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SportsPulse: USA TODAY Sports' Jimmy Hascup and Kevin Allen look at some dark horses that could make some noise this postseason, but ultimately it's hard to bet against Nashville. USA TODAY Sports
In Las Vegas, where big-name celebrities perform on a nightly basis, the NHL was often the best show in town this winter.
The Vegas Golden Knights were the hot ticket. Everyone wanted a glimpse of the best expansion team in league history and to soak in one of the most festive atmospheres in all of sports.
T-Mobile Arena, nicknamed The Fortress, was a happening place on game nights. Washington Capitals winger Alex Ovechkin compared it stepping into a nightclub or attending a “pool party.”
Blue Man Group and Cirque du Soleil have performed at intermissions. A castle is stationed above section 101. This isn’t your typical NHL game backdrop.
“They try and make the game be more than just a game,” said fan Jay Petrick. “Celebrities nightly. Reminds me of L.A.'s (Wayne Gretzky era) heyday in the early 1990s.”
Now everyone wants to see what the Golden Knights (51-24-7) do for an encore when the playoffs start Wednesday. The Pacific Division champions take on the Los Angeles Kings (10 p.m. ET, NBC Sports Network).
“The expectation is that (our playoff games) will be like nothing we’ve ever seen or experienced,” Vegas general manager George McPhee said.
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The Golden Knights were 29-10-2 at home this season. According to ESPN, Vegas home games averaged 18,042 fans, 103.9% of capacity, which ranked fourth in the NHL.
“It has gone so far beyond everyone’s expectations,” McPhee said. “We thought we could be a good team and put on a good show. You have to do that because it’s Vegas. It’s the entertainment capital of the world.”
This Vegas playoff presentation may be similar to what we witnessed last season when the Nashville fan base and environment was as impressive as the team’s performance (en route to the Stanley Cup final).
“A lot of commentary during the regular season from league officials, media and the players was about how our atmosphere felt and sounded like a playoff game,” Golden Knights president Kerry Bubolz said. “We were excited by that because we know we have another level on and off the ice.”
Predators president Sean Henry has seen the Golden Knights’ game experience first-hand.
“I love it,” Henry said. “I compare it to us, and I think they do, too. The reason I do is not because of things that are yelled or done. It’s about how the fans feel about the team. It’s like the fans own the team.”
Most opponents say the Golden Knights are one of the league’s hardest-working teams, and employees behind the scenes try to match that work ethic.
“You never know what to expect at our games,” McPhee said. “It’s a positive, uplifting experience from the minute you arrive, even when you are not in the building yet. It’s a party. It’s an event. It’s a festival. And it’s uniquely Las Vegas.”
Fans are smitten with the team and the players. “Fans have lined up at three o’clock in the morning at our pro shop to get the chance buy a poster at ten,” McPhee said. “And the line is 1,000 deep.”
Los Angeles is only a 271-mile drive from Las Vegas, but Kings fans know they won’t easily be heard if they travel to Las Vegas to see a game.
“I’ve been to 11 different NHL arenas for Kings road games and these Vegas fans may be the loudest out there,” said Kevin Attanasio, an engineer and Kings fan from Whittier, Calif. “I expected Kings fans to take over the (Vegas) stadium like we do in Anaheim, but every time we started ‘Go Kings, Go’ chants, Vegas fans quickly started their chants and made sure to drown ours out.”
Vegas officials must feel as if they are playing with house money because no one, not even those closest to the team, anticipated the overwhelming reception the team has received.
“I never imagined the team being this strong,” said season-ticket holder Emily Merz. “I never imagined my team being this dominant. Fans have taken over the city. Knight fever in Vegas is strong.”
Expansion teams traditionally finish near the bottom of the standings, but thanks to generous expansion draft rules and McPhee's shrewdness, the Golden Knights finished with the NHL’s fifth-best record.
Fans and the team also bonded through the players’ efforts to help the community after 59 people were killed in a mass shooting in Las Vegas on Oct. 1.
Former Capitals-turned-Golden Knights season-ticket holder Don Soifer, 50, said as soon as defenseman Deryk Engelland stood in the middle of the ice at the Oct. 10 home opener and talked about the tragedy with a “Vegas Strong” theme, the Golden Knights’ arena became a “magical place.”
“When we’re on our game, buzzing and flying down the ice like the classic Western powerhouses, the whole Fortress is electric and loud in a way that only Vegas can be,” Soifer said.
Bubolz said music in the building is intentionally cranked up for the pre-game warmups.
“I tell them to turn it up as loud as they can stand it because I want the energy of the warmup to match the energy of the game because we are getting ready,” Bubolz said. “Our warmups are like a rock concert. I love the intensity of our warmup. It’s hard to talk to the person next to you, but you are getting ready just like the guys are getting ready to battle.”
NHL 2017-18 photo of the night
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April 8: Florida Panthers forward Frank Vatrano (72) celebrates his goal with defenseman MacKenzie Weegar (52) during the first period against the Boston Bruins at TD Garden.
Bob DeChiara, USA TODAY Sports
April 7: The Colorado Avalanche celebrate after defeating the St. Louis Blues to clinch a playoff spot.
Ron Chenoy, USA TODAY Sports
April 6: Buffalo Sabres left wing Evan Rodrigues shoots against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the second period at Amalie Arena. The Lightning won the game, 7-5.
