A wide open first period had scoring chances aplenty both ways. Columbus struck first with a deflection goal that just slid past the line, but moments later the Golden Knights answered with a wacky hop bounce goal of their own from Nate Schmidt. Then, on a Blue Jacket power play, Reilly Smith and William Karlsson led the charge down the ice and Jon Merrill put home the loose change. A strong 2nd by Columbus put Vegas on their heels defending for a majority of the frame. Marc-Andre Fleury’s misplay off the boards helped Artemi Panarin tie the game at two. A Cody Eakin tally put Vegas back in front, but another spill by Fleury helped Cam Atkinson tie it. On the power play, Atkinson scored another one. The Golden Knights couldn’t get anything on net with the empty net and dropped a heartbreaking one.
Upcoming stories from the Vegas Golden Knights vs Columbus Blue Jackets at T-Mobile Arena.
- Carp on Gallant’s decision to play only 10 forwards in the 3rd
- An off day that may have changed the complexion of the season.
- A deeper dive into the difference between when VGK gets through the neutral zone clean and when they don’t. (Assuming my eyes didn’t deceive me when I watch this game again)
Ken’s Three VGK Stars
*** Jon Merrill
** Reilly Smith
* Cody Eakin
Jason Sheehan
The Golden Knights ran out of gas in the second period. It happens after a long 4 game road trip.