NHL Recent Expansion Teams Success

In their first NHL season (2017-2018), the Las Vegas Golden Knights shocked the hockey world and nearly “bankrupted” ( more accurately: would have cost the books “mucho” but as they say, we will be there tomorrow, no matter the result)some major home city “industry,” when they made the final round before losing the last 4 games of a 5 game series to the lone Washington Capitals’ title team.

It was also the first time ever that the Caps won a final round series game. They were in their 43rd completed season and the L.V. win in game 1 meant the first year team won its first final round game before the team in its 43rd season.

“Wash” did right the ship and go on to title, now their lone crown in 48 completed season. They were swept by a repeat champion Detroit Red Wings’ team under the great Scotty Bowman in the ’98 final.

Currently Las Vegas, up (3-0) vs the Dallas Stars, is one win from a final round vs the Florida Panthers, the latter sweeping the Carolina Hurricanes in the semis. The Hurricanes have been swept in all 3 semis since winning in 7 vs the Buffalo Sabres, on their way to a 7 game triumph vs Edmonton for the ’06 crown.

Meanwhile second year, expansion team Seattle (Kraken) were ahead in their “quarters” before losing (2-1) in game 7 at Dallas.

Florida is (11-1) since falling down 3 games to 1, vs the record breaking Bruins in the first round.