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April 5: Vancouver Canucks forward Daniel Sedin (22) and forward Henrik Sedin (33) acknowledge the fans following their final home game.
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April 4: Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Duncan Keith (2) celebrates after scoring the game-winning goal late in the third period against the St. Louis Blues.
Jeff Curry, USA TODAY Sports
April 3: The Nashville Predators react as the game tying goal was disallowed with one second left in the third period of a game against the Florida Panthers at BB&T Center.
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April 2: Hurricanes defenseman Klas Dahlbeck (6) checks Panthers wing Jamie McGinn (88) into the boards during the third period in Sunrise, Fla.
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April 1: Flyers center Nolan Patrick (19) scores past Bruins goalie Anton Khudobin (35) during the third period at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia. The Flyers won 4-3.
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March 31: A banner honoring the victims of the of the Oct. 1 mass shooting is raised before the Vegas Golden Knights' game against the San Jose Sharks.
Stephen R. Sylvanie, USA TODAY Sports
March 30: The Rangers played a video tribute during their game to former New Yorkers and current Lightning players Ryan McDonagh, J.T. Miller and Dan Girardi.
Elsa, Getty Images
March 29: Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) celebrates his game-winning goal in overtime to defeat the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center.
Ed Mulholland, USA TODAY Sports
March 28: Flyers goaltender Michal Neuvirth, back from injury, made his first start since Feb. 18. But he left the game leading 2-1 and was replaced by Petr Mrazek during the second period against the Avalanche.
David Zalubowski, AP
March 27: Wild center Eric Staal celebrates scoring his 40th goal of the season, the first time he has hit that mark since 2008-09.
Mark Zaleski, AP
March 26: Ottawa Senators forward Max McCormick is checked by Carolina Hurricanes forward Brock McGinn during the first period at PNC Arena. The Hurricanes won the game, 4-1.
James Guillory, USA TODAY Sports
March 25: A Nic Dowd shot goes off the post and Stars goalie Kari Lehtonen's skate for a goal. Lehtonen also gave up a sharp-angle goal by Jake Virtanen in the 4-1 loss to the Canucks.
Tony Gutierrez, AP
March 24: Detroit's Tyler Bertuzzi is crushed by Toronto's Kasperi Kapanen.
Claus Andersen, Getty Images
March 23: Penguins goaltender Matt Murray dives to knock the puck off the stick of Devils forward Michael Grabner.
Gene J. Puskar, AP
March 22: An official removes a puck lodged in Carolina Hurricanes goalie Cam Ward's skate during the first period, an accident that resulted in an odd goal for the Arizona Coyotes.
Gerry Broome, AP
March 21: Penguins center Sidney Crosby bats the puck out of the air twice to score against Canadiens goaltender Carey Price,
Charles LeClaire, USA TODAY Sports
March 20: Jets right wing Patrik Laine leaves the ice after blocking a shot by Kings defenseman Alec Martinez. The injury halted his 15-game point streak (18 goals, eight assists).
Trevor Hagan, AP
March 19: Boston Bruins left wing Brad Marchand (63) stick handles in front of Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Joonas Korpisalo (70) while center Pierre-Luc Dubois (18) defends during overtime at TD Garden. The Blue Jackets won in overtime, 5-4.
Bob DeChiara, USA TODAY Sports
March 18: Golden Knights right wing Ryan Reaves, top, bowls over Flames defenseman T.J. Brodie during the second period.
Steve Marcus, AP
March 17: Canadiens goaltender Charlie Lindgren and defenseman Noah Juulsen keep an eye on the puck after a Lindgren save.
Chris Young, AP
March 16: Stars goalie Ben Bishop keeps an eye on the puck as Senators left wing Magnus Paajarvi tries to deflect it. Bishop lost 3-2 in his first action since was hurt on March 5.
Fred Chartrand, AP
March 15: Colorado Avalanche forwards Mikko Rantanen (96) is and Nathan MacKinnon (29) each scored two goals in a win over the St. Louis Blues.
Jeff Curry, USA TODAY Sports
March 14: Vegas Golden Knights center Cody Eakin (21) is hit by New Jersey Devils defenseman John Moore (2) and left wing Miles Wood (44) during the first period at T-Mobile Arena. The Devils won the game, 8-3.
Stephen R. Sylvanie, USA TODAY Sports
March 13: Wild defenseman Jared Spurgeon (46) is helped off the ice after he fell awkwardly into the boards in the third period against the Avalanche.
Brad Rempel, USA TODAY Sports
March 12: Washington Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin (8) acknowledges the crowd after scoring his 600th career goal in a 3-2 overtime win over the Winnipeg Jets.
Tommy Gilligan, USA TODAY Sports
March 11: Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) knocks the net onto Dallas Stars goaltender Kari Lehtonen (32) as Stars defenseman Dan Hamhuis (2) defends during the second period at PPG PAINTS Arena.
Charles LeClaire, USA TODAY Sports
March 10: Tampa Bay Lightning forward Brayden Point (21) scores a goal in the shootout against the Montreal Canadiens.
Kim Klement, USA TODAY Sports
March 9: Minnesota Wild forward Mikko Koivu (9) boards Vancouver Canucks defenseman Troy Stecher (51) during the second period at Rogers Arena. The Wild won the game, 5-2.
