The Vegas Golden Knights didn't punch their ticket to the playoffs for the seventh time in franchise history. Unfortunately, the Colorado Avalanche gave the Calgary Flames a point in Monday's contest. That's what giving up two third-period goals gets you. Thus, it's time to lace up the skates and do the deed against Edmonton.
Still, this season has been extraordinary for the Golden Knights. Jack Eichel (27 goals and 66 assists entering Tuesday) has been on a heater all season. He's on pace to score 30 goals and 74 assists to end the season, mind you. That would make him the first player in franchise history to score 100 points.
Of course, he's not alone. You also have Adin Hill becoming a reliable goaltender for Vegas. Having a GAA of 2.46 (seventh in the NHL) and a save percentage of .908 (tied for 12th) will push a team up the standings. It's no wonder he got a six-year contract extension from Kelly McCrimmon.
So... What's next? What should be the end game for Bruce Cassidy's squad? Do they stop at the Pacific Division? Or should they go crazy and try to surpass as many Western Conference teams as possible? The possibilities are endless here. They could shock the world and get a better seeding along the way. But let's start with the obvious...
The Pacific Division is next in line for the Vegas Golden Knights... and more
It's obvious the Vegas Golden Knights will go for the Pacific Division next. Their magic number to clinch stands at six points entering Tuesday, according to Playoff Status. With the Kings and Oilers set to duel twice, that could make life easier for the division leaders.
What's more is that Vegas has a seven-point lead heading into Tuesday's game against Edmonton. They stand seven points ahead of Los Angeles and nine points ahead of the Oilers. Tuesday offers the ultimate chance to give one of their main adversaries the knockout blow.
But what if I told you they also had a realistic chance at gaining another spot? No, it's not the Pacific Division. However, it's still important. I'm talking about the Dallas Stars, who were two points ahead entering Monday's game against the Kraken.
Getting the second-most points in the Western Conference isn't impossible
Sure, the Stars have quietly gone on a five-game winning streak before Monday's game in Seattle. They've been overshadowed by the St. Louis Blues rattling off nine straight victories. However, they've been on a heater themselves. Plus, two of their last eight games are against teams currently in playoff position.
Still, what would happen if Dallas came back to Earth and the Golden Knights continued winning? Believe it or not, the biggest threat in the Western Conference isn't the Winnipeg Jets. Instead, it's the winner between the Stars and Avalanche.
Both teams are loaded with offensive talent, and one of them is missing Miro Heiskanen. Both loaded up at the trade deadline and want another Stanley Cup. Getting home-ice advantage over the Stars in a potential Western Conference Final matchup would help Vegas immensely. If Tomas Hertl returns, that makes life even better.
That's why they must continue winning even after the Pacific Division is clinched. Sure, you can say that home ice doesn't matter as much in the playoffs. However, the Golden Knights are 27-7-3 at T-Mobile Arena. As for Dallas? They're 27-7-2 at American Airlines Center. Win as many games as you can, Bruce Cassidy. Hit 100 points, Jack Eichel. Those points will come in handy later.