Recap: The Golden Knights were looking for their second straight win with a victory in Vancouver. The Canucks opened the scoring quickly into the game but VGK answered right back. First Nic Roy tied the game and Ivan Barbeshev gave Vegas their first lead of the game. After 20 minutes the Golden Knights led 2-1.
Vancouver tied the game midway through the game. Vegas had several opportunities but the contest was locked 2-2 after 40 minutes.
Both teams traded chances in the final frame and eventually, Vegas regained the lead. Victor Olofsson answered late in the game to finish off Vancouver.
The Golden Knights record improves to 47-22-8 defeating the Canucks 3-2 in Vancouver. Vegas will travel to Colorado for a heavyweight bout with the Avalanche on Tuesday. Puck drop is scheduled for 6:30 PM. (Recap by Jason)
Analysis: It was an even game for the first 40 minutes but then the Golden Knights took over in the 3rd. VGK only managed one goal but they controlled the game for just about the entire final 20 minutes. They looked fresher, stronger, and just flat out better than a team that had their playoff chances effectively dashed on the night. (Recap by Ken)
Upcoming stories from the Vegas Golden Knights vs. Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena.
- Where the playoff chase stands with less than 2 weeks to go
Ken’s Three VGK Stars
*** Reilly Smith
** William Karlsson
* Victor Olofsson
Jack Hammer
In the heart of Canada, under the frosty breath of the northern lights, the Vegas Golden Knights wielded their testicular fortitude, battling their way through two grueling nights against the Calgary Flames and Vancouver Canucks. Fatigued but unyielding, their passion to persevere shone brighter than the city lights they call home. Without the dynamic Tomas Hertl, the team’s depth rose to the occasion, showcasing the unwavering resolve of their veterans. Ryan Smith, with the poise of a seasoned warhorse, delivered timely assists, while William Karlsson, ever the steady force, kept his composure and is finding his game when it matters most.
On the ice, every stride was a statement. The Knights, relentless and bound by the grit of their spirit, proved their mettle, silencing the Canadian crowds. Two victories, in two nights, marked an indomitable testament to their unwavering will—a declaration that no challenge, however daunting, could ever diminish their fire.
knights fan in minny
right on hammer
Rashaad
I think Jack Hammer meant Reilly Smith.
Olofsson has been a nice compliment to Smith and Karlsson.
Can’t wait for Tomas Hertl to return.
Pistol Pete
VGK goes back up by 5 (Kings a game in hand: need Kraken to step up in LA tomorrow).
Goal from three different lines.
Petro: 1A/+1/2 shots/0 GV
Per Ken’s final 30 games (25 games in):
16-4-5 (.740 P%)
Run the table to match 2023’s 21-4-5
Hoping for Hertl vs. Avs
Scott
Kings are not going to lose at home to the Kraken. The only tough home game they have left is vs. the Avs. The only tough road game they have left is vs. the Oilers (will Leon and Connor play?). Overall, they have 4 at home and 2 on the road. If they split those two tough games, the Kings will end up with 107 points. We need 5 more points in 5 remaining games to stay on top (VGK has the tiebreaker).
Pistol Pete
Scott, I might have said it was UNLIKELY the Kings are going to lose to the Kraken at home. Thank you C. Stephenson for assisting on Montour’s first period game winning goal. The Kraken held them off for a little than an additional 40 minutes.
Scott
I just came on here to happily eat crow!!! Wow, you gotta love the NHL!
Jose
I didn’t even know that they were 16-4-5 in their last 25 games. I guess I’m just getting used to their dominance and taking it for granted. I know sone fans think this first place team is terrible, but I think they look good and are ready for the playoffs.
Pistol Pete
Jose I am afraid I miscounted the OTL. Rather than googling VGK last number of games which will bring up for example a Statmuse accounting I scrolled manually through their schedule on ESPN. I had the W/L right but in counting OTL I accidentally scrolled up to the first NYR/NYI sequence (they played NYR and next NYI twice). It’s actually 16-7-2 (three fewer OTL). P% = .680
So no chance to match 2023 (21-4-5) but can still run the table and match the 21 wins.
16-7-2 (P% .680) . P% still above the overall season!
https://www.statmuse.com/nhl/ask/knights-last-25-games-record
Jose
Barbashev – Eichel – Stone
Saad – Hertl – Dorofeyev
Olofsson – Karlsson – Smith
Howden – Roy – Kolesar
This set up could be very strong in the playoffs. Olofsson is a big key. In just a couple of weeks, he went from looking like a healthy scratch to being an important contributor. That fourth line is awesome too.
TJ
That’s exactly as I see the line up with Hertl back, but I would think about switching Saad and Howden. Either way it looks like 4 strong lines. The D needs to step up on the PK and way too many turn overs but I think we have just as good a chance as anyone. I don’t see a clear cut favorite.
Jose
Or
Barbashev – Eichel – Olofsson
Smith – Karlsson – Stone
Saad – Hertl – Dorofeyev
Howden – Roy – Kolesar
JB
A great four point weekend on the road. Two weeks ago I said Olly would probably be healthy scratch, when a Hertl came back. Well now it has to be #70.
Larry
A few weeks ago I thought Ken was crazy for including Saad in the healthy scratch category, but now my eyes tell me that he should be the scratch when Hertl returns as Howden is much more useful playing wherever he needs to fit in, as long as it is not on the 4th line, which makes Pearson the guy with Roy and Kolesar.
TS
With Hertl coming back any day, we should be in a great position to win in the Playoffs. It’s a real plus that the team is intact and healthy going into post- season. Did i miss seeing Samsonov on the sidelines last night? We called up the G who played Saturday, so where is Samsonov?
FG
Eichel is looking tired and has fallen off a 100 point pace. They need to clinch the division so he can take a game or two off. Ideally give Eichel, Stone and Pietrangelo the last two games off.
Scott
FG, we are not going to be able to clinch the division until the last game or two at best. The Kings have a favorable schedule, with four at home (where they never lose) and only two on the road (with very winnable games, at least one of those). I agree that Jack looks a bit tired but I don’t think we can do much about that at this point,
Scott
Well, well., Go Kraken!!!
ThG
OLO comes up huge. VGK needs to finish the next one. LAKings are coming.
The KINGS ARE COMING.
The liberals are whining like crazy, protesting in street, and the news is not covering them. Why? Because they are nuts. Paid for whiners. That is all they do 24/7. Cry and whine. LOSERS !
The hockey God
Dumb shit ESPN DEI HIRE” In my opinion that looked like goalie interference, they are going to bring this goal back”. Well, they didn’t, because it wasn’t , and as usual ESPN has egg on it’s face. Worst DEI hire woke broke “announcers ” league.
Remember when one of them said a few years back that RL had knee surgery? WRONG WRONG WRONG and WRONG all the time.
Richie-Rich
Game 77 Analysis VGK 3, VAN 2
Pacific 1st 47-22-8, 102pts, +52gf/ga, 5pts ahead of the Kings
Western 3rd behind the Jets(108) and Stars(105)
League 4th behind Jets, Caps, and Stars
The Golden Knights were in control for most of this game, but they always seem to “go to sleep” for a bit and the Canucks were able to keep this one closer than it looked.
Who is the man out when Hertl returns?
I vote for Pearson
My 3 Stars
Nicholas Roy, Ivan Barbashev, and Victor Olofsson
There are 5 games left in the season.
(05) 08 Apr at COL
(04) 10 Apr 7pm SEA
(03) 12 Apr 7pm NSH
(02) 15 Apr 6pm at CGY
(01) 16 Apr 7pm at VAN