Anne-Marie Sorvin, USA TODAY Sports
March 8: Anaheim Ducks center Ryan Getzlaf (15) and goalie John Gibson (36) react after a goal by Nashville Predators center Ryan Johansen (92) during the first period at Bridgestone Arena.
Christopher Hanewinckel, USA TODAY Sports
March 7: Flyers forward Travis Konecny roofs a close-in shot against Penguins goalie Tristan Jarry.
Matt Slocum, AP
March 6: Predators goalie Pekka Rinne stopped 26 Stars shot to tie the league shutout lead with his seventh. The Predators won 2-0 for their franchise-record ninth consecutive win.
Christopher Hanewinckel, USA TODAY Sports
March 5: Flames goalie Jon Gillies can't get back into the net in time to stop a shot from Penguins center Evgeni Malkin, who had picked off Gillies' clearing attempt.
Gene J. Puskar, AP
March 4: Members of the Blackhawks and Ducks pile up in the crease in front of Anaheim goalie John Gibson.
Jake Roth, USA TODAY Sports
March 3: Washington's Lars Eller and Toronto's James van Riemsdyk battle for the puck during the second period at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium.
Patrick Smith, Getty Images
March 2: Ottawa Senators center Matt Duchene chops at the puck after falling to the ice during the third period against the Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena. The Senators won the game, 5-4.
Stephen R. Sylvanie, USA TODAY Sports
March 1: Tampa Bay Lightning forward Cory Conacher (89) scores the overtime game-winning goal against Dallas Stars goalie Ben Bishop (30) at the American Airlines Center.
Jerome Miron, USA TODAY Sports
Feb. 28: Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy gets ice sprayed in his face as he makes a save against the Sabres. The Lightning lost 2-1 in overtime, and Vasilevskiy received a misconduct penalty for throwing his stick down the ice.
Kim Klement, USA TODAY Sports
Feb. 27: Jets center Paul Stastny, one of the top trade deadline acquisitions, celebrates after scoring in his Winnipeg debut. Also scoring in their debut: Boston's Tommy Wingels and Nashville's Ryan Hartman (a game-winner). Evander Kane had two assists in his Sharks debut.
James Carey Lauder, USA TODAY Sports
Feb. 26: Washington Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin (bottom right) lays on the ice after being hit by Columbus Blue Jackets forward Matt Calvert (not pictured) in the first period at Nationwide Arena.
Aaron Doster, USA TODAY Sports
Feb. 25: Sabres forward Benoit Pouliot brings down Bruins newcomer Rick Nash on the day Nash was acquired from the Rangers.
Jeffrey T. Barnes, AP
Feb. 24.The retired number of Devils leading scorer Patrik Elias is raised to the rafters at Prudential Center.
Noah K. Murray, USA TODAY Sports
Feb. 23: Wild forward Eric Staal, left, congratulates Mikael Granlund after his goal. Granlund looked like he had a hat trick, but one of his goals was later awarded to Staal.
Adam Hunger, USA TODAY Sports
Feb. 22: Florida Panthers goaltender Roberto Luongo (1) addresses fans in honor of the victims of the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School before a game against the Washington Capitals.
Steve Mitchell, USA TODAY Sports
Feb. 21: Blackhawks goalie Anton Forsberg stops Ottawa's Mark Stone in the seventh round of the shootout to clinch Chicago's 3-2 victory against the Senators.
Kamil Krzaczynski, USA TODAY Sports
Feb. 20: Flyers right wing Jakub Voracek, who scored a tying goal with 85 seconds left and in overtime against the Canadiens, exchanges a high five with goalie Alex Lyon. Voracek also had an assist in the 3-2 victory.
Eric Hartline, USA TODAY Sports
Feb.19: Defenseman Dion Phaneuf (3) scored his second goal in three games with the Kings as Los Angeles beat the Blackhawks 3-1.
Dennis Wierzbicki, USA TODAY Sports
Feb. 18: Devils winger Taylor Hall scores in overtime to beat the Hurricanes. He has an 11-game point streak and had a seven-game one before he sat out with a thumb injury.
James Guillory, USA TODAY Sports
Feb. 17: Penguins center Evgeni Malkin (71) puts the puck behind Maple Leafs goaltender Frederik Andersen for the 900th point of his career. He had a goal and two assists as the Penguins won 5-3 to extend their home winning streak to 11 games.
Gene J. Puskar, AP
Feb. 16: Avalanche goalie Jonathan Bernier watches the Jets celebrate Andrew Copp's short-handed goal. Bernier was pulled after giving up four goals in the 6-1 loss.
John Woods, AP
Feb. 15: New York Islanders forward Jordan Eberle (7) celebrates his goal against the New York Rangers during the second period at Barclays Center.
Dennis Schneidler, USA TODAY Sports
Feb. 14: Avalanche fans have fun with a sign during a Valentine's Day game at Denver's Pepsi Center.
Ron Chenoy, USA TODAY Sports
Feb. 13: Blackhawks right wing Tommy Wingels goes flying after he collides with Golden Knights goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury.
Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports
Feb. 12: Maple Leafs goalie Frederik Andersen makes a save on Lightning forward Steven Stamkos. He had 31 saves in the 4-3 victory.
Dan Hamilton, USA TODAY Sports
Feb. 11: Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) is congratulated by teammates after scoring his 400th career goal during the second period against the St. Louis Blues at Scottrade Center.
