Recap: For the first time in team history the Golden Knights hosted a Semi-Final Game 1. The local team took on original six franchise Montreal Canadiens for the right to play in the Stanley Cup Finals. Shea Theodore was held without a goal for the first two series but his timing couldn’t have come at a better time. Vegas’ top defenseman opened the scoring with his first goal of the playoffs 9:51 into the series. Marc-Andre Fleury was strong in net holding his team’s 1-0 lead.
Vegas began the 2nd period with extended power play time which they took advantage of. Moments after the man advantage expired Theodore found Alec Martinez to double the Golden Knights lead 2-0. Montreal would get on the board with a power play goal but Vegas answered back :53 seconds later. After 40 minutes of action, the Golden Knights held a 3-1 advantage.
Vegas continued to heavily pressure Montreal in the final 20 minutes. The Canadiens couldn’t sustain any offensive zone time throughout the entire game and it held that way. Defenseman Nick Holden gave Vegas a three-goal lead with his second goal of the postseason. Fleury finished off his dominant performance in the third period only giving up one goal in 29 shots on net.
With their 4-1 victory, the Golden Knights take Game 1 and a series lead. Vegas and Montreal take the ice again on Wednesday night at T-Mobile Arena. Game 2 is scheduled for 6:00 PM PT. (Recap by Jason)
Analysis: It took 20 minutes for the Golden Knights to settle in, but once they did they turned up the heat on the Canadiens just like was to be expected. They lived in the MTL offensive zone and thwarted any offense before the Habs could even get through the neutral zone. 1 down, 3 to go, just like period two and on. (Analysis by Ken)
Upcoming stories from the Vegas Golden Knights vs Montreal Canadiens Game 1 at T-Mobile Arena
- Film study of VGK shredding the MTL D with the forecheck
Ken’s Three VGK Stars
*** Marc-Andre Fleury
** Alex Tuch
* Shea Theodore
Game 1: Exactly what we expected. VGK just too good.
Let's do it 3 more times. #FourTheCup
— SinBin.vegas (@SinBinVegas) June 15, 2021
There's one of those seam passes the Canadiens can't defend!
Good read by Holden to be up there and this is turning into some playoff bumslaying!
— SinBin.vegas (@SinBinVegas) June 15, 2021
VGK come out in the 3rd and put the clamps down. MTL can barely get the puck into the VGK zone, let alone get any possession of it.
— SinBin.vegas (@SinBinVegas) June 15, 2021
Per @NatStatTrick MTL had 0 scoring chances at 5-on-5 in the 2nd.
If VGK play the way they can, it's going to be a very hard hill to climb for MTL to generate much of any offense. That period was a great example of what it can look like.
— SinBin.vegas (@SinBinVegas) June 15, 2021
Dominant VGK has shown up in the 2nd. Montreal is downing.
— SinBin.vegas (@SinBinVegas) June 15, 2021
Stone, Stephenson, and Pacioretty were on the ice for 1 shot on goal which generated 0.03 xGF. They were out there for 8 shots against, 4 high-danger chances, and 1.29 xGA.
They were also out there for 1 real goal for and 0 against. Hockey is fun sometimes.
— SinBin.vegas (@SinBinVegas) June 15, 2021
Richard Santomauro
1st comment. Congratulations to Gerard Gallant and the NY Rangers. They’re getting a great Head Coach that will put them into contention in the east for sure. Very happy for him.
Kevin Spence
Tuch looks like a man on a mission. He seems to be the biggest and fastest guy out there. Denied by the post (again!) but his time is coming. He looks other-wordly.
Also, excellent passing. Karlsson and Stone had some dynamite feeds. Stone looks like himself again. Great job VGK.
@Ken – thanks for the in-game updates. We keep the laptop refreshing while we watch the game because we love your insight!!
Richard Santomauro
I keep thinking that Tuch is going to take his game to a higher level in terms of goals and assists. That hasn’t happened yet but Roy is still young and improving. Janmark handles the puck extremely well and is great along the boards. VGK top 3 lines are outstanding, and the 4th line I call the Battleship Line. I expect Kolesar to begin breaking out and putting up goals as well.
And, we may soon see Nosek returning to the lineup! What to do when he does? Do you scratch Kolesar or Reaves?
Pistol Pete
I would scratch Reaves but then what do I know lol. Kolesar is about as big and a lot faster. He’s also got nearly three times the points this season.
THE hockey GOD
10 or 55 will likely be odd one out
Richard Santomauro
I am not in favor of playing Reaves this late in the playoffs. Kolesar is as big or nearly so and tough, plus he brings twice the speed, better puck handling and is good along the boards. Roy is young talent but is also huge, fast and a scoring threat. Reaves brings toughness and is skilled along the boards. He’s a sheriff and I don’t think one is needed this late in the playoffs. If we go up 2 games then sure bring him in and rest someone.
Richard Santomauro
You never say never, but in this case there is nearly a zero chance that Montreal has a chance to win this round. In fact, I believe that, barring some freak injuries, the Knights are so dominant that they should sweep this round and move on to the Finals.
