The Knights didn't tank the end of the regular season. This side of the bracket is a much tougher path for them. But I also think they just flipped the switch in the playoffs (combined with the whole magically healthy complete roster thing).
Not much else to be said. It's bullshit we are playing a roster way over the cap, particularly in the first round, the refs have done us no favors and we really have not had any puck luck, but none of that matters because we are flat out getting outplayed. They took our best shot in the first period, got it back on a 2-0 fucking rush, then just settled in and completely outplayed us the last 30 mins of the game. I thought Otter played great and kept us in the game. They could have easily blown it open and we just flat out didn't execute at the net on our best chances. We should absolutely win every game we give up 2 goals or less with the offensive firepower we have (that has looked absolutely non-existent against this Vegas D). Hintz is completely MIA and has been for a month. He's in his prime and being paid like an elite player and has disappeared. Pavelski finally looks his age. The Duchene/Seguin line isn't doing anything.
Stankoven has looked like our best skater from my eyes which should not be the case. Hell Marchment has flashed more than our big names (and now hurt).
It's a bad matchup but still a disappointing performance. Hopefully they can somehow find their game in Vegas (have been a better road team than home this year) and we can do a reverse of the '21 Mavs/Clippers, but all my optimism pretty much went out the window as I sat and watched us flat out get our ass kicked during the 3rd in what was clearly the biggest period of the season.
Having never played I certainly don't know hockey X's and O's like other sports but starting to think all of the Vegas fans that had confidence Deboer's system is a terrible matchup against what Vegas does knew what they are talking about after the last 11 games. They own us.