Recap: The Golden Knights struggled in the opening 20 minutes against the high-powered Hurricanes. Carolina took a two goal lead scoring one on the power play.
Vegas came out determined to get back into the game and scored twice in the first 4:12 of the middle frame. Brett Howden and Shea Theodore both contributed offensively, carrying a 2-2 tie into the second intermission.
The Hurricanes broke the tie early and doubled their lead later in the final period. Carolina heavily outshot Vegas finishing off 4-2 road victory.
The Golden Knights record drops to 9-7-0 breaking their four game win streak. Vegas’ homestand continues on Thursday against the Detroit Red Wings. Puck drop at The Fortress is scheduled for 7 PM. (Recap by Jason)
Analysis: Playing majorly shorthanded against one of the best teams in the NHL, the Golden Knights were definitely up against it tonight. It started very poorly but VGK did well to keep with it and were opportunistic enough to grab a pair of goals quick and keep the game at arm’s length. In the end though, they just didn’t have enough fire power in the current lineup to stay with the Canes. (Recap by Ken)
Upcoming stories from the Vegas Golden Knights vs. Carolina Hurricanes game at T-Mobile Arena.
- Goalie Interference with Mike McKenna
Ken’s Three VGK Stars
*** Alex Pietrangelo
** Robin Lehner
* Brett Howden
"I'm more disappointed 2-2 going into the 3rd, chance to get points and we didn't do that." -DeBoer
— SinBin.vegas (@SinBinVegas) November 17, 2021
Lehner once again coming up with a ton of big saves to keep this game close. Would be a 3 or 4 goal game if he wasn't having a good game.
— SinBin.vegas (@SinBinVegas) November 17, 2021
VGK started this period about as well as they could but as it went on the ice kept tilting further and further in Carolina's favor. Golden Knights have to be happy to hear the horn.
This game is there for the taking, but they need to summon more than 5 good minutes to take it.
— SinBin.vegas (@SinBinVegas) November 17, 2021
The entire crowd just got that amber alert in what may be the weirdest moment in T-Mobile history.
— SinBin.vegas (@SinBinVegas) November 17, 2021
Pistol Pete
Injury ravaged VGK put up a decent fight against a very good team that is mostly healthy. Imho bodes well for a healthier VGK.
Pistol Pete
Including one with a productive Jack Eichel.
Richie-Rich
A grand effort in the 2nd period. Otherwise VGK was outmatched in every aspect of the game, especially goal tending.
The one power play was boring, unimaginative and every shot was signaled to the defense creating an easy block or save.
Credit Howden – great goal.
The VGK is going to have to average 4 goals per game to be the better teams like Carolina because we simply do not have top tier goal tending.
THE hockey GOD
Not fault of goal tending, don’t know what game you were watching. Twice VGK d men dropped their sticks when Canes scored. Other goal was on another bad offensive zone penalty.
Over 40 shots on goal. Definitely not goal tenders fault, one of dumbest posts of the day.
Richie-Rich
Let’s see, did we also lose Janmark and Theodore for weeks? Hell let’s bring up the top 2 HSK lines on offense and defense.
THE hockey GOD
NHL covid policy is faulty. Let’s see here SENS lose TEN players , and postpone all games this week. VGK loses two players and games continue ? What is the policy ? Who is making this stuff up, on the seat of pants? Not fair to all teams. Testing is faulty.
another year of covid madness unfolding.
THE hockey GOD
From Jesse Mark Stone- “We have to find ways to play a little bit smarter. Kind of dumb the game down a little bit, and frustrate our opponents a little bit more. I thought they controlled the puck for the majority of the game, and the shots indicated that. Lenny kept us in it.”
THE hockey GOD
Jesse Granger
@JesseGranger_
·
9h
DeBoer on Lehner- “Robin gave us a chance to be in that game. I thought he was our best player again tonight.”
Daryl
I didn’t get to see the game, but this is a standard Comme t from PDB when a team scores multiple goals against. Even when RL plays bad, PDB has said he played a great game. It’s like he’s afraid to say anything negative b/c RL is too fragile to take the criticism.
As I said I didn’t get to see the game and PDB could be 100% correct this time, it’s just hard to take his word for it.