Jeff Curry, USA TODAY Sports
Feb. 10: Vincent Lecavalier, who won a Stanley Cup with Tampa Bay and later was bought out, had his No. 4 retired by the Lightning.
Kim Klement, USA TODAY Sports
Feb. 9: Jets forward Mark Scheifele, playing his first game since Dec. 27, is checked by Blues defenseman Carl Gunnarsson. The Blues won 5-2 and trail the Jets and Predators by two points in the Central Division.
John Woods, AP
Feb. 8: Arizona Coyotes forward Clayton Keller (9) celebrates his game-winning overtime goal with goalie Antti Raanta (32) against the Minnesota Wild at Xcel Energy Center.
Brace Hemmelgarn, USA TODAY Sports
Feb. 7: Maple Leafs defenseman Jake Gardiner takes Predators forward Miikka Salomaki out of the play as Toronto goalie Frederik Andersen looks for the puck.
John E. Sokolowski, USA TODAY Sports
Feb. 6: Goaltenders Matt Murray, left, and Marc-Andre Fleury, teammates last season, chat during warmups. The Penguins beat the Golden Knights 5-4 to spoil Fleury's return to Pittsburgh, where he had won three Stanley Cups.
Charles LeClaire, USA TODAY Sports
Feb. 5: Islanders wing Anders Lee (27) and Predators defenseman Ryan Ellis (4) hit the ice in a fight for the puck during the second period in Brooklyn.
Dennis Schneidler, USA TODAY Sports
Feb. 4: Capitals right wing T.J. Oshie, left, is crunched on a check by Golden Knights left wing James Neal.
Geoff Burke, USA TODAY Sports
Feb. 3: The New Jersey Devils' Brian Boyle high fives a young girl as the team heads to the ice for the start of third period against the Pittsburgh Penguins at Prudential Center. The Devils won the game, 3-1.
Ed Mulholland, USA TODAY Sports
Feb. 2: Hurricanes defensemen Noah Hanifin upends Red Wings forward Martin Frk with a third-period check.
James Guillory, USA TODAY Sports
Feb. 1: Vegas Golden Knights forward David Perron (57) celebrates his overtime goal against the Winnipeg Jets at Bell MTS Place. The win was the Golden Knights' 34th of the season, setting a record for victories by an expansion team.
James Carey Lauder, USA TODAY Sports
Jan. 31: Red Wings goaltender Petr Mrazek celebrates after his clinching save against San Jose's Tomas Hertl in the seventh round of the shootout. Detroit won 2-1.
Rick Osentoski, USA TODAY Sports
Jan. 30. Penguins goaltender Matt Murray, in his first start since the death of his father, is named first star of the game after a 40-save, 5-2 victory against the Sharks.
Charles LeClaire, USA TODAY Sports
Jan. 27: Alex Ovechkin celebrates winning the hardest shot contest of the 2018 NHL skills competition at Amalie Arena.
Kim Klement, USA TODAY Sports
Jan. 25: Capitals star Alex Ovechkin scored his 30th goal and his 500th career assist against the Panthers, but also had to deal with being hit in the face with a puck.
Robert Mayer, USA TODAY Sports
Jan. 24: Toronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander (29) scores the game-winning goal against the Chicago Blackhawks on a penalty shot in overtime.
David Banks, USA TODAY Sports
Jan. 23: Montreal Canadiens forward Artturi Lehkonen (62) celebrates a goal by forward Alex Galchenyuk (not pictured) in the second period against the Colorado Avalanche.
Jean-Yves Ahern, USA TODAY Sports
Jan. 22: Wild forward Marcus Foligno (17) drops Senators forward Alex Burrows (14) with a hard check along the boards during the second period in Minnesota.
Brad Rempel, USA TODAY Sports
Jan. 21: Vegas Golden Knights defensemen Colin Miller (6) celebrates after scoring a first-period goal against the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena.
James Guillory, USA TODAY Sports
Jan. 20: Colorado Avalanche defenseman Erik Johnson falls to the ice after colliding with New York Rangers left wing J.T. Miller in the third period at the Pepsi Center. The Avalanche won the game, 3-1.
Isaiah J. Downing, USA TODAY Sports
Jan. 19: Vegas Golden Knights coach Gerard Gallant, left, acknowledges the crowd after Florida aired a video tribute to the former Panthers coach.
Lynne Sladky, AP
Jan. 18: Taylor Hall and New Jersey Devils fans celebrate his overtime goal. New Jersey beat the Washington Capitals for the first time since Dec. 29, 2016.
Ed Mulholland, USA TODAY Sports
Jan. 17: The Montreal Canadiens' Alex Galchenyuk with the help of goalie Carey Price stop a shot by the Boston Bruins' Tim Schaller during the first period at TD Garden. The Bruins won the game, 4-1.
Greg M. Cooper, USA TODAY Sports
Jan. 16: Predators center Ryan Johansen (92) is looked at by trainer Andy Hosler after being hit by the Golden Knights' William Carrier. Johansen ended up leaving the game.
Christopher Hanewinckel, USA TODAY Sports
Jan. 15: Dallas Stars center Tyler Seguin (91) celebrates with forward Alexander Radulov (47) after scoring the game-winning goal during overtime against the Boston Bruins at TD Garden.
