When the Golden Knights were trailing 2-0 in Game 2, ABC cut away to Vegas coach John Tortorella relaying a message to his team. His calming tone immediately paid off for the players, as Shea Theodore cut into Carolina’s two-goal advantage.
Even when we were down 2-0, I thought we had some good minutes under our belt. I think we just need to be patient. It requires patience. -John Tortorella
It was a moment that reflected the Golden Knights’ overall postseason composure. No moment had been too big for them. So, why would a two-goal deficit in the opening period of Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final be any different? No matter what the score was, or which round it is, the Golden Knights will find their way back into a game. They did it once again last night in Game 1.
VGK’s Stanley Cup Final Game 1 Notables
- Noah Hanifin: 4 Blocked Shots
- Tomas Hertl: 7 Shot Attempts, Game-Winning Goal
- Brett Howden: Game-Tying Goal
- William Karlsson: 30 Shifts
- Brayden McNabb: 3 Assists
- Cole Smith: 7 Hits
- Shea Theodore: Goal, 2 Assists
It took a village to overcome the Hurricanes on Tuesday night. 11 players registered a shot on net, and seven had assists. On the defensive side, the Golden Knights blocked 16 shots. It’s yet another group effort that Tortorella knew would eventually materialize.
When you get a little antsy against that team they can capitalize. They are that good. We just took a lesson from it. We’re very fortunate. We win the game but there’s some lessons in that game that we’re going to have to figure out come Game 2. -John Tortorella
While it’s a bit of exaggeration, after Vegas’ three-goal comeback in the Western Conference Final, it might take a four-goal head start for Carolina to knock Vegas completely out of a game. The two-goal advantage in Game 1 felt like nothing for VGK, and they proved it, not only erasing the deficit early in the 2nd, but taking the lead shortly afterwards.
The Golden Knights are now three wins away from winning their second Stanley Cup in four seasons. While they should expect a substantial pushback from Carolina, Vegas has seen this movie before. Nobody gave Vegas a chance in Game 2 of the Western Conference Final after defeating the top seed at home. However, the Golden Knights patiently waited for their moment and scored three unanswered 3rd period goals. In fact, they’ve scored three straight goals in five of the last six games, all wins.
Based on winning Game 1 on the road, Vegas now has a 76.4% chance of eliminating the Hurricanes and winning the franchise’s second Stanley Cup. If Vegas can channel Tortorella’s inner Lamaze instructor in Game 2, expect another difficult finish for the home team.
A VGK Fan
after ragging on Hertl the turtle all season, i take back everything i said. he is forgiven
Frank
The turtle just needed to score one to get it going! SUPER glad it’s happening in the playoffs!!!!!!!!!!
TS
Yessss! Another Hertl convert!!! He is the spirit and the drive of the team!
Jeffrey Sutton
I like the Vegas Golden Knights.
Larry
Even though the Canes penalty kill unit has been elite these playoffs with their relentless defensive pressure, I actually thought we had some really good looks, and if nothing else might make our Power Play unit even better as there will be less of Jack holding onto the puck, and more quick passes which hopefully will lead to prime scoring opportunities.