Ivan Barbashev and William Karlsson each scored to help the Vegas Golden Knights edge the Seattle Kraken 2-1 on Thursday night, moving Vegas closer to clinching the Pacific Division title.
Although Vegas didn’t officially secure the division due to the Los Angeles Kings’ 6-1 win over Anaheim, the Golden Knights maintain a six-point lead with three games left. The Kings, who have four games remaining, must win out or hope for Vegas to falter. A regulation win by Vegas or a regulation loss by Los Angeles in the coming games will crown the Golden Knights division champions and guarantee home-ice advantage for at least the first two playoff rounds.
Adin Hill continued his reliable stretch on the net, stopping 24 shots in the win.
Seattle’s lone goal came during an unusual play when Jordan Eberle hit the post and pursued his rebound. As he slid into the crease, Jared McCann knocked the puck in from the opposite side. Joey Daccord had 23 saves for the Kraken.
Tomas Hertl returned to Vegas’ lineup for the first time since suffering an upper-body injury on March 23. He was held without a shot in his return.
The Golden Knights are now 9-2-1 over their last 12 games.
Game Takeaways
Kraken: Seattle struggled to convert on scoring chances, failing to capitalize on 10 high-danger opportunities in the first two periods and producing none in the third, per Natural Stat Trick.
Golden Knights: Hill continues to anchor Vegas in goal, improving to 12-3-1 in his last 16 starts.
Key Moment
With just 17 seconds left, Brayden McNabb made a critical defensive play by stopping a potential tying goal during a 6-on-5 advantage for Seattle. Hill had not yet slid into position, and McNabb’s intervention preserved the win.
Key Stat
Vegas is 18-4-1 against Pacific Division opponents this season, with its final three games all coming within the division.
Up next
Kraken: Host the St. Louis Blues on Saturday.
Golden Knights: Conclude their home schedule Saturday night against the Nashville Predators.
