Recap: Jonathan Marchessault scored the first goal of the series 11:37 into the opening period. Starting goaltender Robin Lehner stopped all eight of Vancouver’s 1st period shots to hold the 1-0 Vegas edge.
The Golden Knights offense took over the game in the 2nd period. Reilly Smith doubled Vegas’ lead with an early period power play goal. Mark Stone added another midway through the period, and Alex Tuch snapped one late giving the Golden Knights a dominant 4-0 lead.
Vegas continued to pressure Vancouver well into the 3rd period. The Golden Knights pushed the puck and went to work in the Canucks offensive zone. Max Pacioretty gave Vegas a commanding 5-0 lead with his second goal of the postseason. Lehner was flawless in net stopping all 26 shots on net to secure his first career postseason shutout.
With their 5-0 win Vegas now leads the best-of-seven game series 1-0. The second round matchup against Vancouver continues on Tuesday night. Game 2 is scheduled to air on NBC Sports Network at 645 PM. (Recap by Jason)
Analysis: It couldn’t have been a much better Game 1 for the Golden Knights. They dominated the game from start to finish. Vegas scored at will and they kept Vancouver from doing just about anything. All the while they were almost picking on the Canucks. It truly was men against boys. (Analysis by Ken)
Upcoming stories from Game 1 of the Vegas Golden Knights vs Vancouver Canucks in Round 2 series of the Stanley Cup Playoffs at Rogers Place in the NHL Bubble.
- Reminiscent of Game 1, Round 2, 2018
Ken’s Three VGK Stars
*** Reilly Smith
** Mark Stone
* Alex Tuch
The Vancouver Canucks STILL have never beaten the Golden Knights in regulation. #WontStopVegas pic.twitter.com/tYviM5Rndd
— SinBin.vegas (@SinBinVegas) August 24, 2020
For the first time in these playoffs, the Golden Knights have chased the opposing goalie.
Demko in for Markstrom.
— SinBin.vegas (@SinBinVegas) August 24, 2020
A lot of times in hockey the score is not indicative of the game.
Tonight, it couldn't be any more indicative. VGK are absolutely destroying the Canucks and Vancouver has nowhere to turn to stop it.
If this were a UFC fight, I'd be mad at the ref for not stopping it.
— SinBin.vegas (@SinBinVegas) August 24, 2020
Let's talk about a Game 1 fanny whacking. https://t.co/M3qaLziR72
— SinBin.vegas (@SinBinVegas) August 24, 2020
Christopher
No mention that Lehner is 3-0 against the Nucks with a 0.00 GAA? Or does that not fit your narrative that he sucks and shouldn’t be in net?
Daryl
MAF hasn’t lost to them either in how many games… Why isn’t that at the top of this story???
Christopher
Because MAF didn’t play last night.
Doktor Hockey
PERFECT! Panda and the boys! Total domination! GO KNIGHTS GO
Daryl
I guess the best way to help a struggling defense is to keep the puck in the offensive zone. At one point I saw where Canucks had 19 shots which surprised me as I didn’t remember seeing that many. They also had very few high chance shots which is very good. I’m still worried about our defense and overall defensive play. I personally don’t think the Canucks are that good of a team and we totally dominated them in all aspects but we are still turning the puck over too often and we are still getting out worked along the boards. I do think they did a better job of getting in the shooting lanes though.