Few NHL general managers know the game of hockey better than Steve Yzerman.
The Tampa Bay Lightning’s boss from upstairs enjoyed 22 years in the league, winning three Stanley Cups and collecting 1,755 points in 1,514 games. At 53, the guys is still living and breathing hockey.
Yzerman was a part of numerous skilled Detroit Red Wings teams and has put together a number of talented Lightning squads. Right now, it’s the NHL’s newest team that has caught his attention. After Tampa was eliminated by the Washington Capitals in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals, Yzerman insisted that the Vegas Golden Knights' successful inaugural season has been no accident.
Awarded the NHL’s worst odds of winning the Cup prior to the regular season, the Golden Knights came flying out of the gate from the get-go and are somehow just four games away from winning the Stanley Cup. The trio of William Karlsson, Reilly Smith and Jonathan Marchessault dominated throughout the regular season and haven’t missed a beat in the playoffs. Through 15 games, the line has combined for 47 points.
Jonathan Kozub/NHLI via Getty Images
A part of Yzerman must be hurting after watching George McPhee lead his franchise to a Cup appearance in his first year. Yzerman has worked relentlessly to build a perennial contender and has only made the Stanley Cup once as a member of the front office.
At least he’s being a good sport about it all.
(H/T r/Hockey)
