Recap: The Golden Knights hosted the New Jersey for a midweek, non-conference matchup. The game got off to a slow start but Vegas began to get going on a late period power play. They wouldn’t convert but the Golden Knights had control heading into the first intermission. After the opening 20 minutes the game was scoreless.
Max Pacioretty gave Vegas the 1-0 lead :45 seconds into the 2nd period. Robin Lehner continued to stop every shot on net by the Devils. New Jersey had two power play opportunities but Vegas’ new goaltender kept the visiting team scoreless through two.
Leading 1-0, the Golden Knights gave themselves some cushioning :37 into the 3rd period. William Karlsson played catch and shoot with Nic Roy giving Vegas a 2-0 edge. Ryan Reaves added his 8th goal of the season eight minutes later to give the Golden Knights a three goal advantage. Vegas finished off the Devils 3-0 earning his first shutout as a Golden Knights.
Vegas’ record improves to 37-23-8 and remain in first place with 82 points. The team goes on a five game road trip starting off in Winnipeg on Friday night. Game time is scheduled for 5P. (Recap by Jason)
Analysis: The 1st period was one of fairly little action but a few high-danger chances that were thwarted by excellent periods by the goalies. Then, Pacioretty’s laser opened the scoring and the Golden Knights were off and running. They controlled the rest of the game and kept the Devils chances to a minimum. (Analysis by Ken)
Upcoming stories from the Vegas Golden Knights vs New Jersey Devils at T-Mobile Arena
- DeBoer and goalies in the playoffs
Ken’s Three VGK Stars
*** Nic Roy
** Chandler Stephenson
* Robin Lehner
Doughnuts are better than bamboo anyway. #Awesomeness pic.twitter.com/xoru2lyVeA
— SinBin.vegas (@SinBinVegas) March 4, 2020
We have a feeling T-Mobile Arena won't be showing a Nikita Gusev tribute video tonight. So, we took the time to make one ourselves. He deserves it. Thanks Nikita! #HappyGusevDay pic.twitter.com/1qiHV2cgx1
— SinBin.vegas (@SinBinVegas) March 3, 2020
Roy lead 2nd line does it again! Karlsson on the board with a nice backhand pass from #10. 2-0 VGK!
— SinBin.vegas (@SinBinVegas) March 4, 2020
Vgk2020
Vgk finally have a legit goalie to pair with Fleury. Lehner is the real deal, the proverbial big walrus in the net.
And Roy and Stephenson are playing very well as versatile forwards who move up and down the lines and lift every line they are on.
Now they need to play just like that, defensive shutdown hockey, on this road trip.
Tim
Sometimes I wonder about adding players through the draft or picking under the radar guys from other teams. I realize the importance of the draft but for us it’s helped and it hasn’t helped. Example Roy 22 years old 6’2″ 220 pounds does anyone think Cody Glass who was our first pick ever is better then Roy. Stephenson we picked him up for a 5th round pick in 2021 as fast and as versatile as he is who do we have coming up better then him Nobody. Erik B. and Nick S. were instrumental in trades for us to acquire Stone and Patch and that’s the good part of drafting but how many picks we’ve made are going no where? I see Dylan C, Nick H. and maybe Lucas E. making the team next year. Payton Krebs and Jack Dugan look good when they come up who knows. After that it’s a crap shoot the two Russians good players but will they ever come to North America who knows. A few of the draft of 2019 look like they may develop but time will tell. So since I’m talking out of both sides of my mouth looking back on what I just wrote the draft will help us with some future players but getting young players under the radar from other teams cheap has also worked for us.
Hdbiker7851
Just read Roy back to AHL what does this guy have to do to stay around he is better than many who never get mentioned. He plays with energy and is all over the ice doing what’s required which is more than l can say for a number of others. Send Perri back if you have to shed weight not Roy he is head and shoulders above many players Vegas uses. What do you think Ken????
Ken Boehlke
I think he got sent back to save cap space for 2 days and he’ll be the 2nd line right wing on Friday in Winnipeg.
Tim
I hope that the case Ken, Roy is just getting better each game. I think Perri is Perri and I’d rather give Gage Quinny a chance. Rocky Thompson said Quinny was his best forward obviously DeBoer must not think so.
Hdbiker7851
If Quinny per Rocky is his best forward that doesn’t say much for the rest of them. This is no time to get all sentimental about a Vegas boy there is more serious business at hand. Yes Ken l hope your right he is one of the brighter lights out there and is more impressive every game. Give credit where credit is do!!!!!