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Golden Knights forward Phil Kessel holds the massive Stanley Cup in his hands.
Photo: Stephen R. Sylvanie / USA TODAY Network / IMAGO
The Vegas Golden Knights have won the NHL final series against the Florida Panthers 4-1 after victories. On Tuesday, head coach Bruce Cassidy's team clinched the decisive victory in the best-of-seven series with a furious 9-3 (2-0, 4-1, 3-2) home victory.
Within ten minutes, the Golden Knights scored four goals and decisively pulled away to 6-1 before the final period. In the end, the hosts scored nine goals, equalling the 81-year-old Stanley Cup record. Only the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1942 and the Detroit Red Wings in 1936 have scored nine times in a game in the final series in league history.
Winger Mark Stone was the match winner for the franchise from the player city with a hat-trick. Six other players from the champion team scored a goal. "Our depth has been our strength throughout the season," said head coach Bruce Cassidy. "Other teams may have better individual players, better goalkeepers and were better at penalties or power play – but from one to 20 we are the best team."
Las Vegas also set another record: the first NHL championship in franchise history is also the fastest after years of belonging to the league – they were successful in their sixth season. The previous record was held by the Philadelphia Flyers, who won their first championship in 1973/74 in their seventh season.
"Unbelievable. The look of my teammates when I was presented with the trophy is one of the craziest feelings I've ever had," said Mark Stone after the last game of the season. Previously, his team had completed a drudgery of 82 season games and four playoff rounds.
"What's going on in and out of this arena is unbelievable and a testament to what a great hockey market this is," said NHL boss Gary Bettmann. "Vegas, you know how to throw a party."
Squad depth as the greatest strength in a long season
The Golden Knights owe the title to arguably the strongest roster in the league, which allowed them to survive injuries at all positions and sustain a long playoff run. In four rounds, 20 players were used. They defeated Winnipeg, Edmonton, Dallas and then Florida in the finals with a wave of talent that overwhelmed every opponent.
Jonathan Marchessault was named the best player of the playoffs. The Canadian international striker did not score a goal in the last game of the season, but was Las Vegas' top scorer in the playoffs with 13 goals and twelve assists.
Vegas has only been playing in the league since the 2017/18 season. In their first year, the Golden Knights reached the finals, but lost to the Washington Capitals. On their way to the final series, Vegas had also eliminated the Edmonton Oilers around German superstar Leon Draisaitl.
cf/dpa/AP