Vegas Golden Knights

The Vegas Golden Knights are a dynamic NHL franchise based in Las Vegas, Nevada, playing their home games at the T-Mobile Arena. Established in 2017, they quickly distinguished themselves as one of the most successful expansion teams in NHL history. Their inaugural 2017-18 season was historic: they won the Pacific Division title, set multiple expansion team records, and advanced all the way to the Stanley Cup Finals, ultimately falling to the Washington Capitals. This remarkable rapid success included standout players like goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury, forwards Jonathan Marchessault and William Karlsson, and a coaching staff led by Gerard Gallant.

In the following seasons, Vegas remained a playoff contender, capturing another Pacific Division title in 2019-20 and reaching the conference finals. After a brief dip in 2021-22 when they missed the playoffs for the first time, the Golden Knights rebounded strongly under coach Bruce Cassidy in 2022-23, winning their first Stanley Cup by defeating the Florida Panthers in a dominant five-game final series. The team’s resilience and depth have been key, with a blend of experienced veterans and emerging stars maintaining their competitive edge.

As of the 2025 offseason, the Golden Knights continue to build on that championship foundation. The current roster features core players who have been central to their success, supported by a coaching staff focused on a balanced, aggressive playing style that emphasizes strong defense and quick transition offense. Recent seasons have seen some roster adjustments and injury challenges, but Vegas consistently fields a deep lineup capable of competing at the highest level in the Western Conference.

From a betting market perspective, Vegas Golden Knights are known for being strong favorites at home, often outperforming the spread due to their disciplined defensive play and high-energy forechecking. They tend to be reliable against divisional rivals and perform well in primetime games, making them a favored pick in high-stakes matchups. However, bettors should note that the team can be vulnerable on long road trips or during stretches with key injuries, which has sometimes led to underdog upset opportunities. Historically, savvy bettors track their performances particularly closely in Pacific Division clashes and late-season games when playoff seeding is on the line.

Looking ahead, the Vegas Golden Knights are firmly in the contender category. They are not in a rebuilding phase but are focused on sustaining their championship-level competitiveness through smart roster management and player development. With a solid core and experienced leadership both on and off the ice, realistic expectations for the 2025-26 season include another deep playoff run and continued contention for the Stanley Cup. The franchise’s trajectory suggests they will remain an elite NHL team for the foreseeable future, balancing veteran presence with emerging talent to stay at the forefront of the league.