Recap: Vegas hosted the Florida Panthers for Miracle Night at the T-Mobile Arena. 40 years ago, the United States hockey team beat the Soviets, and the Golden Knights welcomed in the Miracle on Ice roster.
Florida jumped out to quick start taking the 1-0 lead 3:28 into the game. Tomas Nosek tied the game later in the period scoring his 7th goal of the season. After the opening 20 minutes the game was locked up 1-1.
The Panthers regained the lead quickly into the 2nd period. On a carryover power play, Florida took advantage and took a 2-1 edge. William Carrier tied the game for Vegas with his 7th goal of the season. Max Pacioretty scored his 29th, giving his team the 3-2 lead right before the period expired.
Reilly Smith doubled Vegas’ lead just :19 seconds into the final period. Smith buried his 24th goal of the year stretching the lead 4-2. The Panthers got within one but Smith would score his second of the game on an empty-net goal. The Golden Knights closed out the game 5-3.
Vegas’ record improves to 33-22-8 and remain in 1st place in the Pacific with 74 points. The Golden Knights take a quick trip to Anaheim to play the Ducks tomorrow night. Game time is scheduled for 7p. (Recap by Jason)
Analysis: Like the Tampa game, it took the Golden Knights a minute to sort out their puck management issues early in the game. When they did, late in the 1st, they took over and started controlling a majority of the play. A few excellent plays by the Panthers kept them in the game, but the Golden Knights were the better team and wore the Panthers down. A 5-game win streak against some of the best teams in the league has the Golden Knights looking at an exciting end of the season and playoff run. (Analysis by Ken)
Upcoming stories from the Vegas Golden Knights vs Florida Panthers at T-Mobile Arena
- Carp’s Sunday column on the deadline, Quinney, and Team USA
Ken’s Three VGK Stars
*** Marc-Andre Fleury
** William Carrier
* Reilly Smith
5 games. 10 points. VGK gets them all.
As if it was ever in doubt, now it's really not, this is a playoff team. The only question is if they'll get the Division banner to go with it.
— SinBin.vegas (@SinBinVegas) February 23, 2020
The difference between Stephenson centering the 3rd line and Eakin is astounding.
They actually try to score now. It's nice.
— SinBin.vegas (@SinBinVegas) February 23, 2020
Excellent period from the Golden Knights in the 2nd after a so-so 1st. 18-6 in SOG and completely dominated Florida at even-strength.
20 minutes away from an incredible 5-game homestand.
— SinBin.vegas (@SinBinVegas) February 23, 2020
Trades
great night at T-Mobile. the Miracle on Ice heroes, and then the local miracle makers do it again.
Fleury was outstanding, got robbed by the refs on that call.
Nosek and Carrier were very effective tonight. Smith scores 2 more big ones.
and let’s face it, Fla was really playing hard tonight, as they are in a real battle to get a playoff spot.
Hope Roy is ok, as that should have been a 5 min penalty. If he is out, they will definitely need to acquire a solid low priced forward who can kill penalties.
Joe
What a day. First player born in Nevada debuts. A Re-bels chant breaks out. And Dave Ayers becomes the first emergency goalie to record a win and becomes the oldest player to win in their debut in NHL history.
Tim
Yes it’s been a great home stand now let’s not take the foot off the gas against the Ducks, Oiler’s, and Sabres that would get us to 80 points. The Kings and Devils coming to town after that we could put ourselves in great position to win the Pacific.
I don’t like to beat on the ref’s but that Roy hit and stick push were over the line. What if that was a playoff game and we lost which always scares me after last years debacle. That fast you can be out of a playoff series. I’m not sure if it’s jealousy that we became so good so fast that they can’t stand us or are they just incompetent. The reality is were the best show in the NHL whether the rest of the league likes it or not. We have one of the best management teams, by far the best owner, best fans in the craziest venue, and every night is showtime. I just think the rest of the league, ref’s etc. just can’t stand what we’ve done in less then 3 years. So we stand alone and screw them all.