For the first time in the short-lived history of the Vegas Golden Knights, they just might miss the playoffs.
Advertisement
Vegas squandered a 4-2 lead with less than two minutes remaining in regulation, to fall 5-4 in a shootout to the San Jose Sharks on Sunday night.
You can watch the buzzer-beater that tied the game down below:
Advertisement
The Golden Knights, once at the top of the Pacific division, now sit three points back of the Dallas Stars for that highly sought after 2nd wildcard spot.
Here's an updated look at the NHL wildcard standings, courtesy of Fox Sports:
The San Jose Sharks came into this game playing spoilers, and they did not disappoint as the entire NHL was siding with them in hopes that they would come out on top.
Twitter has blown up and San Jose appears to have gained many new fans after tonight's game.
Shark's winger Timo Meier couldn't wait for tonight's game, as he knew the Golden Knights season rested in his teams hands.
Asked Saturday night by San Jose Mercury News about being named the Sharks’ Player of the Year for this season, Meier said, “the season’s still not finished, so I still want to do well in those last couple of games, especially tomorrow, you know, the biggest game of the year against Vegas.
“We can maybe knock them out of the playoffs. We obviously have a rivalry against them, so we’ve got to play hard tomorrow and focus on those last couple of games.”
Advertisement
Vegas no longer controls their own destiny as they're now hoping that Dallas loses their three remaining games so Vegas can still have a shot at making the postseason, however, losing that extra point tonight has put them in a dangerous position.
It appears the LA Kings and San Jose Sharks long lived beef has been put aside, at least, for tonight.
Vegas has been the most successful expansion franchise since the league began expanding from six teams in 1967, so to say all other 31 clubs fans are ecstatic to see Vegas possibly fall short of their playoff hopes is an understatement.
Vegas next game is facing the Dallas Stars on Tuesday night, the team they are currently chasing for that second wildcard spot.
If Dallas is to defeat Vegas in regulation, the Golden Knights playoff hopes are all but ended.
Sleep tight, NHL fans.
