VHN Daily: Golden Knights Clinch, Henderson Rolls On, Hart’s Hot Return

Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

The Vegas Golden Knights are nearing the end of the National Hockey League regular season, just like the rest of the league, as attention turns toward the start of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Here’s the latest from Vegas Hockey Now and around the NHL.

At Vegas Hockey Now…

After the Golden Knights win over the Colorado Avalanche, they punched their ticket into the 2026 NHL Stanley Cup playoffs.

Mark Stone also scored a baseball style goal against Colorado.

oh and by the way…

THE VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS SECURED THEIR SPOT TO GO BACK TO THE STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS!!!! ⚔️#VegasBorn | #StanleyCuppic.twitter.com/5nuGC31DBZ

— x – Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) April 12, 2026

The Golden Knights capped off that road trip going 3-0-1 and another interesting nugget, goalies had a save percentage of .935 through the four games.

Carter Hart this season is now 9-3-3 and has a 2.87 GAA.

The most important point of all: one playoff spot secured 😃#VegasBorn | @TravelNevadapic.twitter.com/C6gWMiFs5F

— x – Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) April 12, 2026

How about them Henderson Silver Knights? They clinched a playoff spot not long ago and look to continue climb in the standings in the Pacific Division. They sit in third place with 87 points.

2024 first-round pick Trevor Connelly is up to 13 goals and 46 points in 43 games this season and has a legitimate chance to be with the Vegas Golden Knights next season.

⚔️WE. ARE. IN.⚔️ pic.twitter.com/q8un20iFEI

— ⚔️ – Henderson Silver Knights (@HSKnights) April 5, 2026

Vegas had the opportunity to clinch the Pacific Division today against the Winnipeg Jets but with the Ducks getting a point against the Canucks, that’s no longer possible.

Golden Knights can clinch the Pacific Division on Monday with a win in any fashion against Winnipeg, and:

– Anaheim regulation loss Sunday vs. Vancouver.
– Edmonton regulation loss Monday vs. Colorado.

— Danny Webster (@DannyWebster21) April 12, 2026

That said, dispute clinching already, tonight is a big game against the Jets. Points are still crucial.

Around the NHL:

Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar left the game against the Golden Knights after taking a puck to the head. He won’t travel with Colorado on their upcoming road trip.

Here's an alternate angle of Jared Bednar's injury, where he took a puck to the face. Ouch. #goavsgopic.twitter.com/DXdfV7NZrT

— Rachel Strand (@MileHighRachel) April 12, 2026

In what could’ve been Alex Ovechkin’s and Sidney Crosby’s last meeting, the two shared a faceoff before the start of yesterday’s game between the Capitals and Penguins. Cool moment.

Dylan Strome purposely got himself booted from the opening face-off so Ovi could take the draw against Sidney Crosby 🥹👏 pic.twitter.com/HoLQQ0TSYq

— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) April 12, 2026

Another wholesome moment. Anze Kopitar playing his last regular season home game. The Kings are poised to still make a run at it in the playoffs, currently in the second wild card position.

"From the bottom of my heart, thank you very much! This has been my home for 20 years…" 🥹

Anze Kopitar speaks to the @LAKings' crowd after his final regular season home game. pic.twitter.com/snVRmZhocG

— NHL (@NHL) April 11, 2026

Not NHL related but how about them Denver Pioneers? Head coach David Carle has built a dynasty and there’s no looks of slowing down.

DENVER TAKES DOWN WISCONSIN TO WIN THE NATTY 🏆

This is the Denver Pioneers third NCAA title in five years 🙌 pic.twitter.com/s401BVxugq

— ESPN (@espn) April 12, 2026

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