Recap: The Golden Knights were looking to snap their two-game losing streak against the Central Division’s Arizona Coyotes. Vegas had two power play opportunities, but Arizona fought them off and kept the game scoreless through 20 minutes.
The Coyotes continued to frustrate the Golden Knights in the middle frame however they kept committing penalties. Alex Pietrangelo took advantage of the 5-on-4 and gave Vegas the opening lead of the game. After 40 minutes the home team was ahead 1-0.
William Carrier doubled Vegas’ lead :31 second into the 3rd period. The depth winger scored his 4th goal of the season to give VGK a 2-0 advantage. Mark Stone stretched Vegas’ lead to 3-0, picking up his sixth goal of the season. Arizona would break the shutout with a 3rd period goal of their own but Reilly Smith regained Vegas’ three goal lead.
The Golden Knights record improves to 14-4-0 defeating the Coyotes 4-1. Vegas will hit the road to play the Edmonton Oilers and Vancouver Canucks. Puck drop in Edmonton is scheduled for 7P PT on Saturday night. (Recap by Jason)
Analysis: It wasn’t the prettiest game for the Golden Knights but they definitely played well enough to get across the line against a terrible team. It took a few individual efforts, solid goaltending, and decent in-zone defense to get it done. Nothing to be too excited about but take the points. (Recap by Ken)
Ken’s Three VGK Stars
*** Nic Roy
** William Carrier
* Alex Pietrangelo
Pistol Pete
4-0 vs. the Coyotes 7th ranked PP coming in. Their PK was also ranked 7th and we got one against it.
No game is a gimme. Though under .500 ARI has had some impressive wins including TOR, NYI on the road and FLA at home in that dinky little arena they’re playing in. They also beat Caps and Sabres on the road.
Logan Thompson:
9-3-0 2.27 .925
Gotta be near the top of goalie rankings.
Tim
Pistal Pete, No game is a gimme is an understatement when your talking about the Knights. They play at times and then there’s times there thinking more about there Tee Time. Sorry but I like consistency and the Knights are like a box of chocolates you never know what your going to get. All the years I coached the one word I hated was Sorry just get it done don’t tell me how sorry you are. The Knights always have the first game back from a road trip syndrome or we didn’t have our legs tonight nonsense. They come home they get a little Nooky and there to tired to give 110%.
Jailbird
Hey Tim, the Knights won and played well. Did you miss that?
Tim
Jailbird, Did you watch the first 2 periods another snoozer and remember Arizona isn’t the 1950’s Detroit Redwings or Montreal Canadians. They would hammer teams not puff out there chest beating a bottom feeder.
Pistol Pete
Thompson ranked 7th in NHL fantasy. 4th in GAA and SV% behind Ullmar, Hellebuyck and Oettinger.
https://www.nhl.com/news/nhl-fantasy-hockey-top-25-goaltender-rankings-pools/c-282860450
Richie-Rich
Come on man. The team is 14-4-0. It’s not time to start panicking yet. They are playing way better than I had expected in preseason.
Toughness is a major concern. This team is still building its identity and chemistry. It’s not going to happen overnight. Hopefully McIdiot is done tinkering with this roster for a while.
The Coaching is stellar.