Recap: The Golden Knights were looking to finish off the road trip in Florida earning nine of a possible 16 points. Vegas did just that with a quick goal by Mark Stone 2:15 into the game. The Panthers would tie it up late in the 1st, and took a 1-1 tie into the intermission.
Stone would add his second early go ahead goal 1:41 into the 2nd period. Up 2-1 for most of the period, Florida tied the game 2-2 close to the midway point of the game. However, Vegas regained the lead :26 seconds later with Max Pacioretty’s 22nd goal of the season. After 40 minutes, the Golden Knights led the Panthers 3-2.
The Golden Knights took over the game quickly in the final 20 minutes. Nate Schmidt added Vegas’ 4th goal of the game :17 seconds into the 3rd period. Shea Theodore and Jonathan Marchessault later added goals to take a commanding 6-2 lead. Pacioretty would add his second to finish off the Panthers 7-2.
Vegas’ record improves to 28-21-7 and head home after a long eight-game road trip. The team will hit the ice on Saturday night against the Carolina Hurricanes. Game time is scheduled for 7 PM. (Recap by Jason)
Analysis: The Golden Knights used early goals to take control of this game. However, they allowed the Panthers to claw back into the game after the 1st and 2nd goals. From the moment the game was tied at two though, Vegas took over and completely dominated the Panthers. An absolutely perfect 3rd period started with a goal from Nate Schmidt and snowballed on the Panthers as it appeared they gave up midway through. Excellent road win and a great night with the whole division taking L’s. (Analysis by Ken)
Upcoming stories from the Vegas Golden Knights vs Florida Panthers at BB&T Center
- Survived, now time to thrive
Ken’s Three VGK Stars
*** Everyone else was good too
** Mark Stone
* Mark Stone
Obviously the best game in the DeBoer era, definitely the best period of the year in the 3rd. Completely took it to the Panthers and made them quit. Excellent finish to a ridiculously long road trip.
— SinBin.vegas (@SinBinVegas) February 7, 2020
This shouldn't come as much of a surprise, but the Golden Knights are now 21-0-0 when they score 6 or more goals.
17-18: 6-0-0
18-19: 8-0-0
19-20: 4-0-0
Playoffs: 3-0— SinBin.vegas (@SinBinVegas) February 7, 2020
Mark Stone was the 1st player in franchise history to register a 5 point game when he did it in the playoffs last year (hat trick game against SJS).
He now becomes the 1st to do it in a regular-season game.
It's the 4th time he's done it in his career.
— SinBin.vegas (@SinBinVegas) February 7, 2020
Mark Stone, Mark Stone, and more Mark Stone!
Great play through the NZ and then he will not be denied. Great start again.
— SinBin.vegas (@SinBinVegas) February 7, 2020
Stone cold talent
the Panthers were bombed back to the Stone age tonight.
Beast mode for Stoney tonight.
Vancouver lost, so the Knights come home with 63 pts, 2 points out of first place in the Pacific.
Rob
Uh, 8 game road trip = 16 possible points. So 9 out of 16.
Vic
My favorite takeaway…..Stone giving up the late chance for the hat trick and passing to Max for the easy goal. That’s a leadership quality right there that hopefully rubs off on everyone.