The gold streamers that rained down on ecstatic Las Vegas hockey fans punctuated another achievement that few predicted before October’s season opener: The Golden Knights clinched a spot in the Western Conference final.
Thousands who gathered at Toshiba Plaza outside T-Mobile Arena on Sunday watched on a video wall as the Knights shut out the San Jose Sharks, 3-0, and advanced in the Stanley Cup playoffs.
“I’m so elated; I’m on the verge of tears,” Knights fan Matt Smiejan said over pulsating music after the final horn sounded.
Smiejan sat in the front row for the whole game, wearing customized wrestling belts and a knight-themed helmet made with a 3D printer.