Vegas Golden Knights right wing Michael Amadio (22) reacts after his goal during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Seattle Kraken at T-Mobile Arena Tuesday, April 11, 2023.
Published Tuesday, April 11, 2023 | 9:34 p.m.
Updated 28 minutes ago
Michael Amadio’s insane season continued, as the depth forward scored twice as the Golden Knights defeated the Seattle Kraken 4-1 in their regular season home finale Tuesday night at T-Mobile Arena.
But the victory is the only thing Vegas can celebrate tonight, as it was unable to clinch the Pacific Division title as a result of the Edmonton Oilers defeating the Colorado Avalanche 2-1 in overtime in Denver. The Golden Knights need one point in a rematch at the Kraken on Thursday night to clinch the division and home-ice advantage throughout the playoffs.
Edmonton hosts the San Jose Sharks in its regular season finale on Thursday night.
Amadio has been an unlikely breakout player in Vegas’ strong regular season. Before this year, he had scored 17 goals in the last five seasons combined — with 11 of them coming in 2021-2022 and six in 2019-2020.
But he’s found a home with the Golden Knights and keeps producing. Alongside Amadio, Reilly Smith had a goal and two assists on Thursday while Jonathan Marchessault scored to help Vegas reach the 50-win mark for the second time in franchise history. The Golden Knights are now 50-22-9 with one game to go.
Vegas won a franchise-high 51 games in its inaugural season.
Coach Bruce Cassidy has spoken plenty about opportunity amongst the forward group. Rolling four lines consistently throughout the season has led to players having some career seasons.
Amadio has been no exception to that by making an impact throughout different roles in the lineup. Due to the injuries to Jack Eichel and Mark Stone, Amadio has found a home on the second line with Smith and William Karlsson.
The trio has shown flashes of pristine chemistry. Amadio’s first goal was a perfect example. Karlsson carried the puck through the neutral zone, dangled between three Seattle players to find Smith at the right circle. He fired a cross-ice pass to Amadio at the backdoor for a 1-0 lead at 5:37.
Yanni Gourde tied it for Seattle less than four minutes later off a turnover from Smith, but the veteran forward made up for his blunder two minutes into the second.
Smith carried the puck along the right wall and centered it to Amadio for a tap-in goal for a 2-1 lead.
Amadio had a chance at a hat trick at 14:48 of the second on a partial breakaway, but his attempt was saved, then followed up by Smith on the rebound for his 25th goal of the season and a 3-1 lead.
This is a developing story. Check back later for updates.
