Recap: The Golden Knights and LA Kings met up for the final time this season in an important divisional matchup. After a goal was taken back from LA, the home team took the lead seconds later. After Phil Kessel gave VGK a 1-0 advantage, a minute later Ivan Barbashev doubled the lead. Chandler Stephenson took advantage of a collision in front of LA’s net and made it 3-0 Golden Knights. On an ensuing power play, Nic Roy scored his 14th to open up a commanding four-goal lead.
Vegas added to their lead 1:02 into the middle frame. Jonathan Marchessault tallied his 27th goal of the season by roofing the puck into LA’s net. The Kings drew a penalty towards the end of the period which they took advantage of. Three minutes later the Kings stunned the Golden Knights with a shorthanded goal. After 40 minutes the Golden Knights possessed a 5-2 lead.
The game tightened up in the 3rd period as Vegas protected their three-goal advantage. The Golden Knights skated out the period and held onto a 5-2 lead in an impressive divisional victory.
The Golden Knights’ record improves to 49-22-8 defeating the Kings 5-2. The Golden Knights will fly to Dallas for one game on Saturday afternoon. Puck drop against the Stars is scheduled for 12:30 PM. (Recap by Jason)
Analysis: The Golden Knights came out and laid a smackdown on the Kings in the first 12 minutes of the game. They forced the Kings to turn the puck over and took advantage of a wide-open neutral zone to build a quick 3-0 lead. Then, the Kings resorted to loser hockey and Vegas started to stretch the lead. There was some pushback, but nothing concerning from a VGK standpoint. (Analysis by Ken)
Upcoming stories from the Vegas Golden Knights vs. Los Angeles Kings at T-Mobile Arena.