Overview
- Vegas beat Seattle 4-1 on Wednesday to clinch the Pacific Division, secure the West’s No. 2 seed, and claim their fifth division crown in nine seasons.
- Management fired Bruce Cassidy on March 29 and turned to John Tortorella, whose eight-game surge (7-0-1) stabilized the team and lifted scoring from top forwards.
- Goaltender Carter Hart returned from a lower‑body injury and is 6-0 since, making 22 saves against the Kraken and entering the playoffs as Vegas’ clear starter.
- The NHL set Game 1 against the Utah Mammoth for Sunday in Las Vegas, and the division title gives the Golden Knights home ice through at least two rounds.
- Seattle’s late collapse ended its season outside the playoffs, and the club announced president of hockey operations Ron Francis will step down.