As for the game itself, VGK scoring 2 goals was better than I thought they would do which is a good thing.
Blitz
Lehner was actually pretty good in the game. I think he faced more pucks in the game then he did in warm-ups, when they have pucks all over the ice and guys are just shooting randomly. He was under a barrage and did well. The loss is not on him at all. Just simply VGK was out matched by a healthy talented team. The come back in the 2nd period was one of those F-YEAH moments that made the game worth watching, knowing your team is the underdog.
The VGK goals were both awesome. Howden showed some really great speed and skill on his goal and turned Reilly Smiths brother (dman for CAR) inside out. Pretty cool to see and unexpected. Howden has more skill then I thought from watching this short season. Theo’s goal, he rapidly shot, got the rebound, shot, got the rebound, and chipped it in for the 3rd shot. Good behind the net feed from Stone (I think).
Anyway, despite Richards claims and the coaches speak the goal tending was good on both sides.
Richie-Rich
The point I have been trying to make all along, and one which the majority of the Panda Lovers seems to not understand is that one of several things has to happen in order for Lehner to succeed as a Stanley Cup champion goalie. Those things are:
1. Fix the flaws in your game (too slow, not agile, don’t go to the ice, poke check and at least improve on breakaways and shootouts). We haven’t seen Lehner in a shootout or at least I cannot recall. In any case, Lehner already admits that he is no good at them. The alternative to this option is……..
2. VGK offense scoring >4 goals per game, which is what was needed last night. They had several opportunities to do so, not the least of which was the piss poor power play performance. No imagination, no movement and telegraphing shots on goal is not a recipe for scoring power play goals. Granted, VGK is 5 of 16 over the past two weeks which is somewhat of an improvement. They need to do better. If they cannot get to >4 goals per game then…….
3. VGK defense needs to lock teams down in order to cover the weaknesses in Lehner’s goal tending.
One of the three things above, or all of them are needed regardless of when Eichel, Patches, Karlsson, and Whitecloud return.
The good news is that the youngsters are looking pretty good. The bad news is that we may have lost both Theodore and Dadanov for a while. Let’s hope that those injuries weren’t severe.
By the way, the goal tending on one side was outstanding (2 goals against), on the other side I thought that Lehner could have stopped the one glove side shot, can’t remember which period that was. I think it was in the 3rd period. Lehner played very well, Raanta was much better despite the number of shots just from a mechanics perspective. In fact, I would have to say that Lehner played way over his head and turned in a great performance considering the flaws in his game. VGK was lucky the score wasn’t 8 to 2. The point being that VGK goal tending is an issue. We will see just how much better Lehner can play once WhiteCloud returns and the defense is completely healthy.
THE hockey GOD
“By the way, the goal tending on one side was outstanding (2 goals against)” hardly outstanding, only faced 23 shots, and his rebound control was pretty bad.
Boy you are surely clueless and don’t know what you are looking at.
THE hockey GOD
if it wasn’t for RL the score easily could have been 10-2 , or 15 -2.
When VGK had glorious opportunities in period two to bury the CANES, they did not (janmark break away, smith, no. 55, coghlin twice, no.27 once) . Changed whole complexion of game, no finishers.
Richie-Rich
Just goes to make my point. This team has to score 4 or more to have a chance against top teams even if Lehner is playing at the very top of his game.
THE hockey GOD
BS comment that applies to most teams in NHL , you know nothing about hockey.
THE hockey GOD
SinBin.vegas
@SinBinVegas
Lehner once again coming up with a ton of big saves to keep this game close. Would be a 3 or 4 goal game if he wasn’t having a good game.
9:24 PM · Nov 16, 2021
more like 10 -2
Richie-Rich
Unless goal tending improves the statement you just made above will be the same exact one that you will post when VGK gets beat in the playoffs by teams with better defenses and much better goal tending.
THE hockey GOD
I didn’t make any of these statements, you are clueless in reading as you are in watching a game.
sin bin made the above statement
stone made below statement
coach made statement below that,
these are all experts, you are not, you are clueless and do not know what you are watching when you watch a game .
