Recap: The Golden Knights were looking to continue their hot streak with a victory over the Sharks in San Jose. Seven minutes into the game defenseman Noah Hanifin opened the scoring with his 5th goal of the season. San Jose evened the score late in the frame carrying a 1-1 tie into the first intermission.
Captain Mark Stone regained Vegas’ lead quickly into the middle period with his 8th goal in 21 games this season. However, the Sharks answered back and scored twice to take 3-2 advantage before the break.
Vegas’ offense surprisingly came out hot on the penalty kill to start the 3rd period. First Brayden McNabb tied the score shorthanded and Jack Eichel followed up with one of his own :23 seconds later. A few shifts later Pavel Dorofeyev extended Vegas’ lead to 5-3 and Brett Howden sealed it with an empty netter.
The Golden Knights records improves to 24-8-3 defeating the Sharks 6-3 in San Jose. Vegas will get back on the ice Sunday evening vs. Calgary. Puck drop from T-Mobile Arena is scheduled for 5 PM. (Recap by Jason)
Analysis: The Golden Knights were sleepwalking through the 2nd period which had them in a hole heading into the 3rd. But, a pair of shorthanded goals on the same penalty kill restored order and VGK walked out of SAP Center the same way they always do in the regular season, with a win. (Analysis by Ken)
Upcoming stories from the Vegas Golden Knights vs. San Jose Sharks at SAP Center.
- Taking care of business
Ken’s Three VGK Stars
*** Mark Stone
** Jack Eichel
* Brayden McNabb
The Golden Knights have STILL never lost a game in regulation at SAP Center in the regular season.
13-0-3 all time.
— SinBin.vegas (@SinBinVegas) December 28, 2024
Elite sliding defenseman on this one… pic.twitter.com/CPHsfucRrq
— SinBin.vegas (@SinBinVegas) December 28, 2024
VGK's PK is becoming incredibly dominant.
4-3 VGK and it has taken less than 90 seconds to erase the 3rd period deficit.
— SinBin.vegas (@SinBinVegas) December 28, 2024
VGK have 13 come from behind victories this season.
5 of them have seen them trailing at the end of the 2nd period.
Lot of hockey left.
— SinBin.vegas (@SinBinVegas) December 28, 2024
Richie-Rich
Game 35 Analysis VGK 6, SJS 3
Pacific 1st Place 24-8-3 +27gf/ga, 51pts
Conference 1st Place tied with WPG w/51pts but .729 vice .708 winning %
League 1st Place (see above)
The difference in this game was the 3rd period and a couple of seeing eye magical goals by the Sharks.
-McNabb shines
-Dorofeyev breaks the slump
-Hill makes some huge saves
Six different Golden Knights scored in this game, but the game was much closer than it should have been with the VGK having to come back from a 1 goal deficit in the 3rd period.
The youngster Sharks looked very good in the 2nd period and Celebrini got the best of Eichel on numerous occasions.
With this win the VGK are on the top of the league. We are hoping to see Barbashev back on Sunday. Nick Roy has been placed on IR. Next up, the Flames on Sunday.
Pistol Pete
Celebrini now has 26 pts (11 G/15 A) in 26 games. Nearly unprecedented for an 18 year-old and to think he doesn’t turn 19 until June. Outpacing Connor Bedard thus far plus he’s 2 inches taller and 5 pounds heavier.
Emmanuel
When you factor in Bedard has better wingmen/top pair D its not close, Celebrini is better (so far).
Pistol Pete
Eichel the defender. Tonight both of his points a goal and an assist came short-handed. In 375 games at Buffalo he was -69. Here he’s +54 in 199 games. Some of that is being on a better team but a lot of it is his backchecking and defensive zone play. Cassidy knew he had a diamond in the rough.
Emmanuel
Im so frustrated with Holtz, his stickhandling is awful and he fans on shots AND when he shoots its at the G’s crest. I still think he has a future but it looks bad right now.
Pistol Pete
Most important for Holtz is work hard and keep improving away from the puck like Cassidy wants. He’s young. The offense will come.
Jake
He is young, fast, and plays hard on both ends.
He is a keeper.
Extend him, on the cheap.
