After picking up a point in a shootout loss to the Colorado Avalanche, the Vegas Golden Knights have clinched home-ice advantage in the first round of the playoffs.
The Golden Knights picked up the point while missing four vital pieces to their lineup, those being Tomas Hertl, Jack Eichel, Alex Pietrangelo and Nicolas Hague. Leading 2-0 halfway through the second period, the Avalanche clawed their way back into the game, scoring on the power play and getting depth contributions.
Akira Schmid was solid all night long, turning away 34 of the 36 shots he faced. He stopped the first two shootout attempts before Charlie Coyle ended the game.
The Golden Knights would have rather won the game, but they did enough to earn the right to begin the playoffs on home ice. The Golden Knights are 27-9-3 at home this year, compared to their road record of 20-13-6.
With home ice, the Golden Knights are able to feed off of the atmosphere inside T-Mobile Arena, but more importantly, are able to seek out the matchups they want. They can use William Karlsson in a defensive role or give Jack Eichel shifts against the opponent’s bottom six.
Whatever the case is, the Golden Knights cherish playing at home and have historically performed better at home, both in the regular season and in the playoffs. The final step for the Golden Knights in the regular season is to secure first place in the Pacific Division. The Los Angeles Kings trail by just six points with five games remaining.
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