Daily Nuggets: Golden Knights Fend Off Kings; Ovi Eyes History

Good morning, folks. The Vegas Golden Knights stopped the bleeding on Saturday night with an overtime win against the Flames in Calgary. The Los Angeles Kings won to cut the Golden Knights’ lead to one, but the Golden Knights followed suit and extended their lead to three once again. 

Elsewhere in the Daily Nuggets, the New York Islanders prepare to once again be on the wrong side of hockey history. Elliotte Friedman provides an injury update on some of the NHL’s biggest names, from Connor McDavid to Elias Pettersson. Three teams clinched a playoff berth on Saturday, and two were eliminated from playoff contention.

Golden Knights News

The Golden Knights won big on Saturday and ended their two-game skid with an overtime victory over the Calgary Flames. Akira Schmid was excellent, and Reilly Smith scored twice. My analysis here:

Playoffs are still over a week away, but it’s time to look ahead. The Golden Knights aren’t the favorite to come out of the West, but they certainly have an easier path to the Western Conference Final.

The Athletic ($): The Athletic staff listed one prospect for each NHL team that had the most promising season. For the Golden Knights, it was goaltender Carl Lindbom.

Playoff Clinches & Eliminations

Six teams entered Saturday’s slate of games with something to prove. The Florida Panthers, Los Angeles Kings, and Tampa Bay Lightning all clinched a playoff berth. The Pittsburgh Penguins fended off elimination; the Philadelphia Flyers and Boston Bruins were not so lucky.

Teams that can be eliminated from playoff contention on Sunday: Buffalo Sabres, Pittsburgh Penguins

Teams that can clinch a playoff berth on Sunday: None

NHL News, Rumors, & National Hockey Now

Sportsnet: Elliotte Friedman provided some injury updates on Hockey Night in Canada’s Saturday Headlines segment. Connor McDavid could return by next week; Dylan Holloway is not so lucky.

Sportsnet: Nikolaj Ehlers left Thursday’s game between the Winnipeg Jets and the Golden Knights after taking a friendly fire shot. He didn’t return to the Jets’ lineup on Saturday, and they look lost without him.

The Athletic ($): The New York Islanders have had trouble filling their arena this season. Last month, tickets to see the Isles host Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers went for as low as $19. They won’t have that problem on Sunday when Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals come to town.

New York Islanders Hockey Now: For years, players have achieved greatness against the Islanders. Wayne Gretzky even scored his 894th goal against them. On Sunday, they face off against Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals and once again could be on the wrong side of hockey history.

Montreal Hockey Now: The Canadiens have been one of the best stories this season. On Saturday, they eliminated the Philadelphia Flyers from playoff contention, and Lane Hutson continued his quest for the Calder Trophy.

Florida Hockey Now: The Panthers officially have the opportunity to defend their title. They’re returning to the postseason, and their eyes are on the Stanley Cup.

NHL History: On April 6th, 2019, the Tampa Bay Lightning won their 62nd game, tying the record for wins in a single season.