The Vegas Golden Knights are struggling to make the playoffs for the first time in their short franchise history. The NHL expanded to Vegas in 2017, and the team had immediate success, making it to the Stanley Cup final in its first season and the playoffs every season since.
After a 4-0 loss to the Edmonton Oilers, a Pacific Division rival they're trying to catch in the standings, Vegas had a great opportunity to gain back some ground Monday night against the New Jersey Devils.
Vegas hosted the Devils, who are 27th in the NHL, for possibly one of their most important games to win this season. With the score tied 1-1 going into the third, New Jersey scored two goals eight minutes into the period to take a 3-1 lead.
To make matters worse, the goal would end up being the game-winner as the Devils held on for a 3-2 win. The Golden Knights are now three points behind the Los Angeles Kings for third in the Pacific with five games remaining, and their playoff odds are down to just a 20% chance.
