Recap: It was the Golden Knights first game action since March, but you wouldn’t know it by watching the first period. Vegas played vintage Golden Knights hockey scoring two goals on special teams. Reilly Smith scored both goals, one shorthanded and the other on the power play. Marc-Andre Fleury stopped all five shots from Arizona holding a 2-0 Vegas lead.
The score didn’t change after two periods of play. Fleury was sharp again, and the Golden Knights penalty kill unit did a strong job of shutting down the Coyotes PP.
Leading 2-0, the Golden Knights continued to control the game. Midway though the third period, Arizona finally snuck one by Fleury on the power play. Alex Tuch put Vegas ahead by two late in the game and Nick Cousins sealed the deal with seconds remaining. Fleury saved 22 of 23 shots and skated off with a 4-1 victory.
The Golden Knights play their first official playoff game on Monday against the Dallas Stars. It will be the first of three Round Robin games Vegas will play. Game time is scheduled for 3 PM. (Recap by Jason)
Analysis: The Golden Knights looked like the much sharper team in the meaningless game against Arizona. It was excellent to see Reilly Smith puck up his great season where he left off. The Golden Knights weren’t great at 5-on-5, but they did enough getting the late goal from Tuch. All in all, not too bad for the only exhibition game. (Analysis by Ken)
Upcoming stories from the Vegas Golden Knights vs Arizona Coyotes at Rogers Place in the NHL Bubble.
- Get ready for A LOT of Shea Theodore ice-time
Ken’s Three VGK Stars
*** Marc-Andre Fleury
** Alex Tuch
* Reilly Smith
Let's talk about exhibition hockey. https://t.co/aADT387yqm
— SinBin.vegas (@SinBinVegas) July 31, 2020
That was the fastest 20 minutes of the last 5 months of my life.
— SinBin.vegas (@SinBinVegas) July 31, 2020
The Stastny-Smith-Marchessault line has been dominant tonight. If they are this good and Pacioretty can be healthy on that 1st line, look out.
— SinBin.vegas (@SinBinVegas) July 31, 2020
Alex Tuch is not injury prone.
Alex Tuch is not bad.
Alex Tuch should not be traded.
Alex Tuch is not injury prone.
Alex Tuch is not bad.
Alex Tuch should not be traded.
Alex Tuch is not injury prone.
Alex Tuch is not bad.
Alex Tuch should not be traded.— SinBin.vegas (@SinBinVegas) July 31, 2020
#PowerKill is alive and well!!!
— SinBin.vegas (@SinBinVegas) July 31, 2020
Marsh Munroe
Was Nate Schmidt injured in the game? Any news on M a x. P!
Doktor Hockey
I thought the Knights were ok last night Plenty of work needed on PP. (They need #67). So many PP prevented the game from having much of a flow. Flower looked good, even with a low number of SOG. He’s still fighting an uphill battle to be the starter when PO begins. Panda IS DeCoaches preferred #1. We’ll see how he performs Monday, etc….
Tim
Decent game power play needs work. I’m worried about Reeves getting suspended hopefully only one game. Patch would sure make a difference adding a little fire power but will he play who knows.