Daily Nuggets: Golden Knights’ Problem; Jekyll & Hyde History

Good morning, folks. The Vegas Golden Knights are back in action on Tuesday in Colorado against the Avalanche, and they will have the opportunity to clinch home ice in the first round of the playoffs with one point. They received some help from around the league as both their rival Pacific Division lost in regulation on Monday. The Golden Knights have a problem– but it’s a good problem to have.

Elsewhere in the Daily Nuggets, Nikita Kucherov made history. The New York Rangers might also make history– although their accomplishment isn’t nearly as impressive as Kucherov’s. Four teams face elimination from playoff contention on Tuesday, and it’s almost time to talk NHL Awards!

Golden Knights News

The Golden Knights have a problem. When Tomáš Hertl returns from injury, they’ll have to decide who comes out of the lineup. But it shouldn’t be Victor Olofsson. 

It was a good Monday for the Golden Knights around the Pacific Division. The Edmonton Oilers and the Los Angeles Kings both lost, which solidified the Golden Knights’ lead in the standings. They’re back up to a five-point lead with an equal number of games played.

With one point against the Colorado Avalanche tonight, the Golden Knights can clinch home-ice advantage in the first round.

The Golden Knights invite fans to participate in their Team Awards by voting online for their Seventh Man Award. For more info, click here.

Playoff Clinches & Eliminations

Teams that can be eliminated from playoff contention on Tuesday: Buffalo Sabres, Columbus Blue Jackets, Utah Hockey Club, Vancouver Canucks

Teams that can clinch a playoff berth on Tuesday: Ottawa Senators, New Jersey Devils

NHL News, Rumors, & National Hockey Now

Sportsnet: On Monday, Tampa Bay Lightning winger Nikita Kucherov became just the fourth player in NHL history to record three straight 80-assist seasons.

New York Post: The New York Rangers are also on the brink of making history, although theirs isn’t as impressive as Kucherov’s feat. The Rangers will almost certainly become just the fourth President’s Trophy-winning team in history to miss the playoffs the following season.

The Athletic ($): Alex Ovechkin did indeed score 285 of his 895 goals from “his office”– the left dot– but there were two other locations where he was almost equally effective.

Colorado Hockey Now: As the regular season comes to a close, players wrap up their campaigns for individual awards. The Avalanche have two players who should be finalists– Cale Makar for the Norris and Nathan MacKinnon for the Hart Trophy. Who is more likely to go home with the hardware?

Detroit Hockey Now: Legendary Hockey Night In Canada analyst and former NHL goaltender Greg Millen passed away on Monday. 

New York Islanders Hockey Now: On Sunday, millions of hockey fans worldwide tuned in to watch Marc Gatacomb record his first two-goal game. What, did something else happen? Hear what Gatacomb said about his performance and Alex Ovechkin stealing the spotlight.

NHL History: On April 8th, 1961, Gordie Howe set a record for most career Stanley Cup Playoff assists with 61.

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