Recap: The Golden Knights got off to a rough start in Philadelphia. Robin Lehner struggled to find the puck allowing two goals in eight 1st period shots. After the opening 20 minutes the Flyers held a 2-0 advantage.
After going 0-2 on the power play in the 1st period the Golden Knights settled down on their third man-advantage. Evgenii Dadonov tallied his first goal in 17 games to cut the lead in half. Vegas trailed 2-1 heading into the 2nd intermission.
The Golden Knights continued to fire shots on net in the final period. Vegas was awarded a late game power play but couldn’t score tying goal.
The Golden Knights record drops to 32-22-4 falling 2-1 to the Flyers. Vegas continues their road trip with a stop in Upstate New York on Thursday. Puck drop for Jack Eichel’s return to Buffalo is set for 4 PM PT. (Recap by Jason)
Analysis: Well, we’ve seen this story before. Vegas plays against a team that plays simple compact hockey and refuses to give away transition chances and the Golden Knights can’t find a way to break them down. A single goal that came on the power play isn’t enough for a team that has this much offensive talent. (Recap by Ken)
Listen to our postgame Twitter Space vent session with plenty of “calls” from fans.
Recap: Philadelphia took the early lead at T-Mobile Arena, scoring the game’s first goal 4:20 into the opening 20 minutes. It took a while but the relentless Golden Knights tied the game with :49 remaining in the period.
The Flyers regained their lead on a rebound after a flurry of shots on starter Laurent Brossoit. Trailing 2-1, Vegas again tied the game late in the period when Max Pacioretty scored his eighth goal of the season. After 40 minutes the game was locked up 2-2.
Vegas quickly trailed by two after Philadelphia scored two unanswered in the first ten minutes of the period. Pacioretty added a late power play goal but the Flyers went on to win 4-3 at T-Mobile Arena, breaking their ten-game winless streak.
The Golden Knights record drops to 15-11-0 after falling to the Flyers. Vegas finishes their homestand with a matchup against the Minnesota Wild on Sunday evening. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 PM. (Recap by Jason)
Analysis: In a game dubbed by Pete DeBoer “as dangerous trap game as you are going to get” the Golden Knights fell right into the trap. Playing without Chandler Stephenson the Golden Knights struggled to deal with the Philadelphia centers, but the real problem was special teams. They went 0 for 5 on the power play before tallying one very late and allowed 2 goals on three Flyer power plays. That’s a game the Golden Knights normally win. Tonight they did not. (Recap by Ken)
Upcoming stories from the Vegas Golden Knights vs. Philadelphia Flyers game at T-Mobile Arena.
Over the weekend the Golden Knights became the big story around the league and I’m sure it caught them off guard. It was probably even more unsettling as the club was bonding and preparing for the long season ahead up in Montana at owner Bill Foley’s ranch. The tweet storm might have made for some awkward moments at team breakfast.
Let’s rewind to earlier last week when outspoken goaltender Robin Lehner joined the boys at Spittin’ Chiclets to chat about an array of topics. As Vegas fans have learned in a little more than a year, Lehner’s honesty is refreshing.
Tuesday, September 28th – Spittin’ Chiclets Podcast Released
Lehner discussed his status in net and how he professionally handled the Marc-Andre Fleury goaltending controversy.
I respect what he did actually, he stuck up for his client. It screwed me a bit. It wasn’t the greatest time… It turned up the heat. It really did. This is probably the most pressured season I’ve had coming into this year. It’s fueled by the narrative of how everything was left and the whole (Fleury) trade.-Robin Lehner on Spittin’ Chiclets
Lehner also spoke about the Jack Eichel injury standoff with Buffalo and had heavy criticism for the Sabres organization.
