First off I'd like to congratulate you guys on this season. It's been fun to watch you guys surprise everybody. I have a question for you guys who have been following the team closely, how did they do it? Was it luck? Was there some market inefficiency they exploited? Is George McPhee hockeys Billy Bean, or is he lucky? Did the players just pull this out of their ass?
It has been rumored that Las Vegas is a unique cosmic vortex where average players can obtain superhuman skills.
(Image of Marchessault)
This, of course, is only speculation and has not been scientifically proven.
Personally, I feel that the Knight's success is the confluence of many factors.
First, this team is made up of underappreciated players, a coach, and a GM who all want to prove that they are deserving a career in the NHL and who, in many cases, were unfairly cast off by their previous teams.
Second, GM George McPhee was able to get some quality players who are UFAs next year. These players were unprotected in the draft for budgetary reasons: Neal, Perron, and Sbisa. Of course, they want to earn a nice contract for next season.
Vegas Golden Knights - CapFriendly - NHL Salary Caps
Third, this team is anchored by veteran goalie Marc Andre-Fleury who brings a three-time Stanley Cup winner pedigree and leadership to a new franchise.
Fourth, many players have finally been given a chance to excel and reach their full potential as players, rather than being buried deep in some lineup: Karlsson, Tuch, Haula, Nosek, etc.
Fifth, this team most nights has embraced the concept of a quick and aggressive game. Russian star Shipachyov never bought into the system and soon left the team.
Finally, the team plays in the exciting venue known as T-Mobile Arena. Both the players and fans mutually feed on the excitement.
This team doesn't look like a "one hit wonder," either. The Kights have already made some excellent picks in the draft, they have stockpiled many future picks, and the addition of veterans Reaves and Tatar will increasingly pay dividends.