Recap: Vegas hosted Chicago for a midweek matchup against the Blackhawks. The Golden Knights got an extra boost with their leader Marc-Andre Fleury back in net.
The first featured 25 total shots on net but both goalies made some outstanding saves. Neither team would score, and the 1st period came to a close tied at 0-0.
Reilly Smith would open the scoring in the 2nd period with his 13th goal of the season on a Golden Knights power play. Deryk Engelland would add his first of the season to give Vegas a 2-0 lead. William Karlsson tapped in a shorthanded goal with under a minute left giving his team a 3-0 advantage.
Mark Stone and Max Pacioretty teamed up early in the 3rd period to make it 4-0 Vegas. Stone drove to the net, put on the breaks and touch passed it to Pacioretty for the easy goal. Ryan Reaves shot a one-timer passed Crawford for a 5-0 Vegas lead. Fleury continued to put on a stellar performance, stopping everything Chicago shot at him. The Golden Knights would win easily 5-1.
Vegas’ record improves to 16-12-5 and now have a total of 37 points on the season. The team will travel to St. Louis for a matchup Thursday night against the reigning Stanley Cup champions. Game time is scheduled for 5P. (Recap by Jason)
Analysis: The Golden Knights played one of the best games of the season in their home building. It was a bit back and forth in the 1st, but a complete and utter domination took place in the 2nd where Vegas took over the game. Karlsson got on the board, Stone got going, and Fleury was terrific back in goal. As close to a perfect game as you can ask for. (Analysis by Ken)
Upcoming stories from the Vegas Golden Knights vs Chicago Blackhawks at T-Mobile Arena
- Jonathan Marchessault’s new stick is helping his game, but not in the way you’d expect
- Photo gallery from the game.
Ken’s Three VGK Stars
*** Deryk Engelland
** Reilly Smith
* Marc-Andre Fleury
Took a minute to get going, but that's about as well as the Golden Knights have played all year. Excellent effort across the board. Now, take it on the road and go beat some good teams.
— SinBin.vegas (@SinBinVegas) December 11, 2019
Probably the best period the Golden Knights have played in this building all season.
Aside from two tough shifts in their own end (which Fleury bailed out), they lived in the Chicago zone and finally finished some chances.
— SinBin.vegas (@SinBinVegas) December 11, 2019
The #PowerKill strikes again!
Karlsson and Marchessault are insane on the PK.
3-0 VGK!!!
— SinBin.vegas (@SinBinVegas) December 11, 2019
Deryk Engelland has seen the biggest boost from the VGKD 2.0. The fact that he gets to skate less has allowed him to pinch and activate a bit more and that goal's been coming for him.
— SinBin.vegas (@SinBinVegas) December 11, 2019
vgk20
Reilly Smith and Fleury clearly the stars of that game.
Darren T
Tuch is on a great roll and no matter who he lines up is contributing offense
Tim
Chandler Stephenson has really impressed me with his speed and savvy. At 25 looks like his best years are ahead of him and picking him up for a 5th rounder in 2021 was nice. Great game last night can we carry that momentum on the road to ST. Louis and Dallas.
Easy ed
I think you mean Karlsson and Smith are killers during pk
Mark
Reilly Smith is really amazing. Assists, goals and a team guy. He’s got it all. Tuch is a superstar, just talent on talent. We really jelled against Chicago, keep it going !!