Golden Knights Beat Kings in Historic Playoff Sweep

It’s probably safe to say that the Vegas Golden Knights are ahead of whatever schedule they set for themselves in terms of performance in this, the franchise’s first season in the NHL.

On April 17th, the Golden Knights beat the Los Angeles Kings 1-0 in L.A. to sweep their first round Stanley Cup playoff series 4-0. It was only the third time in the history of the NHL, Major League Baseball, and the NBA that a team swept its first ever playoff series. The then Boston Braves swept the then Philadelphia Athletics in the 1914 World Series, and the Pittsburgh Penguins swept four from the Oakland Seals in a first round Stanley Cup playoff series in 1970. (The Oakland Seals became the California Golden Seals the next year, then became the Cleveland Barons from 1976-78, and then merged with the Minnesota North Stars the following year. The North Stars moved to Dallas in 1993, and are the current Dallas Stars, if you keep track of this sort of thing).

The Golden Knights shut down the King’s offense in the sweep, winning Games 1 and 4 1-0, Game 2 3-2, and Game 3 2-1 in overtime. Goalie Marc-Andre Fleury, who was in plenty of post season games during his time with Pittsburgh, was in the nets for all four games and was outstanding, with a goals against average of just 0.65 with a .977 save percentage to go with his four wins. Jonathan Quick also had an excellent series in goal for the Kings, with a 1.55 goals against average and a .947 save percentage, but all Quick had to show for it is an 0-4 record.

At least one sportsbook has Vegas as a co favorite with the Nashville Predators to win the Stanley Cup. Both are at 4-1. Vegas will play the winner of the San Jose-Anaheim series in the second round. The Sharks lead that series 3-0.