NHL’s playoff format builds division rivalries

Golden Knights right wing Reilly Smith (19) watches the puck under pressure from Calgary Flames defenseman Mark Giordano (5) as goaltender David Rittich (33) looks on during the second period of an NHL hockey game at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Wednesday, March 6, 2019. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @csstevensphotoGolden Knights right wing Reilly Smith (19) skates around the net with the puck as Calgary Flames goaltender David Rittich (33) defends during the first period of an NHL hockey game at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Wednesday, March 6, 2019. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @csstevensphotoCalgary Flames goaltender David Rittich (33) blocks the puck in front of Golden Knights right wing Reilly Smith (19) during the first period of an NHL hockey game at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Wednesday, March 6, 2019. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @csstevensphotoGolden Knights center William Karlsson (71) and right wing Reilly Smith celebrate a goal by defenseman Shea Theodore, not pictured, during the first period of an NHL hockey game at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Wednesday, March 6, 2019. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @csstevensphotoMarc-Andre Fleury incident stirs memories of ex-Las Vegas Thunder goalieGAME DAY: Golden Knights face Canucks to begin back-to-backGolden Knights capitalize on fast starts during win streakMark Stone signs 8-year extension with Golden KnightsDivisional matchups take on extra meaning late in the NHL season.

…