Bob DeChiara, USA TODAY Sports
Jan. 14: Detroit Red Wings forward Tyler Bertuzzi (59) celebrates scoring a goal during the third period against the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center.
Dennis Wierzbicki, USA TODAY Sports
Jan. 13: New York Rangers right wing Jesper Fast and New York Islanders defenseman Adam Pelech (50) come together at the boards during the third period at Madison Square Garden. The Islanders won the game, 7-2.
Andy Marlin, USA TODAY Sports
Jan. 12: Left wing Anthony Duclair, acquired in a trade with the Arizona Coyotes, made his Chicago Blackhawks debut and had an assist on a second-period goal by Jan Rutta.
Jeff Haynes, AP
Jan. 11: Flames left wing Johnny Gaudreau celebrates after scoring a goal against the Lightning during the second period at Amalie Arena in Tampa.
Kim Klement, USA TODAY Sports
Jan. 10: Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Brent Seabrook (7) celebrates his goal against the Minnesota Wild. It was his first since opening night, ending a 40-game drought, and happened during his return from a healthy scratch.
Kamil Krzaczynski, USA TODAY Sports
Jan. 9: Calgary Flames defenseman Dougie Hamilton (27) celebrates his overtime goal against the Minnesota Wild with teammates.
Brace Hemmelgarn, USA TODAY Sports
Columbus Blue Jackets center Boone Jenner (38) celebrates a third-period goal against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Tom Szczerbowski, USA TODAY Sports
Jan. 7: Washington Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom (19) scores the game-winning goal in overtime against the St. Louis Blues at Capital One Arena.
Geoff Burke, USA TODAY Sports
Jan. 6: Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews (34) reacts after scoring in the shootout on Vancouver Canucks goaltender Jacob Markstrom (25) at the Air Canada Centre.
John E. Sokolowski, USA TODAY Sports
Jan. 5: Daniel Sprong, called up by the Pittsburgh Penguins, scored two goals and an assist, his first NHL points, in a 4-0 victory against the New York Islanders.
Bruce Bennett, Getty Images
Jan. 4: Montreal Canadiens goalie Carey Price gets a toe on a Tampa Bay Lightning shot after flipping over for a spectacular save in overtime. He won 2-1 in a shootout.
Ryan Remiorz, AP
Jan. 3: Chicago Blackhawks left wing Ryan Hartman (38) battles for the puck with New York Rangers defenseman Ryan McDonagh (27) during the third period at Madison Square Garden. Chicago won the game, 5-2.
Adam Hunger, USA TODAY Sports
Jan. 2: Washington Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin (8) celebrates his overtime goal against the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena.
James Guillory, USA TODAY Sports
Jan. 1: New York Rangers forward J.T. Miller (10) celebrates with forward Jimmy Vesey (26) after scoring the game-winning goal against the Buffalo Sabres during overtime in the 2018 Winter Classic at Citi Field.
Danny Wild, USA TODAY Sports
Dec. 31: Vegas Golden Knights forward William Karlsson (71) celebrates after scoring an empty-net goal to complete the first Vegas Golden Knights hat trick during the third period of play against the Toronto Maple Leafs at T-Mobile Arena.
Stephen R. Sylvanie, USA TODAY Sports
Dec. 30: Los Angeles Kings left wing Jussi Jokinen (36) falls in front of the net as goaltender Jonathan Quick as he tries to make the save against the Vancouver Canucks during a 4-3 win at Rogers Arena.
Dominique Belanger-Gagne, USA TODAY Sports
Dec. 29: Minnesota Wild forward Marcus Foligno (17) wears a hat on the bench following a hat trick by Minnesota forward Mikael Granlund (not pictured) during the third period against the Nashville Predators at Xcel Energy Center.
Brace Hemmelgarn, USA TODAY Sports
Dec. 28: Washington Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin (8) scores on Boston Bruins goalie Anton Khudobin (35) during a shootout at Capital One Arena.
Geoff Burke, USA TODAY Sports
Dec. 27: Winnipeg Jets forward Mark Scheifele (55), a top-15 NHL scorer, leaves the ice after crashing hard into the board and appearing to hurt his shoulder.
John Woods, AP
Dec. 23: "Sharkie," the Sharks mascot, entertains the crowd before San Jose's game against the Kings at SAP Center at San Jose.
Stan Szeto, USA TODAY Sports
Dec. 22: Flyers goalie Brian Elliott makes the save against Sabres left wing Evander Kane in a penalty shot during the first period at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, N.Y.
Kevin Hoffman, USA TODAY Sports
Dec. 21: On his 20th birthday, Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy scored the shootout winner against the Winnipeg Jets.
Greg M. Cooper, USA TODAY Sports
Dec. 20: Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner pumps his fist after scoring a coast-to-coast goal in which he avoided four Columbus Blue Jackets defenders.
Kirk Irwin, Getty Images
Dec. 19: New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist stretches to make one of his 39 saves in a 4-1 victory against the Anaheim Ducks.
Brad Penner, USA TODAY Sports
Dec. 18: Los Angeles Kings defenseman Drew Doughty (8) celebrates a goal by forward Adrian Kempe (9) (not pictured) during the third period against the Philadelphia Flyers at Wells Fargo Center.