Face it Montreal fans, Caufield and Suzuki are good young and upcoming players with talent. But they are playing against superior talent and experience out there. All of Vegas’ lines except #4 is better than Montreal’s. Montreal is headed in the right direction and getting to the semi-finals this year is a credit to them and their coach.
Price’s saves on both Marchy and Stone were epic and this game could have been 7 or even 8 to 1 if Tuch had buried his high danger chance.
Both the Wild and the Avs were good enough to beat Vegas, but they didn’t.
I expect Montreal to continue to put up a good fight, but I am predicting a sweep. I don’t think there is any game plan that they can come up with that can defeat the fact that Vegas is simply a much more dominant team in every category of hockey.
Tim
Nice game one down three to go. Whoever is in charge of the power play needs to be replaced 0-4 ain’t going to get it done. Fleury great again overall team effort shut them down for most of the game. Big game Wednesday get up 2-zip heading for Montreal steal a game there and win it in 5 at home.
Pistol Pete
PP’s can run hot and cold Tim. Just when we are convinced the VGK PP sucks, it can get on a run.
hdbiker7851
PPete – Tim has a very valid point – there pp has never been on a run.- Its not a case of hot or cold in their situation they just don’t have a PP they can count on period. Not scoring is only one thing but probably more important is the fact that opens the gate to be potentially hurt with some cheap shot without the other team suffering any consequences being scored on. . Montreal’s lone goal – a PP. goal. Face reality they are very inconsistent in the pp category which could land up hurting them n the long run. IMO Let’s hope that’s not the case. Great win 3 to go.
THE hockey GOD
“Great win 3 to go”, you mean 7 to go.
let’s not get (overly)* cocky. It’s a long uphill road ahead.
* is that redundant ?
Hdbiker7851
Hg – yes it’s an uphill battle and anyone who thinks differently is delusional and out of touch with reality. Not being negative just facing what’s going on. Yes nice win last night, and yes l would imagine Montreal maybe thinking differently today. Vegas lost game 1 rallied in 2 and took over in 3 and beyond as underdogs versus denver. Anything can happen at any time. Vegas must keep their foot on the gas .IMO. wishful thinking on my part but sure wish vegas could do something about their pp. It could be a huge game changer.
Michael
I have to give credit to Holden. Used to be a Rangers fan and while Holden was one of the Rangers’ better defenders in his time there, I wasn’t really all that impressed with him. I thought he always played a little soft. I was disappointed that the Knights signed him in 2018. Still wasn’t impressed with his game with the Knights. However, this year I’ll give him his due, while he didn’t play much during the regular season, he did show a little more toughness than he showed the previous two years. He has played with a bit of snarl during the playoffs, and is chipping in on offense. I hope that Holden and the blueliners keep it up for the rest of the playoffs.
knights fan in minny
the habs got schooled
THE hockey GOD
Sources have told The Post that Gallant — who had also been interviewed for the post in Columbus — was offered and accepted the job without meeting Garden chairman Jim Dolan.
The parameters of the yet-to-be-signed contract are unknown, but Quinn was working on a four-year deal. It would be expected that Gallant’s term would be at least that long with compensation in the $4 million-$5 million range.
The Blueshirts were in need of a coach with a track record of NHL success. That defines the 57-year-old Gallant, who has a career 270-216-55 record with Columbus, Florida and Vegas, and was named 2017-18 NHL Coach of the Year for his work with the expansion Golden Knights, whom he led to the Cup final. Gallant also coached Saint John of the QMJHL to two league titles and a Memorial Cup.
Gallant is known as a salt-of-the-earth personality, a no-nonsense, strong communicator with his players who believes in an up-tempo, puck-pursuit, high-pressure game. He is not someone who is prone to coddle the personnel, and that includes prospects. (and let me add Eastern European players, notably of Russian descent)
no posts from guy who is usually first one to post? hmmmm
DOC (Go Knights Go)
Hey there Hg, did you mean that guy that said the Knights were going to lose to the AVs?
Because he has disappeared. He said he would admit his mistake and eat his words. Didn’t even have the balls to do that.
He’ll probably come up with some story, like he was kidnapped and held for ransom for a week or something! ha ha
THE hockey GOD
I have a funny feeling they will be back, but to answer your question. No, I was talking about someone else. Who shall remain nameless, and his other brother nameless. They guy always busting my chops for no reason.
DOC (Go Knights Go)
I/m sure you know whom I’m talking about.
Anyway, wouldn’t be surprised he would use a different name, etc..
Might be already, who knows? ha ha
knights fan in minny
love it doc
DOC (Go Knights Go)
GRIND THEM DOWN !
D-MEN scored em’ ………. FLUREY stopped em’ !
After our “typical” slow start, we dominate 2nd & 3rd periods!
Once in our rhythm, Habs can’t stay with us.
IF Nosek is ready, my suggestion would be to slot him in at 4th line center and give Revo a day off in game 2.
GREAT START BOYS!!!
Richard Santomauro
Nosek is a LWinger, but I do know that Tuch has had some experience at Center. I’d like to see a modified 4th line with Nosek(LW), Tuch(C) and Kolesar(RW).
