Recap: The Golden Knights were looking for their first back-to-back wins at home since January 4th. The game began with a heavy weight battle seconds after the puck was dropped. Ryan Reaves and Ross Johnston matched up and threw a bevy of punches. Both were sent to the penalty box for five minutes. Ten minutes later, Nick Holden and Anders Lee squared off earning five minute majors of their own. After 20 minutes the game was a scoreless tie.
The 2nd period was less physical, but again strong defensively for both teams. Reilly Smith opened up the scoring with :34 seconds left in the period. It gave Vegas a 1-0 lead with one period remaining.
Vegas continued to offensively attack New York in the 3rd period. The Golden Knights did a great job limiting the Islanders to 3 shots on net in the first 15 minutes of the 20 minutes. Marc-Andre Fleury secured the 1-0 shutout by saving all 19 shots by New York.
Vegas’ record improves to 30-22-8 and raise their point total to 68 points. The team will hit the ice next on Monday afternoon against the Washington Capitals. Puck drop is scheduled for 3P. (Recap by Jason)
Analysis: This one is all about the Golden Knights defensive effort. They stymied the Isles time and time again in the neutral and defensive zones and it allowed the offense to get to work and finally beat a great goaltending performance from Varlamov. It was the cleanest defensive game the Golden Knights have put in under DeBoer and Marc-Andre Fleury rewarded them by posting just the second home shutout of the season. (Analysis by Ken)
Upcoming stories from the Vegas Golden Knights vs New York Islanders at T-Mobile Arena
- Carp’s Sunday column on the 1980 Miracle team celebrating their 40th anniversary at T-Mobile Arena
Ken’s Three VGK Stars
*** Shea Theodore
** William Karlsson
* Marc-Andre Fleury
It's been a LONG time since #MarcAndreDonuts. pic.twitter.com/SwxPM26GwL
— SinBin.vegas (@SinBinVegas) February 16, 2020
Terrific defensive effort from the Golden Knights. Islanders didn't throw too much at them, but they made it very difficult to get shots off and took care of the puck well.
— SinBin.vegas (@SinBinVegas) February 16, 2020
I can't be the only one that is happy the Golden Knights only play the Islanders twice a year. Damnit these games are boring.
— SinBin.vegas (@SinBinVegas) February 16, 2020
Vgk2020
Good defensive effort, grind it out…..Whitecloud is far better than Engelland at moving the puck.
the 67-71-61 line had plenty of good chances, and could not cash in.
Fleury had very little work till the last couple minutes, but finally came thru with the kind of performance that the Vgk goalies need to provide EVERY game from here on in.
Calgary lost, but Edm and Arizona both won, so there is no breathing room.
Hdbiker7851
Ken it’s all about attitude. The last two games indicate they can win with either goalie if the rest of the team shows up. The pace early in first period was something. Sorry my friend it’s all a matter of mine [attitude] if you think you can you will if you believe you can’t you surely won’t – it’s all in the state of mine. We all need to remember 1980 – of course the media is helping that along which is a positive.
Tim
Obviously a great defensive effort. I just can’t help but wonder what Engelland is thinking right now hopefully he sees the writing on the wall Whitecloud is 22 he’s 38 it’s time to retire. To his credit Engelland and his wife helped many of the players after our first draft get settled in and he was one of the leaders on the team. The time has come as it does for all athletes to hang it up and go out with class.
Vgk4life
Hopefully Engelland made enough money to retire semi comfortably now. Hes spent many years in the minor literally fighting his way into the nhl making the bare minimum. I have fault for the man trying to make some extra cash finally now in the twilight of his career. Move him to a 4th line wing position where traditional enforcers character players are.