The Colorado Avalanche are the type of team the Vegas Golden Knights would have trouble with. Thanks to megastars like Nathan MacKinnon (28 assists and 35 points, both first in the NHL) and Mikko Rantanen (14 goals, tied for fourth in the NHL), the Avalanche have developed a reputation as one of the most consistently good teams in the NHL. That's why they won the Stanley Cup in 2022 and hold a wild card spot in the Western Conference (12-10-0, 24 points).
But, wait!
So have the Golden Knights.
Behind the brilliance of Jack Eichel (26 assists, second in the NHL), they've been one of the most consistent teams in their own right. They won the 2023 Stanley Cup and have a record of 14-6-2 (30 points). That's good enough for first in the Pacific Division.
The Golden Knights can add an exclamation point to a five-game road trip. They earned six points in different ways, whether it was a blowout win or a comeback victory. Sure, some people aren't satisfied since it didn't involve a win over the Maple Leafs. But six points in ten games is six points in ten games. It's like $20 being $20.
Wednesday's matchup between the two clubs will feature a colossal matchup between the Western Conference's last two Stanley Cup champions. Behind their two megastars, both franchises have carved a name for themselves as a part of the league's best.
But who has the upper hand all-time? Is it the Avalanche, who've been historically good? Or is it the Golden Knights, who have another notch under their decorated belt? Fans will hear about the battle between two premier centers on Wednesday until the game's over. So let's see who the better team has been in this series.
The Vegas Golden Knights have a lifetime record of 12-13-1 against the Colorado Avalanche
The Colorado Avalanche have proven to be a tough adversary against the Vegas Golden Knights. The Golden Knights have an all-time record of 12-13-1 against the Avalanche. That includes their season opener victory, 8-4.
That game was the most goals the Golden Knights scored against the Avalanche in a single game. The most they allowed? December 23, 2019, when they lost at T-Mobile Arena, 7-3. The largest margin of defeat came two months prior on October 25, where the Golden Knights lost, 6-1.
The biggest margin of victory? Seven goals, where there are two instances. The first time was the first-ever matchup on October 27, 2017, when the Golden Knights won, 7-0. They also won by that same score on November 4, 2023. Both games happened at T-Mobile Arena.
While the Golden Knights have a losing regular season record, they do have a Stanley Cup playoff series against the Avalanche. In 2021, they overcame a 2-0 series deficit to win in six games.
Wednesday's matchup between the Golden Knights and Avalanche will feature two of the NHL's biggest stars. Nathan MacKinnon and Jack Eichel are in the running for this year's Hart Memorial Trophy. That will be the main focus as the center looks to usurp the defending winner. Will he be successful? Stay tuned.