Recap: It was a quick turnaround for Vegas as they returned home for a matchup against Arizona. The Golden Knights shook off their rust from the night before and came out strong. Mark Stone opened the game with his 14th goal of the season giving Vegas the 1-0 lead. After the Coyotes tied the game, Stone took it into his own hands and regained the lead for his team.
Chandler Stephenson scored :12 seconds into the 2nd period giving Vegas a quick 3-1 edge. Paul Stastny added another goal to extend the lead 4-1.
The 3rd period played out well for Vegas, only allowing four shots on net. Vegas held onto their three goal lead and won the game 4-1.
Vegas’ record improves to 21-15-6 and now hold sole possession of first place in the Pacific Division. They’ll next hit the ice on New Year’s Eve day against the Anaheim Ducks. Game time is scheduled for Noon. (Recap by Jason)
Analysis: It took a massive effort from the penalty kill, killing off four minutes early, but after they got that out of the way the Golden Knights took over the game. An impressive effort snuffed out a Coyote team that looked up to the task. Vegas got solid contributions up and down the lineup and Fleury returned to his normal self. There would have been some consequences had they dropped this game, but instead they are now in sole possession of 1st place in the Pacific Divison. (Analysis by Ken)
Upcoming stories from the Vegas Golden Knights vs Arizona Coyotes at T-Mobile Arena
- Steve Carp’s Sunday column on the man of the decade
- Photo gallery from the game
Ken’s Three VGK Stars
*** Marc-Andre Fleury
** Max Pacioretty
* Mark Stone
Let's talk about the 1st place Vegas Golden Knights and a solid statement(?) win over Arizona. (LIVE from Moneyline) https://t.co/BOlDH0C0ds
— SinBin.vegas (@SinBinVegas) December 29, 2019
Home means Nevada
Home means 1st place! pic.twitter.com/crLw8m8tfA— SinBin.vegas (@SinBinVegas) December 29, 2019
Golden Knights top line has just 1 point tonight but they've been terrific all night. Their classic "dog on bone" puck retrieval has been there and it's fun to watch.
— SinBin.vegas (@SinBinVegas) December 29, 2019
The only thing better than the first 40 minutes… @BrandonGoalie31's pictures of them. pic.twitter.com/V0cf8OOs9D
— SinBin.vegas (@SinBinVegas) December 29, 2019
Party like it's 2017: The Golden Knights have forced a Pacific Division goalie to be pulled. Hill in for Raanta.
— SinBin.vegas (@SinBinVegas) December 29, 2019
vgk20
That’s more like it. that is the way the VGK have to play. Rough and tumble, in their face hockey. Hustle and muscle.
The goaltending, the PP, and the PK all returned to normal tonight.
Big win, now in first place, but they need to win almost all of these home games on this 7 game homestand to put themselves into a commanding position in the Pacific. Go Knights.
THE hockey GOD
Cotter scores first goal of season, sitting on learning curve in minors. In world juniors, VGK Russian prospect scores a goal !!
https://theahl.com/ahl_videos/wolves-vs-wild-dec-28-2019
Ian West
That 4 minute double minor taken by reaves definitely saved a scoring chance. I’m gonna let that one slide