Eric Hartline, USA TODAY Sports
Dec. 17: Vegas Golden Knights forward Erik Haula (56) tips the puck past Florida Panthers goalie James Reimer (34) during the third period at T-Mobile Arena.
Joshua Dahl, USA TODAY Sports
Dec. 16: Washington Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin celebrates after scoring the game-winning goal in overtime against the Anaheim Ducks at Capital One Arena.
Geoff Burke, USA TODAY Sports
Dec. 15: Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Jaccob Slavin (74) celebrates after scoring the game-winning goal in overtime against the Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Center.
Kevin Hoffman, USA TODAY Sports
Dec. 14: Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon scored both of his team's goals against the Florida Panthers, including in overtime, to be named second star of the game. He has 27 points in 20 games since the start of November.
Ron Chenoy, USA TODAY Sports
Dec. 13: Vancouver Canucks right wing Brock Boeser's check nearly sends Nashville Predators center Calle Jarnkrok into his team's bench.
Jonathan Hayward, AP
Dec. 12: Minnesota Wild goalie Alex Stalock is hugged by Chris Stewart and Mikko Koivu after a 2-1 shootout win against the Calgary Flames. Stalock entered the game at the start of the second period because of an injury to starter Devan Dubnyk.
Stacy Bengs, AP
Dec. 11: The Dallas Stars' Brett Ritchie (25) checks the New York Ranger' Ryan McDonagh during the first period at Madison Square Garden. The Stars beat the Rangers in a shootout.
Adam Hunger, USA TODAY Sports
Dec. 10: St. Louis Blues forward Vladimir Tarasenko (91) celebrates after scoring the game-winning goal during overtime against the Buffalo Sabres at Scottrade Center.
Jeff Curry, USA TODAY Sports
Dec. 9: New York Islanders defenseman Calvin de Haan (44) crashes into goalie Jaroslav Halak (41) while Boston Bruins center Frank Vatrano (72) looks on during the Bruins' 3-1 win at TD Garden.
Bob DeChiara, USA TODAY Sports
Dec. 8: Vegas Golden Knights forward Reilly Smith (19) celebrates with forward Erik Haula (56) after scoring the game-winner in the shootout against the Nashville Predators at Bridgestone Arena.
Christopher Hanewinckel, USA TODAY Sports
Dec. 7: Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Matt Hunwick (22) celebrates after scoring the game-winning goal against the New York Islanders during the overtime period at PPG PAINTS Arena.
Don Wright, USA TODAY Sports
Dec. 6: Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Frederik Andersen keeps his eye on the puck after making a save against the Calgary Flames at the Air Canada Centre. The Maple Leafs beat the Flames after an overtime shootout.
John E. Sokolowski, USA TODAY Sports
Dec. 5: The Montreal Canadiens and St. Louis Blues exchange blows during the third period at Bell Centre.
Jean-Yves Ahern, USA TODAY Sports
Dec. 4: Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) scores a goal on San Jose Sharks goalie Martin Jones (31) in the second period at Capital One Arena. The goal moved Ovechkin into sole possession of 20th on the all-time goals list.
Geoff Burke, USA TODAY Sports
Dec. 3: Vegas Golden Knights players celebrate around forward Reilly Smith (19) after he scored the game-winning goal in overtime against the Arizona Coyotes at T-Mobile Arena.
Stephen R. Sylvanie, USA TODAY Sports
Dec. 2: Minnesota Wild defenseman Matt Dumba (24) scores the game-winning goal in overtime against the St. Louis Blues at Xcel Energy Center.
Harrison Barden, USA TODAY Sports
Dec. 1: St. Louis Blues right wing Scottie Upshall is checked into the boards by Los Angeles Kings defenseman Alec Martinez during the third period at Scottrade Center. The Kings won the game, 4-1.
Billy Hurst, USA TODAY Sports
Nov. 30: Vancouver Canucks goalie Anders Nilsson makes a save on a shot by the Nashville Predators' Miikka Salomaki (20) during the third period at Bridgestone Arena. The Canucks won the game, 5-3.
Christopher Hanewinckel, USA TODAY Sports
Nov. 29: Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck loses his mask and track of the puck during a goal by Colorado's Alexander Kerfoot.
Ron Chenoy, USA TODAY Sports
Nov. 28: Johnny Gaudreau, right, and his Flames teammates held Auston Matthews without a shot for the first time in his career (103 games), but the Maple Leafs star had an assist in Toronto's 4-1 victory.
Bruce Fedyck, USA TODAY Sports
Nov. 27: Penguins goalie Matt Murray is helped off the ice after the Flyers' Jakub Voracek collided with him in the crease.
Gene J. Puskar, AP
Nov. 26: Ryan Strome (18) and Leon Draisaitl (29), put together in Edmonton's line shuffle, connected on Strome's game-winning goal against the Bruins.
Bob DeChiara, USA TODAY Sports
Nov. 25: Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) celebrates as he scores a goal in the first period against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Air Canada Centre. Ovechkin went on to record a hat trick.
Tom Szczerbowski, USA TODAY Sports
New Jersey Devils center Brian Boyle salutes the crowd after being named first star of the night. Boyle, diagnosed with leukemia in training camp, scored on Hockey Fights Cancer night.
Ed Mulholland, USA TODAY Sports
Nov. 22: Nashville Predators forward Filip Forsberg celebrates after scoring a goal past Montreal Canadiens goalie Antti Niemi (37) during the third period at Bridgestone Arena.
