Gerard Gallant's message was clear enough to resonate throughout what's been an inaugural season for the Vegas Golden Knights that's unparalleled in NHL history.
From Day One, Gallant has encouraged his players to have fun no matter what happens. Fun has been a way of life in Vegas, where the Golden Knights have obliterated all expectations for their first NHL season and become a legitimate contender to win the Presidents' Trophy. For example: During a day off Feb. 14, players juggled and flew high above the stage of the MGM Grand's Ka Theatre while participating in Cirque du Soleil acts with the help of coaches from the famous show.
The success of the Golden Knights is the biggest story of the 2017-18 season. With six weeks remaining, they are 41-16-4, the best record in the Western Conference, one point behind the Tampa Bay Lightning for the best in the NHL.
"Coming to the rink every day and having fun is what I believe and it's what our team believes," Gallant said Wednesday. "There's no sense coming in here and being disappointed after a loss. We move on, get ready for the next game.
"I think that's why we've had success because we move on. Teams are going to lose some hockey games but you've got to make sure you don't lose two, three in a row. It's about keep working hard, keep playing hard and doing what we believe in."
Since being encouraged to have fun, the Golden Knights started 8-1-0, won eight consecutive games, and have already set NHL records for points by a team (86) and home victories (24) in its first season -- with 21 games remaining. It's no surprise that Gallant is the unanimous favorite of 19 NHL.com writers for the Jack Adams Award at the quarter pole of the season.
The fun for the Golden Knights started with Gallant setting a culture of winning -- and excitement -- on the first day of training camp.
"I think we have a great group of guys in here that's bought into what [Gallant] has preached this year," defenseman Deryk Engelland said. "It's a big family in here. Guys want to come to practice and they're having fun.
"It goes a long way when you're enjoying yourself. It's kind of been a snowball effect all year. Everyone from the get-go has been having fun and we're having success with it."
Gallant earned 95 points from the NHL.com panel, 45 more than Bruce Cassidy (Boston Bruins). Paul Maurice (Winnipeg Jets) was next with 39, and John Hynes (New Jersey Devils) was fourth with 38.
"He's been an unbelievable coach," rookie forward Alex Tuch said. "I've learned a lot from him so far this year, and I continue to learn a lot from him, and try to earn his trust more and more every game."
Voting totals (points awarded on a 5-4-3-2-1- basis): Gerard Gallant, Golden Knights, 95 points (19 first-place votes); Bruce Cassidy, Bruins, 50; Paul Maurice, Jets, 39; John Hynes, Devils, 38; Jon Cooper, Lightning, 25; Dave Hakstol, Philadelphia Flyers, 11; Pete DeBoer, San Jose Sharks, 6; Jared Bednar, Colorado Avalanche, 6; Ken Hitchcock, Dallas Stars, 5; Mike Sullivan, Pittsburgh Penguins, 4; Peter Laviolette, Predators, 4; Barry Trotz, Washington Capitals, 1; John Stevens, Los Angeles Kings, 1