Richie-Rich
Well, they may as well write down those words to use post game in the playoffs……. unless one of those things I suggested is worked on or all three.
Tim
We were just outplayed but getting those two goals I had a spark of hope we might pull it out. They definitely controlled the game we couldn’t get the puck out of our end for most of the night. Like the Toronto game Carolina could have put a 10 spot on the board if not for Lehner’s good play. Here I go harping on Kolesar again he hurt us last year because they were afraid to lose him but it crippled us carrying his dead weight. This year he’s a penalty waiting to happen and he can’t score I don’t see what management sees in him but they keep putting him out there.
Richie-Rich
I think healthy scratch Kolesar and bring up Zach Hayes and Danill Miromanov from Henderson! I am not sure, but can they send Kolesar back down or do they have to risk waivers?
LV Craig
I have to agree. I was at the game last night and a few times I just watched him and the lack of effort was really surprising. What a change from last year.
Blitz
You are going to healthy scratch a forward and bring up 2 defensemen? So how many defensemen are you going to play? 8 dmen and 10 forwards? How high are you right now? Be honest.
Kolesar would have to go thru waivers.
THE hockey GOD
he’s clueless , ignore troll rants.
Richie-Rich
Well Whitecloud is out and likely Theodore as well. I have seen some improvement in Coghlan…. Martinez is coming back when?
Blitz
VGK have 8 active D men on the NHL roster. Whitecloud is skating again, but still may be a while. Cogs has that role until the chief is back. Marty may be back next game, if not one more game. Hutton has that spot until he comes back. Hutton looked good last night, IMO. Looks more of a stay at home guy. I saw him brake up passes, win battles along the defensive corners etc. Brings some grit in front of the net. Got into a fight game 1 and showed well. If Theo is out and Marty is still out we might need a call up next game, but otherwise we have 2 permanent extra d men already filling in.
knights fan in minny
what happened to theodore
Richie-Rich
Late in the game Theodore caught an edge flipped over backwards like a pretzel and smashed his head on the boards. Possible concussion.
Tim
Blitz, Let Kolesar go through waivers and pray someone picks him up. Let’s face it he played a lot last year and this year has started all the games and has done what except draw penalties. He’s had more then a fair chance and now it’s time to move on.
Richie-Rich
I agree Tim. You could triple the size of the net and put Keegan right in front of it and he would miss wide.
Blitz
100% agree. This club has too many bottom 6 nhl roster guys that have an inability to score. Someone has to go. I don’t see what Kolesar provides that makes him any better than a call up guy. PDB keeps putting him in situations that are harmful to the success of this club. Like why was he the guy on L2 for marchy? Maybe for defense and scheme familiarity, ok sure I can at least buy that, but it neutered that lines offensive side. Why not play one of the HSK guys that have some kind of offensive upside? The real head scratcher is playing Kolesar on the power play. The power play is supposed to be your top offensive guys, where defense is not really a concern. Why in the heck is the most handicapped offensive guy on the team on your already struggling PP? Ugh.
We just picked up this Adam Brooks kid. A two second review says he has some offensive upside. He is now on the active nhl roaster so makes me think he could be a replacement for someone when Bill and Patches comes back. I think Mc has a thing for Kolesar so maybe it won’t be him, but IMO it should be.
THE hockey GOD
SinBin.vegas
@SinBinVegas
·
6m
Michael Amadio has been added to COVID protocols.
Media availability has also been cancelled.
why not just cancel the whole season again, NHL does not have a grip on COVID, it’s going down hill fast. Just like I predicted. In the WINGS – STARS game they pulled wings best player, Larkin after second period. It is becoming unplayable . A joke.
Tim
We just picked up another guy off the waiver wire Adam Brooks 25 has been let go by Toronto and now Montreal. Either they don’t want to totally deplete the AHL team or there not confident in there playing ability. Again I think most of us would rather see some more of our young guys getting a chance instead of another reject but I guess management knows best. I heard Dadanov is also out along with Theadore this season is just been so bazaar. Like THG just mentioned when will the league throw up the white flag and this Covid takes another bite out of the game.
Richie-Rich
Adam Brooks, left handed C, Born in May 1996 6ft 179lbs.
