Recap: Vegas hosted the Minnesota Wild a team with past success at the T-Mobile arena. In three previous games in Las Vegas, the Wild were 3-0.
The opening period was a back and fourth contest but turned quickly in favor for the Wild with about four minutes remaining. Vegas was called for three late penalties resulting in a power play goal for Minnesota. After 20 minutes, the Golden Knights trailed 1-0.
Chandler Stephenson would continue to impress his new teammates tying up the game with his 6th goal of the season, and his 3rd as a Golden Knight. Shea Theodore would give Vegas the lead on a nice rush with :10 seconds left in the 2nd period.
Tomas Nosek added to Vegas’ lead with his 5th goal of the season stretching his team’s lead to 3-1. Minnesota would get one with their goalie pulled but couldn’t find the equalizer in the dying seconds.
Vegas’ record improves to 19-13-5 with 43 points. The team will take a quick divisional road trip to play Vancouver and San Jose. They’ll face off against the Canucks on Thursday night. Game time is scheduled for 7PM. (Recap by Jason)
Analysis: Vegas did well to overcome some 1st period adversity. A pair of horrendous penalty calls set the Golden Knights back as they headed to the 1st intermission down a goal. However, they put together back-to-back solid periods and earned a much needed win against a team they’ve struggled mightily against. (Analysis by Ken)
Upcoming stories from the Vegas Golden Knights vs Minnesota Wild at T-Mobile Arena.
- If Nashville was the turning point, what/who deserves the most credit?
Ken’s Three VGK Stars
*** Deryk Engelland
** Tomas Nosek
* Mark Stone
3 wins in a row and 8 of their last 11. That was one of their best efforts against a team that's playing great hockey. Impressive win and well deserved. For the first time, I'm really starting to feel like they've actually turned it around.
— SinBin.vegas (@SinBinVegas) December 18, 2019
Gritty period by the Golden Knights. Wasn't the prettiest, but they got themselves back in the game and capitalized on a big late chance. Got to keep from that lapse period in the 3rd, it'll take another good one to win this game.
— SinBin.vegas (@SinBinVegas) December 18, 2019
William Karlsson and Mark Stone displaying star qualities!
Couple very nifty plays sets up a walk-in chance for Theodore who buries it.
2-1 VGK!
— SinBin.vegas (@SinBinVegas) December 18, 2019
That's a horribly frustrating period. The Golden Knights played excellent, had 2 horrendous penalties called against them, then took a legit one while trying to score a shorty.
Miserable, but if they can kill the other minute 1-0 isn't the end of the world.
— SinBin.vegas (@SinBinVegas) December 18, 2019
The reason T-Mobile Arena listed "#00 Elvis Helmet" among the healthy scratches was because the big Knights helmet they skate through was unavailable for today's game. Day-to-day, minor mechanical issue. Thus, the helmet was a healthy scratch. pic.twitter.com/5vJheMTrrF
— SinBin.vegas (@SinBinVegas) December 18, 2019
Darren Turik
didnt see game but nice win. Ice time for 3rd line looked really low….what is your take as to why? Does Tuch only play well in NY and N Jersey perhaps ?!?
Ken Boehlke
They didn’t have a terrific game tonight but they certainly weren’t bad. It’s going to go that way sometimes especially when there’s lots of penalties.
Tim
As we know the Wild are a tough out they play hard and have had our number. The win was nice the switch on the D from man to zone I think has made a big difference.
A word about our latest version of a Vegas Golden Misfit Chandler Stephenson what a job he’s doing now that he’s settled in the second line. When the two Cody’s come back I don’t know what they’ll do.
Walt Tkaczuk
When pucks go in, and just about everyone is playing well, it’s a nice problem to have wondering what to do with all the centers when all are healthy. I am a fan of Cody Glass, however, Chandler Stephenson should be left exactly where he is until he proves unworthy. The guy is fast, strong with the puck, has a history of very few penalties, and is finding the net playing with two excellent linemates. From the little we have seen, Stephenson is simply better than the two Codys right now. Coach is going to move people around on lines 3 and 4 and none of us will likely be happy. Some may have to sit a while, some will be out of position, and some may be in Chicago a while. It would be a mistake to tamper with this team right now as it is evident they are starting to feel it.