Steve Roberts, USA TODAY Sports
Nov 21: The St. Louis Blues did plenty of celebrating in an 8-3 rout of the Edmonton Oilers. The Vladimir Tarasenko-Jaden Schwartz-Brayden Schenn line combined for 11 points.
Jeff Curry, USA TODAY Sports
Nov. 20: Predators center Ryan Johansen scores past Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck during the second period at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville.
Christopher Hanewinckel, USA TODAY Sports
Nov. 19: Vegas Golden Knights forward Brendan Leipsic (13) shoots as Los Angeles Kings goalie Jonathan Quick (32) defends his goal during a game at T-Mobile Arena.
Stephen R. Sylvanie, USA TODAY Sports
Nov. 18: Arizona Coyotes forward Anthony Duclair (10) celebrates his hat trick, overtime-winning goal against the Ottawa Senators.
Marc DesRosiers, USA TODAY Sports
Buffalo Sabres center Jack Eichel cries out after being hurt on a late second-period check from Detroit's Luke Glendening. He left the game but returned for the third period.
Paul Sancya, AP
Nov. 16: Colorado Avalanche forward Gabriel Landeskog (92) scores on a penalty shot over Washington Capitals goalie Philipp Grubauer (31) in the third period at the Pepsi Center.
Ron Chenoy, USA TODAY Sports
Nov. 15: Anaheim Ducks right wing Corey Perry moves the puck while defended by Boston Bruins defenseman Zdeno Chara (33) during the second period at Honda Center.
Kelvin Kuo, USA TODAY Sports
Nov. 14: Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby celebrates with teammates after ending an 11-game goal drought in a 5-4 victory against the Buffalo Sabres.
Gene J. Puskar, AP
Nov. 13: St. Louis Blues defenseman Vince Dunn (29) and Calgary Flames center Sam Bennett (93) fight for position in front of Blues goalie Jake Allen (34) during the second period at Scotiabank Saddledome.
Sergei Belski, USA TODAY Sports
Nov. 12: New Jersey Devils forward Miles Wood (44) and Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Connor Murphy (5) collide during the first period at United Center. Wood would go on to record the first hat trick of his career in the Devils' wild 7-5 win.
David Banks, USA TODAY Sports
Nov. 11: Nashville Predators forward Filip Forsberg (9) celebrates after scoring a shootout goal against Pittsburgh Penguins goalie Tristan Jarry (35) at Bridgestone Arena.
Christopher Hanewinckel, USA TODAY Sports
Nov. 10: It was a milestone night in Washington as Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) played in the 800th game of his NHL career. But Washington Capitals goalie Braden Holtby (70) got the win and a milestone of his own, becoming the second-fastest player to reach 200 career victories.
Brad Mills, USA TODAY Sports
Nov. 9: New Jersey Devils center Brian Boyle, who is dealing with leukemia, is ecstatic after scoring his first goal of the season.
Ed Mulholland, USA TODAY Sports
Nov. 8: Toronto Maple Leafs forward Patrick Marleau, right, elevated to the top line in the absence of Auston Matthews, avoids a check from defenseman Jared Spurgeon. Marleau scored a goal against the Minnesota Wild.
John E. Sokolowski, USA TODAY Sports
Nov. 7: Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (97) celebrates his game-winning goal in overtime against the New York Islanders.
Brad Penner, USA TODAY Sports
Nov. 6: Washington Capitals defenseman John Carlson (74) celebrates with right wing T.J. Oshie (77) after scoring the game-winning goal against the Arizona Coyotes in overtime at Capital One Arena.
Geoff Burke, USA TODAY Sports
Nov. 5: Calgary Flames left wing Micheal Ferland (79) and New Jersey Devils goalie Keith Kinkaid (1) collide during the first period at Scotiabank Saddledome.
Sergei Belski, USA TODAY Sports
Nov. 4: St. Louis Blues defenseman Joel Edmundson (6) celebrates with teammates after scoring against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the second period at Scottrade Center.
Jeff Curry, USA TODAY Sports
Nov. 3: Anaheim Ducks right wing Jakob Silfverberg (right) scores a goal on Nashville Predators goalie Pekka Rinne (35) during the third period at Honda Center. The Predators won the game, 5-3.
Kelvin Kuo, USA TODAY Sports
Nov. 2: Minnesota Wild goalie Devan Dubnyk makes a save in front of defenseman Matt Dumba (24) and Montreal Canadiens forward Max Pacioretty (67) during the first period at Xcel Energy Center. The Wild won the game, 6-3.
Brace Hemmelgarn, USA TODAY Sports
Nov. 1: Penguins forward Sidney Crosby and Oilers forward Connor McDavid look for a loose puck during the second period at Rogers Place.
Perry Nelson, USA TODAY Sports
Oct. 31: New York Rangers center Mika Zibanejad (93) celebrates a goal against the Vegas Golden Knights during the third period at Madison Square Garden.
Danny Wild, USA TODAY Sports
Oct. 30: Toronto Maple Leafs center Patrick Marleau (12) is honored during a pregame ceremony in his return to San Jose.
Andrew Villa, USA TODAY Sports
Oct. 29: Pittsburgh Penguins center Greg McKegg (33) scrambles for a rebound in front of Winnipeg Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck (37) in the second period at Bell MTS Centre.
