Recap: Vegas hosted the Florida Panthers for Miracle Night at the T-Mobile Arena. 40 years ago, the United States hockey team beat the Soviets, and the Golden Knights welcomed in the Miracle on Ice roster.
Florida jumped out to quick start taking the 1-0 lead 3:28 into the game. Tomas Nosek tied the game later in the period scoring his 7th goal of the season. After the opening 20 minutes the game was locked up 1-1.
The Panthers regained the lead quickly into the 2nd period. On a carryover power play, Florida took advantage and took a 2-1 edge. William Carrier tied the game for Vegas with his 7th goal of the season. Max Pacioretty scored his 29th, giving his team the 3-2 lead right before the period expired.
Reilly Smith doubled Vegas’ lead just :19 seconds into the final period. Smith buried his 24th goal of the year stretching the lead 4-2. The Panthers got within one but Smith would score his second of the game on an empty-net goal. The Golden Knights closed out the game 5-3.
Vegas’ record improves to 33-22-8 and remain in 1st place in the Pacific with 74 points. The Golden Knights take a quick trip to Anaheim to play the Ducks tomorrow night. Game time is scheduled for 7p. (Recap by Jason)
Analysis: Like the Tampa game, it took the Golden Knights a minute to sort out their puck management issues early in the game. When they did, late in the 1st, they took over and started controlling a majority of the play. A few excellent plays by the Panthers kept them in the game, but the Golden Knights were the better team and wore the Panthers down. A 5-game win streak against some of the best teams in the league has the Golden Knights looking at an exciting end of the season and playoff run. (Analysis by Ken)
Upcoming stories from the Vegas Golden Knights vs Florida Panthers at T-Mobile Arena
- Carp’s Sunday column on the deadline, Quinney, and Team USA
Ken’s Three VGK Stars
*** Marc-Andre Fleury
** William Carrier
* Reilly Smith
5 games. 10 points. VGK gets them all.
As if it was ever in doubt, now it's really not, this is a playoff team. The only question is if they'll get the Division banner to go with it.
— SinBin.vegas (@SinBinVegas) February 23, 2020
The difference between Stephenson centering the 3rd line and Eakin is astounding.
They actually try to score now. It's nice.
— SinBin.vegas (@SinBinVegas) February 23, 2020
Excellent period from the Golden Knights in the 2nd after a so-so 1st. 18-6 in SOG and completely dominated Florida at even-strength.
20 minutes away from an incredible 5-game homestand.
— SinBin.vegas (@SinBinVegas) February 23, 2020
