The Vegas Golden Knights have done it. In their just sixth year of existence, they won the Stanley Cup after reaching the final in their first-ever season in the NHL.
The Vegas Golden Knights have created a power dynasty with a group of winners. And what’s even more impressive is how they turned players who were previously unwanted in their respective NHL teams into true superstars, capable of going all the way.
The Vegas Golden Knights ended up losing in their first Stanley Cup Final appearance. But this time, they didn’t give the Florida Panthers a chance, and after a dominant performance in Game 5, where they won 9-3, the Vegas Golden Knights got to hoist the Stanley Cup for the very first time.
It’s amazing how far this group of players has come, especially those who originally joined the team in the expansion draft back in 2017. Back then, they got the nickname ”The Golden Misfits,” as they consisted of players coming from teams that didn’t want to or could protect them.
Jonathan Marchessault, who won the Conn Smythe, was one of those players. And when Game 5 started on Tuesday night, head coach Bruce Cassidy paid tribute to the 2018 Golden Misfits by starting all of them.
This is how Vegas started the game:
Smith–Karlsson–Marchessault
McNabb–Theodore
Postgame, Jonathan Marchessault said he didn’t know the original misfits would start the game. They apparently found out just before they went out on the ice, and he said it meant a lot.
Bruce Cassidy was also asked about it, and for him, there wasn’t any doubt about making the wholesome gesture.
”They’re the original guys, right?” Cassidy said.
”They’re the foundation of this hockey team, the first building blocks started with them.”
William Carrier was the only player on the original Misfits who didn’t get to start the game.
”I told him, ’I can only start one left winger, so sorry.’ But listen, they’ve been here since the beginning, they lost in a final like I did. I know how that feels. I’m very happy for them.”
