Why ChatGPT Backs Vegas For The 2026 Stanley Cup
The consensus is building: the Vegas Golden Knights are the team to beat in the 2025-26 NHL season. With what many call the best forward group in the league, expectations are sky-high. Now, it seems even artificial intelligence is jumping on the bandwagon, with a recent simulation picking Vegas to win the Stanley Cup.
The AI Simulation Results Are In
A fascinating simulation run by ChatGPT, highlighted in a report by Rotowire, projected the outcomes of 100 full NHL seasons. The Golden Knights didn't just win; they dominated, claiming the Stanley Cup in 42 of those 100 simulations. This placed them far ahead of the second-place Dallas Stars, who won 26 times.
Other notable teams in the simulation included:
- Carolina Hurricanes (20 wins)
- Tampa Bay Lightning (5 wins)
- Edmonton Oilers (3 wins)
- Florida Panthers (2 wins)
- Winnipeg Jets (2 wins)
Consistency vs Championships
Interestingly, winning the most championships didn't mean being the most consistent playoff team. That honor went to the Tampa Bay Lightning, who made the playoffs in 96 of the 100 simulated seasons. Vegas tied for eighth with 89 appearances. And for fans of the Toronto Maple Leafs, the AI had some grim news: zero Stanley Cup wins in 100 tries, a digital reflection of a long-standing drought. It's important to remember that these results are from one specific simulation; running the same prompt yourself may yield different outcomes.
Why Vegas Is the Top Contender
So, why does everyone, including AI, love the Golden Knights' chances? It starts with the addition of a 100-point player, which has elevated their already strong winger group to an astronomical level. This offensive power, combined with the incredible goaltending of Adin Hill and a reliable blue line, makes them a complete package. The team has all the necessary components to be at the top of the NHL hierarchy and make a deep playoff run.
Potential Hurdles on the Road to the Cup
Of course, no season is without its challenges. Even with a strong roster, success isn't guaranteed. Some key questions for the Golden Knights revolve around how the pieces on the blue line will fit together. Defensive chemistry is crucial, and any struggles there could put more pressure on goaltender Adin Hill. And as every team knows, the ever-present threat of injuries can derail even the most promising season.
Still, the feeling around the Golden Knights is one of extreme confidence. With one of the league's best forward groups and a championship-caliber roster, fans have every reason to be optimistic. The AI simulation simply adds another layer of validation to what many already believe: this team is built to win it all.
