Recap: The Golden Knights got off to a slow start against the Kings. Los Angeles scored exactly a minute into the game to take a 1-0 lead. Robin Lehner got the start in net and stopped 12 of LA’s 13 1st period shots.
Vegas’ offense got moving in the 2nd period. The Golden Knights were able to generate several quality chances and they took advantage. Reilly Smith tied the game on the power play and Tomas Nosek and Nic Hague gave Vegas a two-goal lead. Lehner was sharp and blanked the Kings in the middle frame.
Former King Alec Martinez stretched the lead to 4-1 Vegas with his 5th goal of the season. Lehner was outstanding in net holding the Kings scoreless for 59 minutes of the game.
Vegas’ record improves to 24-8-1 with their 4-1 victory over LA. The two teams will faceoff again on Wednesday night for their second game of a two game set. Wednesday night’s game against LA is scheduled for 7 PM PT. (Recap by Jason)
Analysis: For the second straight game the Golden Knights controlled the 2nd period, a period they’ve struggled with most of this season. They amassed a nice lead and then took their foot off the pedal in the 3rd and let the hapless Kings shoot the puck into the boards the rest of the night. Another example of the Golden Knights proving what we’ve known for a while now, they are a lot better than everyone in this division not named the Avs. (Analysis by Ken)
Upcoming stories from the Vegas Golden Knights vs Los Angeles Kings at T-Mobile Arena
- Film study of the Golden Knights dominance when the opposing net is empty
Ken’s Three VGK Stars
*** Nic Hague
** Cody Glass
* Alex Tuch
Just like they drew it up. Glass bobbles it at the blue line, Kolesar loses it trying to shoot, Quick perfectly kicks it out to Martinez.
Make your own luck.
— SinBin.vegas (@SinBinVegas) March 30, 2021
The Golden Knights have won the last two 2nd periods 4-0.
Maybe that tide is turning.
— SinBin.vegas (@SinBinVegas) March 30, 2021
Setting up offense from below the goal line is starting to become a staple of the VGK offense.
Give Marchessault space and a defensemen skating into the goal like Hague was there and that's got to be an expected goals value of like 0.95.
It was 1.0 on that one. Now 3-1 VGK.
— SinBin.vegas (@SinBinVegas) March 30, 2021
Started with a great entry, then the puck was zinging around the zone. Kings PK never able to get set up properly because VGK was moving them around constantly.
That is what a high-end power play looks like. Brilliant stuff.
— SinBin.vegas (@SinBinVegas) March 30, 2021
Pistol Pete
Good depth tonight. Another 4th line goal and a 3rd line rush culminating in the Martinez goal.
DOC (Go Knights Go)
Meat grinders and Dmen lead the way!
Another 1 goal game for Panda!!
Keep rolling boys !!!
sb
Gotta give Martinez a 2 year contract extension. Man, he has earned it and his pay check. A great addition. Consistently the best D-man out there. Now Tuch …….. please get this incredible talent two NHL level players for his line. Since Game 1, Year 2, Tuch has been forced to carry his line. Nothing but ‘dead hand’ AHL’ers with this guy. For the sake of the Team and Tuch, this has to change. Tuch is a hi-end talent and is being stifled from becoming a truly elite forward. I believe he is only one-half step behind Connor McDavid at $4.75 mil. Blazing speed, can handle the puck, quick release, heavy, accurate shot and strong. Very close to being at the elite level in the NHL. Management, please get this guy a center and forward which compliment his level of play.
Pistol Pete
Agree. I liked Alec since his first game here where incidentally he scored. Hard diligent worker, one of the best shot blockers in the league and since coming under the management of DeBoer is recapturing the offensive side of his game. Great team guy; as I mentioned before, I admire his trademark last guy off the ice routine, pumping up every teammate as they head back to the room. Hope he finishes his career as a Knight.
A VGK Fan
The more I watch Kolesar play, the more i am not impressed. I understand he has skill, but its very obvious to me his processing time on the ice is behind everyone else. I still think he needs more time in the AHL because he seems to be a liability more than anything else.
I also saw Holden put on waivers. Does this give us any cap relief to get space to add someone for depth? Maybe Haula?
LVsc
Holden was NOT claimed. He is still a Knight. he gets $1.7 mill this year and next to make funny faces at players while they are on TV being interviewed.. That is his claim to fame.
Daryl
Holden was such a great contract extension by VGK. I caught a lot of slack about that contract last year and look where they are now
knights fan in minny
nice to see more secondary scoring
Pistol Pete
Announced 3/30: Cody Glass assigned to Silver Knights. Sign D men Ahac and Hayes to entry level contracts beginning 2021-2022.
https://www.nhl.com/goldenknights/news/vegas-golden-knights-announce-roster-transactions/c-323082722
Pistol Pete
Top upsets in the East. Columbus over TB, Chicago over Carolina and NYR over Washington. Yup, even the stronger teams lose here and there to weaker teams.
Pistol Pete
Jack Dugan off to a strong start in the AHL.
https://theahl.com/stats/player/8502/jack-dugan