Recap: It was another Kid’s Day at the T-Mobile Arena The Golden Knights got off to a great start against the Washington Capitals. Nick Holden scored his 5th goal of the season 3:43 into the game. Vegas jumped on Washington early and capitalized on their mistakes. Reilly Smith doubled the Golden Knights lead with his 23rd of the season late in the opening frame. After 20 minutes the home team held a 2-0 edge.
Max Pacioretty gave his team a three goal lead 14:06 into the 2nd period. Vegas held Washington to only 6 shots in the period, and 0 shots on the power play. After the first two periods, the Golden Knights were up 3-0.
The Capitals got back into the game in the 3rd period getting two power play goals from TJ Oshie. However, the Golden Knights were able to fight off the Caps attack and close out the game 3-2.
Vegas improves their record to 31-22-8 raising their point total to 70 points. The Golden Knights take on a tough Tampa team on Thursday night. Puck drop is scheduled for 7p. (Recap by Jason)
Analysis: The Caps sleepwalked through the first 40 minutes allowing the Golden Knights to dictate the game. Vegas took advantage of it though jumping out to a three-goal lead. Washington woke up in the 3rd scoring twice but the VGK response defensively was excellent. It wasn’t the prettiest game in the world, but it’s a third straight win and a good one. (Analysis by Ken)
Upcoming stories from the Vegas Golden Knights vs Washington Capitals at T-Mobile Arena
- Photo gallery from the game
Ken’s Three VGK Stars
*** Brayden McNabb
** Nate Schmidt
* Reilly Smith
That was the most buttoned-up 6 minutes of defensive hockey the Golden Knights have played in a long time.
Great response to the push back by the Caps to hang on and win a big one at home.
— SinBin.vegas (@SinBinVegas) February 18, 2020
The Golden Knights are starting to look like the sleepy team now.
— SinBin.vegas (@SinBinVegas) February 18, 2020
This line scored a goal and didn't allow a shot on goal in the 3rd.
They've played almost 6 minutes against the Ovechkin line too. 0 shots on goal. Unreal. https://t.co/6um3r3jAHf
— SinBin.vegas (@SinBinVegas) February 18, 2020
This is not the Capitals team we are used to seeing and it's definitely not the one that's 21-7-1 on the road.
That being said, VGK is doing exactly what you need to do to a sleepy team. They are jumping all over them on the forecheck and clearing their own zone quickly.
— SinBin.vegas (@SinBinVegas) February 18, 2020
Trade deadline
Fleury is finally starting to look more like his old self lately. He is getting fewer shots thanks to better 5-on-5 defensive play.
But the PK still is deep in the league’s bottom third
They need to acquire a good defensive forward, who can kill penalties….. and can be used to protect a one goal lead late in games.
and a dman who can handle the puck and play on the PK and PP, like maybe Martinez.
If Eakin is still on this team after the deadline, I will be furious. He is garbage, slow and small, poor on the PK, and worst of all, he is not even giving a decent effort in a contract year. that is puzzling and unacceptable. He won’t be back anyway, so why keep his loafing ass around??
Hdbiker7851
They continue to demonstrate they cannot sit on a lead and their pk certainly leaves alot to be desired again. Great win and lucky it turned out that way. On ward and upward.