LAS VEGAS — Noah Hanifin`s late goal secured a 5-3 victory for the Vegas Golden Knights against the Nashville Predators on Saturday, clinching their fourth Pacific Division title in eight seasons.
This result confirms a first-round Stanley Cup Playoffs series between the Edmonton Oilers and Los Angeles Kings for the fourth consecutive year.
The Oilers have eliminated the Kings in their previous three playoff encounters.
Brett Howden and Nicolas Roy each contributed a goal and an assist for Vegas. Alexander Holtz scored on a power play, and Ivan Barbashev added an empty-net goal.
Adin Hill made 14 saves for the Golden Knights, marking their first win this season when Hill conceded at least three goals.
Jordan Oesterle, former Golden Knight Jonathan Marchessault, and Marc Del Gaizo scored for Nashville, with Marchessault and Del Gaizo tying the game early in the third period at 3-3.
Justus Annunen made 24 saves for the Predators.
Key Points
The Predators` two-game winning streak ended with this loss, following a prior six-game losing streak.
Vegas set a team record with 61 home points and matched their franchise high of 29 home wins from the 2017-18 season, winning four of their last five games.
Turning Point
Hanifin`s slap shot goal with 1:55 remaining gave the Golden Knights a 4-3 lead. He had been without a point in his last seven games and without a goal in 15.
Stat to Note
Shea Theodore`s assist on Roy’s goal gave him 55 points this season (seven goals, 48 assists), breaking the Golden Knights` record for defenseman points in a single season. Vegas outshot Nashville 29-17.
What`s Next
Nashville hosts the Utah Hockey Club on Monday night.
Vegas plays at Calgary against the Flames on Tuesday night.