Larry
I’m agreeing on Holtz… there seems to be nothing special about his game…I’m not quite sure how he scored 16 last year…he can’t or doesn’t create his own opportunities.. he is not quick or shifty… perhaps it is a confidence thing…he does work hard it’s not about his effort as I noticed he is trying to finish checks but bottom line is 2 goals in almost 40 games…I don’t know what the metrics indicated about Cal Burke during his stay here but I was waaaay more impressed with his offensive skills as he was able to create in transition and in the offensive zone.
niggles
I was at game tonight – what a show.
Sharks fans were loud when they were up in the second, but VGK shut them down fast.
After the shorthanded goals, their own fans were yelling “We suck, when are we gonna be good again?” – classic fair-weather energy.
Final score: VGK 6, Sharks 3.
Pistol Pete
Had to like how Dorofeyev backchecked his butt all the way back and then motored at full speed all the way back on that rush to take the feed from Howden and an excellent finish against back pressure to beat Georgiev.
TS
I give Coach Cassidy my star, because he understands his players, their strengths, their potential, and the keys to put it all together. So many new pieces to integrate, and the team has responded by WINNING!! He has the team’s attention and respect. He hasn’t ‘lost the room’, as some have suggested at times…he has MASTERED the room!!
The hockey God
⚔️ ⚔️ ⚔️ ⚔️VGK scores 6, PAvel breaks slump but has a horrible game. Anyone who says otherwise is stoned in head. Pavel only player with – 2 on a night that the team that scored six goals. He was robbed of puck and was picking his nose on two goals. Need to be a better defensive player. Coach benched him a few shifts. Howdy did all work on his goal.
On other hand Nabber played a great game. Two shorties. Team keeps on rolling beating teams they have to beat.
Sez me, deal with it !
JB
Not pretty at times but a good win nonetheless . That rookie #71 may be only 18 but he has a man’s body. He’s going to be a good one for sure. Ok, on to the flames. Hope we do get Barby back soon!
knights fan in minny
71 is very crafty
knights fan in minny
good win the sharks mad the boys work for it a thing of beauty by nabber pile up the points
mcart
Brilliant coaching by Cassidy. He kept the top PP guys on the bench to start the 3rd period, and they were pissed. They showed them mumbling to one another on the bench just before the period. They then went out there with a “we’ll show him” attitude, and dominated the third. That is Herb Brooks style coaching psychology.
knights fan in minny
the master Herbie
Pistol Pete
I don’t understand how anybody can both listen to what Cassidy said last season about Dorofeyev handling his defensive assignments and observe it for themselves, view the +13 he logged in the 65 games he played in 2022-23 and 2023-24 and consider him to be a poor defensively. The real kicker is not listening to the coach who knows more than the fan. In fact Cassidy even mentioned in the post-game how Dorofeyev’s +/- in this game did not measure up to the goal he scored but also mentioned the one fluke goal against, which was Toffoli from behind the net but did not mention the fluke goal #1 from the point. Now goal #2 Celebrini did strip Dorofeyev in the neutral zone which led to the goal but once it was in play in front of the net there was not much Dorofeyev could do. I am not denying Dorofeyev could not have better defended certain goals against this season but +7 in 102 games should tell one something, namely that he not poor defensively per se.
Howden is +6 in 208 VGK games (+9/+5/-11/+3). Last year he was -11.
Cassidy giving Dorofeyev less ice time this game probably had more to do with his scoring slump than a concern he would allow goals.
Pistol Pete
Hint: Next game watch Dorofeyev repeatedly “reload”. Reloading is Cassidy’s term for withdrawing from the O zone. The sooner the better. It’s not exciting but integral to getting back in the D zone in time to create turnovers and block shots. Dorefevey is an intelligent player who is always trying to be in the correct position and posture. It’s why he’s +7 in 102 games with more than half a point a game. He uses his brain.
Anybody who did not see him backcheck all the back deep into the D zone in time to defend and then go all the way back at full speed to take Howden’s pass should go back and watch again and see for themselves what all the coaches saw. It was definitely his finest moment in the game and one he will probably use to get his confidence back as far as scoring.
ThG
PP has a hard on for pavel, doesn’t realize his boyfriend is in a slump ! Delusional, thinks ranter poster here is a “nice person”, says all you need to know about fantasy land pipsqueak. Pavel gave up puck, missed d assignments and was a big minus when his team scored six times. WAKE UP PP, smack yourself upside the head a few times ! That casino smoke inhaled over past fifty years has impacted your brain cells ??!!
