As each NHL team is eliminated from playoff contention -- either mathematically, or by losing in the postseason -- we'll take a look at three keys to its offseason and a way-too-early prediction for what 2018-19 will hold.
What went wrong
The Vegas Golden Knights ran into a Washington Capitals team that inexplicably put it all together, from having its star players lead to playing championship-level defense.
The formula that helped the Golden Knights (51-24-7) shatter records for an expansion team in the regular season and then win the Western Conference title -- depth, speed and Marc-Andre Fleury -- was neutralized by the Capitals.
There's no shame here, as the Knights' run to the Final will be remembered as an incredible moment in sports history. But it did fall short of the ultimate prize.
Keys to the offseason
1. Hunt the whales.
In Vegas, the casinos are always looking for those big-money players they can pamper to make them loyal customers. Well, the Golden Knights should be looking to lure hockey's version of high-rollers to Vegas, too.
Vegas enters the offseason with over $26 million in cap space with which to play. That could mean revisiting the Erik Karlsson trade with the Ottawa Senators, or perhaps making a play for the Capitals' John Carlson as an unrestricted free agent, to name two defensemen who could be game-changers on the back end. Or perhaps they try to harpoon Moby Dick himself: John Tavares of the New York Islanders, who could get a massive offer from the Knights.
2. Make tough decisions on some originals.
William Karlsson is a restricted free agent looking at a healthy payday for his 43-goal season and sterling defensive play on the Knights' top line. Defensemen Colin Miller and Shea Theodore are also RFAs who can expect to be back.
One assumes that veteran wingers James Neal and David Perron will move on as unrestricted free agents. Has Ryan Reaves earned a new contract after quickly becoming a fan favorite in Vegas?
3. What about those draft picks?
The Knights have seven picks in the 2018 draft -- dealing that first-rounder for Tomas Tatar hurts -- but have 12 picks in the 2019 draft. Do they build with that treasure chest, or do they get aggressive in moving picks to remain on a championship track?
Realistic expectations for 2018-19
Well, this is a conundrum. The regression of the Vegas Golden Knights is one of the most anticipated events in NHL history. Can Jonathan Marchessault repeat his 75-point season? Can Karlsson get to 30, let alone 40 goals? Can Fleury challenge for the Vezina Trophy (and Conn Smythe) again?
Eh, probably not.
But owner Bill Foley said the team is going to be aggressive in maintaining its status as a contender, so perhaps luring some high-talent free agents to the desert will make up for it. Making the playoffs again is a realistic expectation.