Golden Knights face high expectations under new coach Ryan Craig after Stanley Cup Final loss

LAS VEGAS (AP) – Last season: 39-26-17, lost in Stanley Cup Final.

Key points

• GOALIES: Carter Hart (11-3-3, 2.71 goals-against average, .891 save percentage), Adin Hill (10-9-6, 3.04, .870).
• DEPARTURES: F Pavel Dorofeyev, F Keegan Kolesar, F Cole Smith, D Kaedan Korczak, G Akira Schmid.
• That includes such star players as Jack Eichel, Mitch Marner and Mark Stone.

LAS VEGAS (AP) – Last season: 39-26-17, lost in Stanley Cup Final. COACH: Ryan Craig (first season). SEASON OPENER: Sept. 29 vs. Chicago.

DEPARTURES: F Pavel Dorofeyev, F Keegan Kolesar, F Cole Smith, D Kaedan Korczak, G Akira Schmid. ADDITIONS: F Victor Olofsson, F Marc Gatcomb, D Parker Wotherspoon.

For context, the Golden Knights came within two victories of winning the Stanley Cup last season, even holding a 2-1 series lead over Carolina before the Hurricanes won the final three games. Though there are some changes – most notably Dorofeyev and his 72 goals over the past two seasons is now with the New York Rangers – most of the roster is back as the team enters its 10th season.

That includes such star players as Jack Eichel, Mitch Marner and Mark Stone. The team is under new leadership, with Craig getting the promotion from the American Hockey League. He is the third coach since late March, with the Golden Knights firing Bruce Cassidy with eight games left in the regular season and dismissing John Tortorella despite the deep postseason run. Anything less than Craig leading the Golden Knights back into title contention would be a disappointment.

For now, golden Knights face high expectations under new coach Ryan Craig after Stanley remains the part of the story worth watching, and further updates are likely as more details are confirmed.