The Vegas Golden Knights triumphed over the Minnesota Wild in Game 1 of their Western Conference playoff series, securing a 4-2 victory. Brett Howden emerged as a standout, netting two goals, while Tomas Hertl contributed one goal and an assist. Pavel Dorofeyev also found the back of the net, and goaltender Adin Hill made 18 saves to bolster the Knights’ defense.

The match saw an exchange of goals in the first period, with Hertl and Minnesota's Matt Boldy each scoring. Dorofeyev's goal during a power play gave Vegas a brief two-goal cushion, but Boldy's late effort kept the Wild within reach. Howden's empty-netter sealed the win as the Knights prepare for Game 2.

Pavel Dorofeyev's 35th goal of the season propelled the Vegas Golden Knights to a 4-1 victory over the Vancouver Canucks in their regular-season finale. The Knights, now holding the second seed in the Western Conference, showcased strength despite resting some starters. Jack Eichel made a notable return, scoring after a four-game absence due to injury. Victor Olofsson contributed with a goal and an assist, while Cole Schwindt celebrated his first NHL goal. Vancouver's Pius Suter managed to score, but the team's playoff hopes were dashed earlier in the week.

As the Golden Knights prepare for the playoffs against the Minnesota Wild, it’s worth noting their dominance over Vancouver this season, winning all four matchups. The Canucks, however, finished the season in the Pacific Division's fifth spot, marking yet another year without playoff action.

Tomas Hertl is set to return to the Vegas Golden Knights lineup after a two-week recovery from an upper-body injury sustained against the Tampa Bay Lightning. At the time of his injury, Hertl led the team with 31 goals, but Pavel Dorofeyev has since taken the lead with 33. Hertl's absence was notably felt on the power play, where he established a franchise record with 14 goals. The Knights have struggled in recent games, going scoreless on their last 10 power plays. Coach Bruce Cassidy emphasized the importance of Hertl's presence, hoping to reestablish the chemistry between him, Dorofeyev, and Brandon Saad. Meanwhile, Jack Eichel and Alex Pietrangelo remain sidelined, with Nicolas Hague returning from an illness.

Reilly Smith's stellar performance led the Vegas Golden Knights to a thrilling 3-2 overtime victory against the Calgary Flames, highlighted by his two goals, including the decisive shot in overtime. Smith's game-winning goal came after he maneuvered behind the net and fired a backhand shot that slipped past Flames' goalie, Dustin Wolf. Pavel Dorofeyev also shone, scoring his 33rd goal of the season, solidifying Vegas's place at the top of the Pacific Division with a three-point buffer over the Los Angeles Kings.

Calgary's effort was led by Joel Hanley and Matt Coronato, who both found the net, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Knights. The Flames remain in the hunt for a playoff spot, trailing the Minnesota Wild for the second wild-card position in the Western Conference. Akira Schmid, making his season debut in goal for the Knights, showcased solid skill, making 21 saves to secure the victory.

Pavel Dorofeyev netted the game-winning goal late in the third period, leading the Vegas Golden Knights to a 5-3 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks, marking their fifth consecutive win. Victor Olofsson tallied twice, while Mark Stone and Brett Howden contributed to the scoreline, with Howden sealing the game with an empty-netter. Despite Ryan Donato's impressive hat trick, the struggling Blackhawks fell to their ninth loss in ten games.

The Golden Knights capitalized on their power play opportunities, particularly when Dorofeyev struck following a hooking penalty on Teuvo Teravainen. Adin Hill effectively kept the Blackhawks at bay, making critical saves, including a pivotal stop on Frank Nazar during a 3-3 impasse. Vegas now stands poised for another division title as they aim to build on this momentum.