James Carey Lauder, USA TODAY Sports
Oct. 28: Los Angeles Kings forward Tyler Toffoli (73) celebrates his game-winning goal against the Boston Bruins, which came with under a second to go in overtime, with defenseman Drew Doughty (8).
Bob DeChiara, USA TODAY Sports
Oct. 27: Vegas Golden Knights left wing William Carrier (28) celebrates after scoring a goal against the Colorado Avalanche at T-Mobile Arena.
Stephen R. Sylvanie, USA TODAY Sports
Oct. 26: Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Phil Kessel (81) scores the game-winning goal against Winnipeg Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck (37) in overtime at PPG PAINTS Arena.
Charles LeClaire, USA TODAY Sports
Oct. 25: The Blues celebrate a power-play goal as Flames defenseman Michael Stone leaves the ice during the second period in St. Louis.
Scott Kane, USA TODAY Sports
Oct. 24: Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) skates with the puck as Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (97) chases in overtime.
Charles LeClaire, USA TODAY Sports
Oct. 23: New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist (30) reacts during the third period against the San Jose Sharks at Madison Square Garden. The Rangers lost 4-1 to fall to 2-6-2 on the season.
Brad Penner, USA TODAY Sports
Oct. 22: Detroit Red Wings left wing Tomas Tatar (21) and Vancouver Canucks left wing Thomas Vanek (26) battle for the puck in the second period at Little Caesars Arena.
Rick Osentoski, USA TODAY Sports
Oct. 21: Los Angeles Kings center Anze Kopitar (back) celebrates with teammates after scoring the go-ahead goal against the Columbus Blue Jackets in the third period at Nationwide Arena.
Aaron Doster, USA TODAY Sports
Oct. 20: Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) celebrates his game-winning goal in overtime with teammates at Little Caesars Arena.
Tim Fuller, USA TODAY Sports
Oct. 19: Devils center Nico Hischier, middle, celebrates his first NHL goal with left wing Taylor Hall during the first period against the Senators at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa.
Marc DesRosiers, USA TODAY Sports
Oct. 18: St. Louis Blues forward Jaden Schwartz (17) celebrates with forward Sammy Blais (64) after scoring a goal against the Chicago Blackhawks during the second period at Scottrade Center.
Billy Hurst, USA TODAY Sports
Oct. 17: Dallas Stars left wing Antoine Roussel (21) is checked into the glass during the second period against the Arizona Coyotes at the American Airlines Center.
Jerome Miron, USA TODAY Sports
Oct. 16: Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Nikita Kucherov (86) is congratulated by teammates after scoring in the third period against the Detroit Red Wings at Little Caesars Arena.
Rick Osentoski, USA TODAY Sports
Oct. 15: Buffalo Sabres center Sam Reinhart (23) celebrates with center Ryan O'Reilly (90) after a second period goal against the Anaheim Ducks at Honda Center.
Jake Roth, USA TODAY Sports
Oct. 14: Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews (34) celebrates his overtime goal against the Montreal Canadiens with William Nylander.
Jean-Yves Ahern, USA TODAY Sports
Oct. 13: Detroit Red Wings right wing Gustav Nyquist (14) celebrates after scoring on the Vegas Golden Knights during the third period at T-Mobile Arena.
Joshua Dahl, USA TODAY Sports
Oct. 12: Predators players celebrate after a goal by defenseman Samuel Girard during the second period against the Stars at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville.
Christopher Hanewinckel, USA TODAY Sports
Oct. 11: Bruins left wing Matt Beleskey (top) and Avalanche defenseman Mark Barberio fight in the first period at the Pepsi Center in Denver.
Ron Chenoy, USA TODAY Sports
Oct. 10: The Vegas Golden Knights honor the 58 victims and the first responders of the Oct. 1 mass shooting in Las Vegas prior to the Golden Knights' first regular-season home game.
Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports
Oct. 9: Calgary Flames center Sean Monahan (center) celebrates after a second-period goal against the Anaheim Ducks with left wing Micheal Ferland (79).
Kelvin Kuo, USA TODAY Sports
Oct. 8: New York Rangers center Paul Carey (28) and Montreal Canadiens defenseman Jordie Benn (8) battle against the boards during the second period at Madison Square Garden.
Andy Marlin, USA TODAY Sports
Oct. 7: Vegas Golden Knights left wing James Neal (18) celebrates with teammates after scoring the game-winning goal in overtime against the Arizona Coyotes at Gila River Arena.
Matt Kartozian, USA TODAY Sports
Oct. 6: Vegas Golden Knights left wing James Neal (18) scores the game-winning goal against Dallas Stars goalie Kari Lehtonen (32) during the third period at the American Airlines Center. Neal scored both his team's goals as the Golden Knights won their first-ever game.
Jerome Miron, USA TODAY Sports
Oct. 5: General view at brand new Little Caesars Arena during the national anthem prior to the season-opener between the Red Wings and Wild. The Red Wings won the game, 4-2.
Rick Osentoski, USA TODAY Sports
Oct. 4: Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby prepares to carry the Stanley Cup onto the ice during the 2017 banner raising ceremony before the season-opening game against the St. Louis Blues at PPG PAINTS Arena. The Blues won the game, 5-4, in overtime.
Charles LeClaire, USA TODAY Sports
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