Drafted by Toronto in the 2016 NHL Draft round 4, #92.
Played 7 games in 2019-2020, 0 goals, 3 assists
Payled 11 games in 2020-2021, 4 goals, 1 assist
Most of his playing time has been on the Toronto Marlies between 2017 and 2021, 164 games, 42 goals, 50 assists.
Played for Montreal this year, 4 games, 0 goals, 1 assist.
Not much to jump up and down for joy about.
Pistol Pete
Watching the game, basically even first period other than giving up the PP goal (Dadonov hit the post on that wraparound about an inch away from a goal and taking a 1-0 lead). No way did Carolina dominate the pace. Second period belonged to VGK. Third period the VGK injury disadvantaged roster finally could not keep the pace. IMO a healthy roster VGK is the equal of the Canes especially with a productive Jack Eichel.
Did one of our announcers say Lehner leads the NHL in shots against and saves? It’s obvious he lost some weight and improved his speed.
Blitz
Yes they did say Lehner lead the league in shots against, and therefore # of saves too. For a team that did so well last year defensively (least amount of shots against I think??) its shocking that we now get peppered alot.
THE hockey GOD
“Did one of our announcers say Lehner leads the NHL in shots against and saves? Announcers read my posts, I have been saying that for the last few weeks.
Henderson One
Last night we saw an elite NHL team play an above average AHL team. Other than a few minutes in the second period, the Hurricanes simply outworked the VGK. Carolina continually beat the VGK to the puck. There was simply little effort by the VGK. I am no Lehner fan but thought he played a good game. His puck control is still terrible and there is just too much opportunity for a rebound goal. The VGK players are paid enough to put forth a respectable effort for 60 minutes. I did not see that last night.
Pistol Pete
Last night we saw two elite teams. One injury ridden, missing four top forwards and one D, the other healthy. VGK did damn well to hang with arguably the NHL’s top team. To say they did not work hard or outplay the opponent at certain points is not a fair and accurate assessment
Btw on that one, Howden, who’s still only 23, showed why he went in the first round 2016.
Pistol Pete
Missing two D actually—Martinez and Whitecloud. Whitecloud definitely stronger on the defensive side than Coghlan. Not that crazy about Coghlan—Korczak and Hayes are potentially stronger defensively is my guess.
Pistol Pete
I should probably give Cogs more time; only 43 NHL games; 4 G/6 A (-9). The -9 is bit concerning but it’s still somewhat early.
Hague +14 (106 games)
Whitecloud +14 (72 games)
Richie-Rich
I am not worried about Coghlin’s -9. I have seen improvement on his passing and defense.
Daryl
Hague was spending a lot of time with Petra and Whitecloud with Theo (I think) so that helps those two with their +/-
-9 is still a concern though
THE hockey GOD
cogs was so far out of position on a couple of goals he has to register his to pay his taxes in another state.
not good, no. 17 isn’t helping either.
Pistol Pete
Cpuple points in the division:
Is there any bigger surprise than the Ducks, both conferences? It’s early but still.
So far Kraken is definitely not the 2017-2018 Knights. Lost to Blackhawks at home last night. Doesn’t get a lot worse than that.
Richie-Rich
I had ranked the off season acquisition performance as follows.. So yeah, to see ANA on top is a surprise. The VGK is lucky to be just 5 points out of first place with a game in hand at this point considering it is a team of walking wounded. The Kings played well last night against the CAPS falling in the final minutes of the 3rd period.
1. LAK
2. SJS
3. ANA
4. CGY
5. EDM
6. VGK
7. VAN
8. SEA
Pistol Pete
I don’t understand how SEA did a seemingly mediocre job building their roster or is mainly coaching?
VGK was a combination of things. Gallant was the right man for the first year, good GM and owner. The mass shooting as macabre as it was played a role in motivating the players.
Richie-Rich
I think teams did a much better job of protecting its top prospects. Coaching could be the difference between the Krakheads and Knights first season. I have watched a few Kraken games now and they don’t seem to play well together at all. Talent definitely not as good as VGK year 1.
Pistol Pete
VGK really rallied behind the city after the shooting. It was amazing. They were there when we needed someone the most.