When did the Vegas Golden Knights have the best penalty kill?

2024-25 hasn't been the best season for the Vegas Golden Knights penalty kill. They've successfully killed off 73.9% of their penalties, good for... 24th in the NHL.

Historically, the unit hasn't been the best. They've held an all-time penalty kill percentage, making them an average unit. Overall, the special teams haven't been outstanding, sticking out as an eyesore for Golden Knights fans. While the power play has taken the brunt of the jokes, the penalty kill hasn't stood out much, either.

That's the problem Bruce Cassidy has faced starting the season. Watching his group struggle to tackle the opponent's man advantage has been problematic, leaving the Golden Knights to lose out on crucial points. Even with William Karlsson returning, the Golden Knights have issues ditching the puck. That is, except for one particular season.

Sure, they've had successful campaigns where they've killed over 80% of their penalties. However, this one season was when the group stood out the most. They banded together to form one of the better groups during this specific season.

It carried them to the semifinal round, where they would win tight contests against teams like the Minnesota Wild and Colorado Avalanche. Although they fell short of winning the Stanley Cup, it set the standard for special teams play in Las Vegas. When was this season and how well did the group do?

The Vegas Golden Knights had their best penalty kill group in 2020-21

2020-21 was supposed to be the year of destiny for the Vegas Golden Knights. Before Bruce Cassidy came on board, the team had a Vezina Trophy winner in Marc-Andre Fleury and Mark Stone was having an extraordinary season. It felt like the team should've done more to win the Stanley Cup... except it never happened.

The Montreal Canadiens shocked the world, pulling a massive upset over the Golden Knights in the semifinal round. Behind an upstart group of young forwards (led by Nick Suzuki) and Carey Price, Pete DeBoer and the Golden Knights couldn't figure out Montreal.

However, that season brought the best penalty kill unit in the league. The Golden Knights killed 86.8% of their penalties, followed by the Boston Bruins with 86%. The head coach in Boston? None other than Cassidy. But like the power play, the best season came in a shortened session, with 2017-18 being the best 82-game stretch (81.4, good for 10th).

Fans are hoping to see the unit become the league's best again. With the power play finally turning the corner, the Golden Knights can become one of the most dominant teams in the NHL. Of course, it helps to have more defensive-minded defensemen aiding the cause. However, it's something the team will figure out throughout the season.