and Jacob Trouba) carrying playoff experience. Plus, Anaheim has slid in recent weeks, providing an opening for Edmonton and Vegas to fight for the Pacific Division. Compare that to the Golden Knights, who are picking up steam at the right time.
The battle-tested Golden Knights would be wise to bite the Quenneville bullet and take on the Ducks. They've had a hard time beating the Edmonton Oilers and the Utah Mammoth aren't much easier, especially with Karel Vejmelka in net.