Jun 2, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Vegas Golden Knights general manager Kelly McCrimmon answers questions to the press during media day in advance of the 2023 Stanley Cup Final. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images
Jun 2, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Vegas Golden Knights general manager Kelly McCrimmon answers questions to the press during media day in advance of the 2023 Stanley Cup Final. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images
Vegas Golden Knights GM Kelly McCrimmon isn't interested in making friends. After sweeping the Colorado Avalanche to secure a 2026 Stanley Cup Final berth, the executive dismissed critics of the team's aggressive postseason strategy.
McCrimmon was asked in an exclusive interview with the NHL website about being called names for the Golden Knights' dominant playoff success. In response, he stated that no apologies were needed for their postseason performances.
“I think we largely ignore it, to be honest. It is what it is, and we’re not going to be able to change people’s minds. I don’t think we’re going to spend a lot of time trying to or caring about it."
May 26, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Vegas Golden Knights and primary owner of the Vegas Golden Knights Bill Foley are presented with the Clarence S. Campbell Bowl by Deputy commissioner of the NHL Bill Daly after winning against the Colorado Avalanchein game four of the Western Conference Final of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
May 26, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Vegas Golden Knights and primary owner of the Vegas Golden Knights Bill Foley are presented with the Clarence S. Campbell Bowl by Deputy commissioner of the NHL Bill Daly after winning against the Colorado Avalanchein game four of the Western Conference Final of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
The NHL Western Conference Finals Series saw Vegas sweep the Colorado Avalanche in four straight wins, to find themselves a step away from winning the big one next month. Their drive to win this season is palpable.
"We are committed to winning and treating our people well. I don’t think we need to apologize or worry about what people on the outside think about,” McCrimmon added.
The Golden Knights beat both the Utah Mammoth and the Anaheim Ducks in the first and second playoff rounds, respectively, by 4-2. After that, they wiped the floor with the Avalanche.
Notably, the Golden Knights have had quite the history since coming into existence just nine years ago through the NHL Expansion Draft in 2017. This will be their third appearance in the Stanley Cup Final in nine seasons, winning it once three years ago.
Vegas reached the cup final in their inaugural season in 2018. They became the third team in NHL history to achieve this feat after the Toronto Arenas and the St. Louis Blues in 1918 and 1968, respectively.
What Awaits the Golden Knights in the 2026 Stanley Cup Final?
After sweeping the Avalanche, the Vegas Golden Knights players have a break before the 2026 Stanley Cup Final in June. They are awaiting confirmation on their opponent in the big dance, which will be the Carolina Hurricanes or the Montreal Canadiens.
In the Eastern Conference Finals Series, the Hurricanes are leading 2-1, with Game 4 scheduled for later today at the Bell Centre in Montreal, QC.
The Canadiens need to win in front of their home fans to level the East Final. Otherwise, they will be staring at a playoff exit in two days on the road at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, NC.
Will the Vegas Golden Knights get the Carolina Hurricanes or the Montreal Canadiens in the 2026 Stanley Cup Final? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
Written by
Arjun Sharma
Edited by
Surjo Ray