I hate it. I know they put investments into us but I still think your body is your body. End of story. If Eichel wants to make his surgery and they are scared of protecting their investment, how hard could it be to have him sign a waiver? Is something goes wrong he doesn’t get paid. It bothers me because Jack Eichel is a world class talent. We didn’t always see eye to eye but I respect him as a person. Am I saying this to trash the Sabres? No I’m not. If I wanted to hurt the Sabres I would have but they destroyed my ankle that year.- Lehner on Spittin’ Chiclets
The Golden Knights goaltender suggested the NHL has stale “dinosaur” type executives and coaches that control the league and push their agenda’s even though sports and the world have changed.
We’re all robots. Everyone says the same thing. I understand 20 years ago but it’s 2021 now. Am I going to tell a player to be open and honest now? I know a lot of people have but yes they’re going to be punished.-Lehner on Spittin’ Chiclets
Wednesday, September 29th – Lehner plays first preseason game
Lehner suited up for his first start of the preseason getting some important ice time. The #1 starter stopped 20 of 22 shots.
Friday, October 1st – Lehner tweets his feelings about the Jack Eichel situation in Buffalo
Lehner stressed that it should be the players choice when it comes to their body.
Where is the @nhlpa and all nhl players in all this attacks on our freedom of choice? Jack situation is crazy to me.. also people getting attacked by journalist that hides behind freedom of speech to trash peoples freedom of choice. When does the hypocrisy end? #lifeaftercareer
Sunday, October 3rd – Lehner calls out Philadelphia Flyers coach Alain Vigneault for his tactics handling injured players
Lehner labels Vigneault a dinosaur coach and calls for his firing.
#PhiladelphiaFlyers ? Dinosaur coach treating people robots not human. Fire these dinosaurs. Fire #vigneault first story. I got proof.. try to shake your way out of this one ….
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman reacts to Lehner’s tweets and suggested players shouldn’t be forced to tweet out internal information. Bettman also added that the league has services available to players.
We take his comments seriously and we’d like in short order to be in a conversation with him so we can hear his concerns directly and we’re going to follow up to see what merit there may be to his concerns. You don’t have to tweet to get our attention. We have an 800 number people can call. You can call us directly, we’re an open book. But if he has concerns we want to hear them and see how they need to be addressed.-Gary Bettman with SportsNet’s Jeff Marek
Philadelphia Flyers coach Alain Vigneault responds to Lehner’s strong accusations.
I consider myself experienced. A dinosaur? You could say with experience you become a dinosaur maybe. But I do know I’ve been coaching a few years and I am tough, I am demanding but I care about my players. Through the years probably there are some guys who liked me and probably some a little less, but I’ve done it with the best intention (and) with respect.- Alain Vigneault, Flyers coach
Vigneault was confused and disappointed about the idea of him pushing prescription pills.
I was obviously very disappointed, as far as me pushing pills, I don’t need another income. I have no idea where that comes from. I don’t know what else to say. I have no idea.- Alain Vigneault, Flyers coach
Chances are the league and possibly the Golden Knights front office are scrambling to squash the accusations, but would also like to listen to Lehner’s concerns. Expect more developments to come down this week.
Recap: The Flyers got the game’s first goal but the scoring was just beginning to heat up. The Golden Knights would get four first period goals. Shea Theodore, Max Pacioretty and Jon Merrill gave Vegas a two goal lead. Pacioretty scored twice, and Merrill scored his first goal as a forward. The Golden Knights held the 4-2 lead after one period.
Cody Glass picked up his 5th goal of the season midway through the 2nd period. Philadelphia got back within two with a second period goal of their own. After 40 minutes Vegas held a 5-3 edge.
Philadelphia would score :15 seconds into the 3rd period threatening Vegas’ lead. Vegas killed off the clock and won the contest 5-4.
