Golden Knights Clinch Pacific Division with 4-1 Win Over Kraken

Vegas secures division title and first-round playoff matchup against Utah Mammoth

Apr. 16, 2026 at 6:25am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a hockey game, with players and the rink broken down into sharp, overlapping shapes and planes in a vibrant color palette, capturing the dynamic energy of the sport.The Golden Knights' division-clinching victory over the Kraken showcases the team's aggressive, physical playstyle under new head coach John Tortorella.Seattle Today

The Vegas Golden Knights defeated the Seattle Kraken 4-1 in their regular season finale, clinching the Pacific Division title for the fifth time in franchise history. The win secures a first-round playoff matchup against the Utah Mammoth for the Golden Knights, who have surged under new head coach John Tortorella.

Why it matters

The Golden Knights' division title and playoff berth are significant achievements, as the team looks to build on its past success and make a deep postseason run. Tortorella's immediate impact as head coach has also been a key factor in the team's late-season surge.

The details

Despite Seattle striking first, the Golden Knights responded with four unanswered goals, including two from Reilly Smith and one each from Shea Theodore and Mitch Marner. Defenseman Rasmus Andersson, who joined the team in January, contributed an assist in the win.

  • The game was the final regular season contest for both teams, played on April 16, 2026.
  • The Golden Knights entered the game needing just one point to clinch the Pacific Division title.

The players

Vegas Golden Knights

A professional ice hockey team based in Las Vegas, Nevada, and a member of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference in the National Hockey League (NHL).

Seattle Kraken

A professional ice hockey team based in Seattle, Washington, and a member of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference in the National Hockey League (NHL).

John Tortorella

The head coach of the Vegas Golden Knights, known for his aggressive and physical coaching style.

Shea Theodore

A defenseman for the Vegas Golden Knights, who scored a goal in the game.

Mitch Marner

A forward for the Vegas Golden Knights, who scored a goal in the game.

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What they’re saying

“We left no doubt tonight. The boys came out and played a physical, aggressive game, and that's the style we're going to bring into the playoffs.”

— John Tortorella, Head Coach, Vegas Golden Knights

What’s next

The Golden Knights will face the Utah Mammoth in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, with the official schedule yet to be announced.

The takeaway

The Golden Knights' division title and playoff berth are a testament to the team's resilience and the immediate impact of head coach John Tortorella. As they prepare to face the Utah Mammoth in the postseason, the Golden Knights will look to build on their late-season surge and make a deep run towards the Stanley Cup.