Third Line Carrier(LW), Janmark(C), Roy(RW)
I think that would be an interesting lineup providing more speed and skill shooting on the 4th line and a bit more toughness with Carrier on the 3rd line.
Reaves brings that intangible toughness to the game, but this late in the playoffs we can ill afford to take roughing penalties. That being the case, I see Reaves as much more valuable during the regular season than the playoffs.
THE hockey GOD
Nosek is a CENTER and winger, a good face off man, as well as a good penalty killer. Better than no. 10. No. 10 needs more experience, he is still learning.
No. 26 is both a winger (primarily) and a center
I don’t see a need at this point to scramble things, if it is not broken don’t fix it.
Reaves will play in game 2, despite many people not liking him, he brings
an X factor to the team. The team, and crowd responds to it. You can never under estimate the X factor. Unless it becomes a Y or Z factor and boomerangs into a ten minute major. Maybe when they go on road push button Pete will sit him. That may be a smarter move.
Richard Santomauro
Roy definitely is improving for sure, Kolesar as well. These two are solid keepers for the future.
I get your point with 7 FIVE. As long as he brings the X factor without being a major penalty liability I’m good. Losing him to a 10 min penalty creates a hole and probably pushes the top 3 lines to have more TOI. I am okay with that as the 4th line is only getting half or less the ice time anyway.
I think you meant #28 not #26 (Stasny)…..
THE hockey GOD
isn’t janmark 26? I could be mistaken, I am almost sure.
But I was referring to him, and 28 is Carrier if I am not mistaken.
I hear ya. RS,
Keep the faith.
Richard Santomauro
Ah, right. When I hear 26 I automatically think of Stasny! Janmark is 26 as well. Got it.
Keep the Faith!
Barring some Hockey God intervention we’re going to the final. After watching TBL & NYI I would rather play NYI.
DOC (Go Knights Go)
Nosek has played CENTER many times on the 3rd & 4th lines, during his years with the Knights, regardless of what position he may be listed as, just to clarify, sir.
DOC (Go Knights Go)
My bad … misread . Thought you said just winger.
Forgive my poor eye-site! ha
DOC (Go Knights Go)
Wait wait wait …. that richard DID say WINGER.
He was supposed to be where my reply was directed. I need my nap! ha ha
Richard Santomauro
I was just commenting on the positions that each player is listed at on their team website. Many of them are versatile enough and have played at wing and center. I get that.
The good thing is that VGK is very deep and has a lot of options going forward.
Julie
Janmark – worth what was given/done for him. He also looks happy to be there and he seems to play under the radar and then, BAM! There he is. Tuch is awesome… didn’t know his brother plays too, I forget where.
Julie
I was happy to see Theodore break through with the first goal and then that awesome fake and pass to Martinez! Elliott Friedman says they are not talking with Martinez about an extension, why not?
THE hockey GOD
Elliot who ? Never heard of him. IT’s too early to be talking about extensions. Have a job to do now. Need to focus on job at hand. Elliot is just trying to create an unneeded distraction. Screw him.
No. 23 is a great d man. He does a lot of tricky things on the ice and would be a good mentor for KNIGHTS younger d men and for our franchise in years to come. I hope they decide to keep him.
He’s 33 years old.
He makes four million per year .
He’s an unrestricted free agent.
No 7 makes double that, and is 31.
Maybe he figures he can make more money by signing as a rental and hired gun ?
I hope not. Vegas doesn’t have anything in cap space now either. So there is a concern there. NHL should raise cap next year, what they did this year by not doing so is pure move to stifle players salaries and hurt the good teams.
Richard Santomauro
There is zero doubt that VGK wants to resign Martini, but the question is whether we have the CAP space to do so. You’d have to be an idiot to not ask for a raise and I am sure Martini is no idiot.
It’s too early to be talking off season challenges right now, but this will be a major issue, especially when we win the Cup!
hdbiker7851
Julie – actually the fake shot and pass to Martinez was more impressive than Theodore’s goal. Just my opinion there is no way they won’t figure out a way to keep Martinez he is the best defenseman out there. Of course with the splash brothers it’s anyone’s guess.
knights fan in minny
agreed hg you have to sign martini he is a warrior very under rated does everything well
Pistol Pete
On the PP I checked the first two rounds. 2-2 vs. MIN and 2-3 vs. COL. VGK has had 4 PP goals this postseason, just 1 less than the opponents. Mike Babcock seemed to indicate maybe following Avs game 5 that PP is not much of an issue postseason as they are less common. Anyways he was discounting their significance fwiw. He ought to know. Obviously PP goals are icing on the cake and you take them. A goal is a goal it’s just that you can win a series without an elite PP %.
Richard Santomauro
One of the areas of concern is that Montreal actively looks for short handed opportunities, much like our own VGK. Something I am sure PDB is well aware of. They almost stole a couple of pucks in the NZ on the PK.
Pistol Pete
Good point. Oh, in the VGK postseason PP results I did not include yesterday’s 0-1, however the Martinez goal came as the PP expired, for all intents and purposes a PP goal.
THE hockey GOD
i miss barry melrose