Vegas’ record improves to 22-15-6 with a total of 52 points. The team will next hit the ice Saturday afternoon against the reigning Stanley Cup champions St. Louis Blues. Game is scheduled for 1PM. (Recap by Jason)
Analysis: A wild game from start to finish began with a bit of sloppiness in the Golden Knights zone. They didn’t really clean it up much in the 1st but were able to spring forward for 4 goals to basically offset any defensive shortcomings. As the game progressed the Golden Knights got better and better in their own end and continued to create chances offensively. A couple tough penalties put them in a tough spot but they were able to overcome it, especially the wild 6-on-3 chance at the end of the game. (Analysis by Ken)
Upcoming stories from the Vegas Golden Knights vs Philadelphia Flyers at T-Mobile Arena
The 1st defenseman trade domino has fallen. Examining the price that’s been set.
Ken’s Three VGK Stars *** Paul Stastny ** Max Pacioretty * Jon Merrill
That was one hell of a hockey game. Great job by the Golden Knights to fight through the adversity at the end and get the win.
After playing in all nine of the Golden Knights games Marc-Andre Fleury got a well-deserved night off in Philadelphia. The Flyers jumped out early scoring a power play goal past Fleury’s replacement Oscar Dansk. The Golden Knights would make a charge late in the 1st period but head to the locker room trailing 1-0.
Philadelphia would continue to offensively attack the Golden Knights early in the 2nd period. The Flyers would score two goals in under a minute on Dansk to take a 3-0 lead. It would continue to snowball for Vegas, as they would fall back 5-0 after the end of two periods.
The Golden Knights would finally get on the board with an early 3rd Period power play goal by Jonathan Marchessault. Reilly Smith would score his team-leading 7th goal of the season on a 4-on-4 situation. Unfortunately, the Flyers would add another and win the game 6-2.
Vegas’ record drops to 6-4-0 on the season. The Golden Knights get right back to it tomorrow night in Chicago. Puck drops against the Blackhawks at 5:30 PM PT. (Recap by Jason)
Upcoming stories from the Vegas Golden Knights at Philadelphia Flyers at Wells Fargo Center
What’s with all the penalties?
Ken’s Three VGK Stars *** That’s all I could come up with ** William Carrier * Reilly Smith
The Golden Knights have not taken a single shot attempt with Mark Stone on the ice at 5-on-5 in 8 minutes. If he can't make Eakin and Pirri useful…
This game goes WELL beyond the goalie. However, you are playing a team that's struggling to score and you basically give them 2 (maybe 3) that can/should be stopped. Can't happen.
Fairly sloppy 1st period ended without a score. Marc-Andre Fleury sprung into action in the 2nd making highlight save after highlight save including two on breakaways. Fleury continued his heroics in the 3rd keeping the Flyers off the board the entire night. Cody Eakin put in a great effort to keep the puck in the zone and then got rewarded with a perfect pass that he put into the top corner. Big win the Golden Knights really needed.
Upcoming stories from the Vegas Golden Knights vs. Philadelphia Flyers at Wells Fargo Center.
Cody Eakin has energized the 3rd line in a big way.
Three Stars *** Brian Elliott ** Marc-Andre Fleury * Cody Eakin
Oh my goodness. Fleury has been out of this world this afternoon.
Not much went right for the Golden Knights in the opener. (Photo Credit: SinBin.vegas Photographer Brandon Andreasen)
No doubt about it, last night’s 5-2 loss to Philadelphia was an ugly start to the season.
They played a good game and we played a bad game, and that’s usually a bad mix. -Pierre-Edouard Bellemare
It’s all on us. The D has the puck and we didn’t give options on the wall, we were far from each other, we didn’t manage the puck well at both blue lines and just bad decisions the whole game. -Jonathan Marchessault
The Golden Knights will toss it away and move on to Minnesota like they normally do. After all, even though it was the first game of the season, it’s still just one game and a lopsided loss is the same as a close loss in the standings.
But the question certainly needs to be asked, how did the Golden Knights look so bad? Was it the Flyers stellar play or mistakes the Golden Knights made, and more importantly, is this something that might continue?