Pistol Pete
“Pavel gave up puck, missed d assignments and was a big minus when his team scored six times”
When you’re on the ice for two flukey impossible to defend goals you get -2 for it. Has nothing to do with happening against the backdrop of your team scoring six goals including an EN. You should stick to anti-wokism. Hockey is not your forte!
Once again ThG you show your inability to debate hurtling sarcasm and insults in it’s place.
ThG
How can anyone “debate” with a left wing nut job whose head is up their smelly butt all the time ? PAvel missed D assignments you moron ! Learn to watch a game before you post your usual bulls hit on line.
Jose
Pistol Pete, plus minus is a stat that everybody is looking at way too much. As for Dorofeyev’s defensive game, the eye test tells me that it is not one of his strengths and needs to improve. As for his reduced ice time, it was probably because of the careless giveaway on the power-play. I did see the back check that you are referring to, and that was a positive. I assume he was hauling ass to make up for the mistake earlier in the game. Dorofeyev has sniping ability and I think he is an important piece of the teams future.
knights fan in minny
dorfy good trade bait for a scoring winger
ThG
yeah butch ripped him a new ahole, much to chagrin of PP because we all know his homosexual infatuation with PD was squashed; now he has to find another le batifolage.
ThG
le batifolage , PP, is not a French hockey player playing for Les Canadiens. Aka Les Canadiens de Montréal.
TS
Creepy guy, AGAIN, seemingly infatuated with the very thing you accuse PP of. Seems like it is YOU who is fixated with SEX, SMELLY BUTTS, AND ALL THINGS CREEPY AND TWISTED. Who does that??. only YOU, thq, onlyYOU. Stop projecting your OWN fetishes, already!
Pistol Pete
Jose you are right +/- can be misleading however over time it is an indicator of defensive effectiveness, thus Dorofeyev’s +7 for 102 games is some indicator that he’s defensively responsible. In this game his -2 was because of two flukey goals no player could defend. Not that complicated. I know you know this but it goes over the head of some. Go back and listen to what Cassidy said about Dorofeyev’s +/- in this game.
https://x.com/goldenknights/status/1872927132109947183?s=46
ThG
PP he’s trending lower this year. past results are not indicative of future performance. I see you are moving onto your next infatuation.
Pistol Pete
ThG’s whole line on PP and PD is not as clever as he thinks and is a colossal bore. Does not know the game of hockey! Does not understand life! You old stiff you. Nary a kind word for anyone!
ThG
Wished you a merry Christmas, you blew me off. What a heathen !!
Pistol Pete
ThG: SinBin’s resident jack-off.
Rashaad
Pistol Pete. ThG is just a lonely guy and lonely people become more sad during the holiday season. Loneliness is an epdiemic. That explains why he is extra angry right now and it peaked leading up to Christmas day. I’m not making fun of him by the way. He just trolls you to try to get a response. It’s best to ignore it just as I will when he responds to this. JB had done a great job of it until just recently. TS won’t shut the fuck up. If she really hated him she would ignore him but she doesn’t get it. He is begging for attention and figures the best way to do it is to be hateful to get responses. I do like his hockey takes by the way.
On Dorofeyev though, I do not agree with his opinion. I wonder if he dislikes Dorofeyev or is just trying to get a response from you. Either way, who cares. Dorofeyev is NOT trending lower this year. 13 goals in 47 games last year and 13 goals in 35 games so far this year. He has improved this year and continues to be a work in progress. I do think both his defensive game and consistency overall needs to improve for him to reach his overall potential. This is not unusual for young players with less experience. He is an important piece for this team. With Marchy, Stephenson and Amadio walking, they needed him to step up and he has along with Howden and Kolesar.
Howden and Kolesar have a combined 111 shots on net this year with 23 goals which is a 21% shooting percentage. That is likely not sustainable. Before this season Kolesar had scored 26 goals in 280 shots which is a 9.3% shooting percentage. Before this year Howden had scored 39 goals in 339 games which is an 11.5% shootin percentage. Dorofeyev has true sniping ability and may settle in as a consistent 25-35 goal guy like Marchessault. Like Marchy and other snipers he will be streaky and run hot and cold. As he gets more experienced he may become less streaky. I really like him (not as much as you do) and think he has a bright future. I’m okay with some cold streaks for now since this team has so much depth. Although his defensive work needs improvement is not really that bad and not a burden on this team.
