Golden Knights clinch Pacific Division with win against Kraken

Smith scores twice, Vegas closes regular season with 10-game point streak

Apr. 16, 2026 at 4:44am

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting the intensity and movement of a hockey game, with players and the ice reduced to abstract geometric shapes and angles in a vibrant color palette.The Golden Knights' division-clinching victory over the Kraken showcases the team's ability to adapt and thrive under pressure, setting the stage for a potentially deep playoff run.Seattle Today

The Vegas Golden Knights defeated the Seattle Kraken 4-1 to clinch first place in the Pacific Division at T-Mobile Arena on Wednesday. Reilly Smith had two goals and an assist, and Shea Theodore and Mitch Marner also scored for the Golden Knights, who finished the regular season with a 10-game point streak. The Golden Knights will play the Utah Mammoth in the Western Conference First Round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Why it matters

The Golden Knights' victory over the Kraken secures them the top spot in the Pacific Division, giving them home-ice advantage in the first round of the playoffs. This is an important milestone for a team that has been a consistent contender in the Western Conference in recent years.

The details

The Kraken took an early 1-0 lead in the second period on a goal by Shane Wright, but the Golden Knights responded with three unanswered goals in the third period to clinch the division title. Reilly Smith led the way with two goals, including an empty-net tally, while Shea Theodore and Mitch Marner also found the back of the net for Vegas.

  • The game was played on Wednesday, April 16, 2026.
  • The Golden Knights finished the regular season on a 10-game point streak (7-0-3).
  • The Utah Mammoth secured the first wild-card spot in the Western Conference on Tuesday.

The players

Reilly Smith

A forward for the Vegas Golden Knights who scored two goals in the game.

Shea Theodore

A defenseman for the Vegas Golden Knights who scored the game-tying goal in the second period.

Mitch Marner

A forward for the Vegas Golden Knights who scored the go-ahead goal in the third period.

Shane Wright

A forward for the Seattle Kraken who scored the team's lone goal in the game.

Carter Hart

The goaltender for the Vegas Golden Knights who made 22 saves in the win.

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What they’re saying

“We knew this was going to be a tough game against a divisional rival, but the guys really stepped up and played a complete game to get the win and clinch the division.”

— Pete DeBoer, Head Coach, Vegas Golden Knights

“It's disappointing to end the season on this note, but we're proud of the progress we've made as a team and we're looking forward to building on this experience in the offseason.”

— Dave Hakstol, Head Coach, Seattle Kraken

What’s next

The Golden Knights will face the Utah Mammoth in the Western Conference First Round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, with home-ice advantage secured by their division title. The Kraken's season has come to an end, but they will look to build on their progress in the offseason.

The takeaway

The Golden Knights' division-clinching victory over the Kraken is a testament to their consistency and resilience throughout the regular season. Their strong finish sets them up well for a deep playoff run, as they look to capture their first Stanley Cup championship.