The Vegas Golden Knights are well-known for getting off to hot starts. Last season, they started their campaign 11-0-1, setting the NHL world on fire. The year prior, they started the season 13-2. The result was a Stanley Cup, where the team dominated the competition and handled the Florida Panthers, 4-1. Nobody will ever forget the historical run they made to finish the story, making the early run more important.
It's crucial to win the season opener, especially if you hope to hoist Lord Stanley come June. The Golden Knights know this because they have an excellent roster prepped at the start of the season. That's what happens when you're strong down the middle and boast a strong defensive group. Teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs aren't safe from their play, especially with Jack Eichel heading toward them on the ice.
Last season was the case, where they won seven straight games to start the season. They got off on the right foot, taking the NHL world by storm. However, seven games isn't the longest winning streak to start a season. It is for a defending champion. But there are a handful of teams who got off to better starts. Here's who ransacked through the league to start the hockey year.
The 1993-94 Toronto Maple Leafs and 2006-07 Buffalo Sabres have the longest winning streak to start the NHL season
Long before Jack Eichel was even a thought in anybody's head, the 1993-94 Toronto Maple Leafs got off to a fast start. Led by head coach Pat Burns and star Doug Gilmour, the Maple Leafs won 10 straight games from the season's start, setting a new NHL record. The team would finish second in the Central Division with 98 points, losing in the Conference Final to the Vancouver Canucks.
The 2006-07 Buffalo Sabres would tie this record with their own 10-game winning streak. Led by head coach Lindy Ruff, the Sabres would finish with 113 points, taking the Northeast Division crown. However, they'd also lose in the Conference Final. This time, the Ottawa Senators beat them, advancing to the Stanley Cup Final in five games.
While the 2024-25 Vegas Golden Knights have a challenge ahead of them, it's nothing new for the crew. They've dealt with various adversities throughout their playing careers, making the playoffs and dominating the competition. That's how they've gotten off to incredible starts in the past two seasons, where they've planted the seeds for making the postseason. That could be the case for Eichel and company as they head to another fun-filled year.