The Vegas Golden Knights have solidified their position as contenders in the Pacific Division with a resounding 5-1 victory against the Boston Bruins on March 20, 2025. This win brought their season total to 88 points, a crucial milestone as they seek to capture the Pacific Division title for the fifth time in the franchise's history.
After a rocky East Coast road trip that left them with something to prove, the Golden Knights returned to their home ice at T-Mobile Arena with confidence. Pavel Dorofeyev starred in the game, netting a hat trick to lead his team to victory. His performance helped erase memories of past struggles and prepared Vegas for a tough upcoming weekend against both the Detroit Red Wings and Tampa Bay Lightning.
MoneyPuck currently projects a 72.4% chance for the Golden Knights to clinch the Pacific Division, while Hockey-Reference offers slightly lower odds at 68.6%. These statistics reflect the team's substantial lead over the competition.
As the standings shake out, every point counts. Presently, the Golden Knights lead the division by three points ahead of the Edmonton Oilers, who faced recent injuries to superstar players Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. This situation gives Vegas a higher chance to secure a playoff spot.
Last night's game saw the Golden Knights take control quickly. After a first period without goals, Dorofeyev opened the scoring midway through the second period on a power play, pushing in a shot that marked his 28th goal of the season. He soon doubled down with his second goal of the night shortly before the end of the period, putting Vegas up 2-0.
Brett Howden extend the lead to 3-0 early in the third before Dorofeyev capped off his career night with his third goal, successfully completing his second career hat trick. Ivan Barbashev followed suit, contributing another goal that pushed the score to an impressive 5-0.
Even though the Bruins managed to get on the scoreboard by way of a goal from Morgan Geekie with just over two minutes left in the game, it was too little, too late. Adin Hill, the Golden Knights' goalie, made 18 saves, nearly achieving his fifth shutout of the season.
The game was a pivotal moment for Dorofeyev, whose first career hat trick came during a loss against Nashville earlier this season. Now, he stands as the fourth player in franchise history to score multiple hat tricks as a Golden Knight.
For the Golden Knights, the victory not only boosts their standings but also refines their home record to a stellar 25-7-3. Importantly, it marks the third consecutive year that the team has topped 25 wins at home, showcasing their prowess at T-Mobile Arena.
Looking ahead, the Golden Knights will face the Red Wings at home on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 8 p.m. EDT. Detroit, struggling with a 32-30-6 record overall, presents an opportunity for Vegas to further solidify their hold on the Pacific. However, the Golden Knights have been reminded that their previous meeting with Detroit not so long ago ended in a disappointing 3-0 shutout loss.
Currently, the Red Wings have a negative goal differential, scoring 192 goals while allowing 215. The stakes are high as both teams have recently entered the final stretch of the season. Golden Knights' Jack Eichel leads the team this season with 21 goals and an impressive 61 assists, while Detroit's leading scorer, Alex DeBrincat, has 31 goals and 27 assists to his name.
The Golden Knights' strong record against teams that allow three goals or more provides further optimism. With a record of 38-7-5 when scoring three or more goals, Vegas appears primed for a stabilizing weekend.
As playoff season approaches, the Golden Knights are not just looking to win games—they're aiming to secure their positioning in the postseason. With only 12 games left and needing a calculated approach to gain the upper hand over both the Oilers and Kings, fans will be monitoring every game closely. Vegas is also scheduled to play six non-playoff teams in their final 14 contests, changing the dynamics significantly in their favor.
With the Golden Knights squarely in the hunt for playoffs, each game has immense significance. The matchup against the Red Wings offers a prime opportunity to extend their lead and possibly inch closer to clinching the division title. As they prepare for the weekend, the Golden Knights remain focused and hungry for success.
In conclusion, hockey fans remain excited about what lies ahead for the Golden Knights in the competitive Pacific Division. With playoff dreams in their sights and a stellar performance from players like Dorofeyev, the future looks bright for Vegas.
