NHL: Sun shines on Vegas as the Golden Knights win eight straight and clinch a playoff spot

Las Vegas, Nevada - The Vegas Golden Knights have clinched the NHL's first playoff spot this season, as they win easliy over the Sharks at home.

Marc-Andre Fleury stopped 31 shots to help the Golden Knights win 5-2 over the Sharks
Marc-Andre Fleury stopped 31 shots to help the Golden Knights win 5-2 over the Sharks  © IMAGO / ZUMA Wire

The Golden Knights have punched their ticket for the 2021NHL Playoffs, by winning Wednesday night over the San Jose Sharks 5-2.

The Knights now lead the league with 33 wins and 68 points, enough to clinch them a spot in the next stage. Wednesday's win came rather easily and they've now won every meeting against San Jose this season, while also extending their overall winning streak to eight.

Jonathan Marchessault (30) had an impressive night with two goals and two assists for the Knights. Mattias Janmark scored a goal and an assist to help the cause, while Marc-Andre Fleury remains undefeated in net against the Sharks at 5-0-0.

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San Jose is in the middle of a very different kind of streak: it has no wins in seven games. However, Patrick Marleau did provide a bit of a silver lining for the Sharks by becoming the fourth player in NHL history to play in 900 consecutive games.

On Saturday, the Golden Knights take on the Ducks, and the Sharks go back home to face off against the Wild.

Around the NHL

Brandon Hagel scored a goal and two assists as the Blackhawks beat the Predators in overtime 5-4
Brandon Hagel scored a goal and two assists as the Blackhawks beat the Predators in overtime 5-4  © IMAGO / Icon SMI

In Chicago, the Blackhawks scored three goals in the third period to force overtime before coming away with the 5-4 win over the Predators, while the Wild have now won five straight after beating the Coyotes 4-1.

And up in Edmonton, the Canadiens held off late-game pressure from the Oilers, winning 4-3.

On Thursday, the Capitals are in New York to play the Islanders, and the Canucks are still making up games out west as they welcome the Senators into Vancouver.

Cover photo: IMAGO / ZUMA Wire

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