Golden Knights Clinch Pacific Division Title

Vegas defeats Seattle Kraken 4-1 in regular season finale

Apr. 16, 2026 at 6:05am

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An abstract, energetic painting in neon colors depicting the fast-paced action of a professional hockey game, with players' forms blending together in a dynamic, expressionist style.The Vegas Golden Knights' division-clinching victory over the Seattle Kraken showcases the franchise's continued dominance in the NHL.Las Vegas Today

The Vegas Golden Knights clinched the Pacific Division title for the fifth time in their nine-year history, defeating the Seattle Kraken 4-1 in the final game of the regular season. Mitch Marner scored the go-ahead goal in the third period to lead the Golden Knights to victory.

Why it matters

The Golden Knights' division title secures them a top playoff seed in the Western Conference, giving them home-ice advantage as they look to make a deep postseason run. This is the latest in a string of successful regular seasons for the expansion franchise, which has emerged as one of the NHL's premier teams since joining the league in 2017.

The details

Mitch Marner broke a 1-1 tie in the third period to give the Golden Knights the lead for good. Vegas added two late goals to seal the 4-1 win and clinch the Pacific Division crown. The victory capped off another strong regular season for the Golden Knights, who have now won their division five times in nine years.

  • The game was played on Wednesday, April 16, 2026.

The players

Mitch Marner

Forward for the Vegas Golden Knights who scored the game-winning goal.

Vegas Golden Knights

NHL franchise that has won the Pacific Division title five times in its nine-year history.

Seattle Kraken

NHL expansion team that lost to the Golden Knights in the regular season finale.

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What they’re saying

“Winning the division is always the first goal, and we're proud to have accomplished that again this season. Now it's time to focus on the playoffs and making a run at the Stanley Cup.”

— Mitch Marner, Forward, Vegas Golden Knights

What’s next

The Golden Knights will now turn their attention to the Stanley Cup Playoffs, where they will have home-ice advantage as the Pacific Division champions.

The takeaway

The Vegas Golden Knights have firmly established themselves as one of the NHL's elite franchises, winning their division title for the fifth time in nine seasons and positioning themselves well for a deep playoff run.