FYI….. Dorofeyev leads the team in shots on net with 102. This shows that he has a nose for the net and is consistently getting chances.
Have a great Sunday and be kind!
TS
Rashaad, blasting ME for not shutting up??? Really??. Yet when THQ starts his POLITICAL PORN and HATE, that’s okay with you?? How very curious that you would dismiss HIS provocative Hate and Twisted agenda. Is that a BRO- BUD pact you have with the schmuck?? When BOYS misbehave, it’s just a BRO BUD being a guy, but when a Real Woman challenges the BRO- BUD hate and POLITICAL.PORN, you squawk about ME? REALLY, Rashaad??. How long have YOU been a HYPOCRITE??
.
TS
Just like TRUMP, the Corrupt One. Maggots dismiss ignore, deny ALL of Trump’s crime and corruption, and INSTEAD go after the people who challenge him. Revenge and Retribution, and all that. Sound familuar, here?? Dismiss and ignore the Site Disruptor, with his army of invisibles who gang up to attack any who.object to his POLITICAL HATE, and instead go after the conscientious objector??? Way to be a real Maggot MENSCH.
knights fan in minny
giggles got stomped enjoy the upcoming4 years of normal
Mohamed Salah al-Din al-Halim Zaidan
Democrats lost. Will you be like this for the next 4 years? Trump won fair and square. If you are a good American you should respect your president and try to get along with people. Name calling does not help anyone. Why are you calling people MAGGOTS and HYPOCRITES. All Rashaad was saying was that when you respond to ThG you fuel his game. Somehow you took that as Rashaad being a BRO-BUD and being okay wit the ThG? Did you only read the first paragraph? Do you hate men? Rashaad was actually taking the opposite side of ThG.
Richie-Rich
TS has a serious case of TDS, and ThG enjoys triggering people. It’s what he does. I think PP is too high on Pavel, he has yet to prove that he is a solid 1st or 2nd line winger. He’s still young and the potential is there.
Overall, we all have to be more than pleased as to where this team is right now. Even the bashing of the goaltenders has come to an end. Lose a game and watch the boo birds come out though!
TS
I have a serious case of THQ Syndrome. The guy spreads his SICKNESS here and thinks he’s entitled to do it.
Freedom of Speech apparently is ONLY reserved for Maggots like him. How very curious that some of ypu object to MY Freedom.of Speech, yet have no problem giving thq a pass. I realized early on that the men on Sinbin have issues with a woman speaking her mind when OTHERS do the same. How very curious. So, let me get this straight: Men can talk, squawk,chirp, bitch, call each other names, counter posts with their own, and find issues with inappropriate Political SHIT here, but NOT SO FOR A WOMAN. I notice the ” men” who find my objections inappropriate are the Trumpers. I AM STUNNED.
…..Did i get that right, Boys???
TS
MISOGYNY: Prejudice against women. Sound familiar??
TS
Byw: I don’t hate men
.i hate Misogynistic men. If my muzzle and chastity belt come off, all bets are off!!
Rashaad
That Mark Stone pass to Tomas Hertl in front of the net on the power play has become a little too predictable. The cross seam pass to Olofsson by Eichel or Stone seems to be the better option right now. It’s great having such an awesome coach in Bruce Cassidy who always seems to make the right adjustments.
The penalty kill has been amazing lately. Logic dictates that they can’t win every single game even though they have been lately, but I am calling a 4-2 win this afternoon.
Have a great Sunday and be kind!
Anand
Team looks great Rashaad. Running on all cylinders. No glaring needs. A scoring winger at the deadline and goalie depth at the trade deadline could help but I’m happy with status quo.
Caroline
Hey rashad, Calgary is so blah mediocre and does nothing really well. Middle of league in PP, PK, goals for, goals against, so boooooring. Me thinks Vegas handles them easily.
Rocco
Sharks are still terrible but Macklin Celebrini is eventually going to be a problem for Vegas.
Vicky
https://x.com/defiantls/status/1873375225574031364?s=46
The San Jose Sharks and Anaslime Ducks sucked before the world went to shit and they still suck now.
knights fan in minny
3 stooges