We need to be ready. This was definitely not good enough of an effort. Every night there’s a good hockey team, if we’re not ready we’re going to get spanked like we just did. -Marchessault
From the winning locker room, Philadelphia believed it was a combination of both their strong execution and Vegas’ miscues.
We took advantage of what we got. It was a solid game, we did a good job of creating opportunities. -Wayne Simmonds, Flyers forward
On the Flyers first and second goals, Vegas made costly errors from their defensemen and forwards. Jon Merrill made a timing mistake in the offensive zone which led to an odd-man rush on the first one, and Oscar Lindberg made an egregious backhand dump attempt that Philly picked off and stormed to the net to score the second. Both mistakes led directly to goals.
Of all things, an assist by Marc-Andre Fleury on a goal from Jonathan Marchessault kicked off the scoring in 2018-19. The Golden Knights held the lead for a bit but two goals to close out the period sent the Flyers to the locker room ahead. Vegas forgot to come out of the locker room for the 2nd, playing an absolutely miserable period. Philadelphia scored three more to go up 5-1 and Fleury was replaced by Subban midway through the period. Pierre-Edouard Bellemare put in a nice shorthanded goal, but not much else doing for the Golden Knights in the 3rd.
Upcoming stories from the Vegas Golden Knights vs. Philadelphia Flyers game at T-Mobile Arena.
It’s one game, but losing it definitely puts a bit of added pressure to perform on the road trip.
Things all went right for Philadelphia or did everything go wrong for Vegas?
Three Stars *** Brian Elliott ** Jonathan Marchessault * Wayne Simmonds
Bad change from Philly leads to Marchessault on the break. First goal of the year and the assist to Fleury!!! 1-0 VGK!!!
Golden Knights actually played a pretty good period in the first, just ended up on the wrong side of the scoreboard. They have not played well at all in this one. That's 5 straight for Philly.
For the first time in a while, the Golden Knights were buzzing in the 1st. The high paced period ended with just one goal, from Erik Haula. The 2nd seemed to resort back to more of what we’ve seen recently from Vegas; a much slower period which led to a goal by the Flyers to head to the final intermission tied. The Golden Knights got it going again early in the final period scoring first, but they conceded the game tying goal moments later. Then, an incredible shift by Pierre-Edouard Bellemare set up a goal for Ryan Carpenter to give Vegas their 45th win and Marc-Andre Fleury’s 400th career victory.
Upcoming stories from the Vegas Golden Knights at Philadelphia Flyers at Wells Fargo Center.
Three Stars for the year. Who has been featured most often this season?
Three Stars *** William Karlsson ** Claude Giroux * Ryan Carpenter
Carpy Deuces again! Bellemare with some unbelievable effort along the boards. Also, Merrill had a great keep in the zone. VGK 3 PHI 2, under 3 to go!
It didn’t take time for the game to get going as the Golden Knights had a shot on goal within the first 10 seconds. Then, they took a penalty 1:00 into the game and Chicago cashed in to go ahead. Each team scored in the 2nd to send the game to the final period 2-1 Chicago. The Golden Knights did not wait long to take the game over though. Three goals in the first five minutes of the 3rd by Brad Hunt, Reilly Smith, and David Perron gave Vegas a lead they would not relinquish.
Upcoming stories from the Vegas Golden Knights vs. Chicago Blackhawks at T-Mobile Arena.
When it rains it pours for the Golden Knights. Why are they so good at scoring over and over again on teams?
Three Stars *** David Perron ** Brad Hunt * Reilly Smith
Perron came out of the box with fireworks coming out of his bum. Flying around the ice. He scores the Golden Knights 3rd of the period… which is just 5 minutes old. THIS is what you do to a team that's reeling. 4-2 VGK.
Huge shoutout to @SinBinVegas for putting on an awesome event today! Second place ain’t bad for a couple of first timers. Team Carolina will definitely be back next year 💪 #BinBall
