Golden Knights/Bruins Storyline Round Up

Hey Subbs, want to go dominate these bums that let us go? (Photo Credit: SinBin.vegas Photographer Brandon Andreasen)

Miller and Subban Get Even

After the 3–1 victory over Boston, the first guy to congratulate and hug Malcolm Subban was defenseman Colin Miller. Former teammates in Boston and Providence, beating their previous organization must’ve been a great feeling for both.

Regardless of who it is against, we’re just trying to get the win. It’s our former team but we’re not out to get anyone. We’re just trying to focus and play our game. I think he (Miller) was more happy that I got my first win. – Malcolm Subban

Watch the end of the game, it’s clear Subban and Miller were pumped to win. You could tell from the start, the defenseman was amped, and up for the challenge. Miller unloaded 8 shot attempts, and 3 shots on net. He played 18:25 of TOI, on 26 shifts.

Win #4… some happy former Bruins. pic.twitter.com/OCGzqIS7CN

— SinBin.vegas (@SinBinVegas) October 16, 2017

“Fourth” Line Effort

They may not get the same attention, but the Golden Knights fourth line deserves just as much as the first line. I should stop calling Pierre-Eduard Bellemare, William Carrier, and Tomas Nosek the fourth line. Gerard Gallant told us at his postgame press conference that he doesn’t count his lines. He would say he’s continuously been impressed by the line that plays the least.

They worked their asses off and competed hard and played hard. That’s what they do every night. I really like them. They’re a solid line. They aren’t going to score a lot of goals, but they do the right thing most times. -Gerard Gallant

Doing the right thing includes, winning face offs, blocking shots, penalty killing, breaking up plays, and getting pucks on net. That’s exactly what this line is doing. Bellemare won a total of 7 draws (64%) and in the defensive zone, Belly went 3 for 5 (60%) on faceoffs. Carrier played physical and added body checks, blocked shots and takeaways. Plus, he got pucks on net creating pressure on Boston goaltender Tuukka Rask.

Tossed out centers

On Sunday, five different Golden Knights (Eakin, Perron, Lindberg, Karlsson, Bellemare) were thrown out of the faceoff circle by an official. In one sequence, the refs tossed Cody Eakin and David Perron on the same draw leading to a two-minute delay of game penalty. Eakin and Perron’s linemate James Neal was obviously frustrated and pleaded to the ref. Ultimately, Perron went on to serve the two-minute minor. Center William Karlsson also had faceoff frustrations after being thrown out and having another official overrule the other.

I’m not really used to the new rules. It got better as the game went on. The refs told me I moved my feet too much. They’re pretty strict. I’ve seen other games too and they’re tossing out a lot of guys. It’s just up to us to adjust to the new rules. -William Karlsson

Like Karlsson said and Gallant’s been saying, it’s up to Vegas to get used to it. Every team is adjusting to the new rules. As long as the Golden Knight centers continue to win faceoffs, it’s not perceived as an issue.

The Sorta New Guys

The Vegas fanbase was excited to see Alex Tuch and Vadim Shipachyov play, and score, in their first regular season Golden Knights game. However, two other players made their Vegas debuts last night and both were enthusiastic after the win.

It was fun. To get out there for the first time in front of these fans. It was a really cool experience. I have some family here and it was really cool to play in front of them. –Brad Hunt

Hunt was very active on defense, playing 19:56 minutes on 26 shifts. On offense, the defenseman was +1, with 2 shots and added 3:47 to the Golden Knights power play.

It was a lot of fun. To bounce back like we did after a tough third period on Friday night. I’ve been patiently waiting, and extremely anxious for the opportunity. I’m happy to help this team get a win tonight. –Jon Merrill

Like Hunt, Merrill was heavily involved in Sunday’s 3-1 victory. The eager defenseman was +1, played 17:05, on 22 shifts. He added 4 shot attempts and blocked 2 opposing shots. It’s foreseeable that Merrill and Hunt could see more healthy scratches this week. It all depends on if Brayden McNabb and Jason Garrison need more time off. Which I doubt. Griffin Reinhart remains as the only Golden Knight to not play in a regular season game.