The Vegas Golden Knights and the Washington Capitals are facing off in the 2018 Stanley Cup Finals. Neither team has ever won the Stanley Cup in their existence, as this is the Vegas Golden Knights first year in the NHL and they have a chance to make history by winning it. The last time the Washington Capitals made the Stanley Cup was in 1998, and in that year they got swept by the Detroit Red Wings.

We interviewed 7th grader at West Middle School Kristian Chorkey, and he thinks that the Vegas Golden Knights will win the Stanley Cup this year. He states, “One reason is that they have a great goalie, Marc-Andre Fleury. Another reason is that they usually are quick to answer when scored upon.  If they get scored on, they will usually respond back with a goal within a minute. Another reason is that they come prepared to the game. They always score within the first few minutes. Finally, the Golden Knights have overcome some tough adversity. They lost 4 goalies to injury and they kept winning, so I think the Capitals will be no problem. That is why the Golden Knights will win the Stanley Cup.” Kristian also thinks that Marc-Andre Fleury is one of the best players on the team and the team’s goalie. He also thinks that in terms of players, William Karlsson is the best.

Vegas took game 1 against the Washington Capitals on Memorial Day with a score of 6-4 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas Nevada. In that game, Vegas came back form a 4-3 deficit in the 3rd period and got 3 out of their 6 goals from players on the 4th line. However, Washington won game 2 in Vegas 3-2 on May 30. Washington also won game 3 on June 2nd in Capital One Arena in Washington 3-1, giving them a 2-1 series lead.

Vegas has a lot more speed then Washington, but Washington is a lot more physical and bigger than Vegas. It is speed vs. size and physicality. The best player on Vegas is probably their goalie Marc-Andre Fleury or Centermen William Karlsson. As for Washington, their best player is obviously the great 8 Alexander Ovechkin.

Game 4 is on Monday night June 4th, at 8:00 pm in Capital One Arena in the nation’s capital. Game 5 (if needed) will be on Thursday night June 7th, at 8:00 pm, at T-Mobile Arena in Vegas. Game 6 (if needed) will be on Sunday night, June 10th, at Capital One Arena in Washington. Finally, game 7 (if needed) will be on Wednesday night June 13th, at 8:00 pm at T-Mobile Arena in Vegas.

Both teams will be going for their first Stanley Cup and Vegas is looking to make history by winning it in their first year in the NHL. Good luck to both teams and enjoy watching, hockey fans!