Recap: The Golden Knights welcomed the Toronto Maple Leafs for an early out-of-conference battle. Nic Roy gave Vegas the lead on their first power play opportunity 3:51 into the game. Late in the period, the Golden Knights defensemen helped goalie Logan Thompson clear out several late Toronto attacks. Vegas held a slim 1-0 lead after the opening 20 minutes.
Toronto’s William Nylander evened the score midway through the 2nd period. The Golden Knights were awarded a second PP chance but couldn’t take advantage. After two periods the game was locked in a 1-1 tie.
Vegas came out strong for the third straight period wasting no time in the offensive zone. Chandler Stephenson gave Vegas the lead 0:42 into the final 20 minutes. It was Stephenson’s 3rd goal of 2022-23. Michael Amadio stretched the Golden Knights lead eight minutes later.
The Golden Knights record improves to (5-2-0) after their 3-1 victory over the Maple Leafs. Vegas will play the second of a back-to-back tomorrow night against the San Jose Sharks. Puck drop from SAP Center is scheduled for 7:30 PP. (Recap by Jason)
Analysis: The Golden Knights came out very strong against the Maple Leafs and caused them all sorts of troubles right off the bat. Another goal in the first 5 minutes helped them settle in defensively too. As the game went along they continued to frustrate the Leafs with their defensive structure and consistency in breakouts. The only thing I’d nitpick on would be the inability to finish dangerous chances. Otherwise, that’s one hell of a game from the Golden Knights. (Recap by Ken)
Upcoming stories from the Vegas Golden Knights vs. Toronto Maple Leafs at T-Mobile Arena.
- 60 strong minutes
Ken’s Three VGK Stars
*** Nic Hague
** William Carrier
* Chandler Stephenson
The defensive system has the Maple Leafs completely baffled here. They hold onto the puck in the O-Zone but have absolutely no where to go with it. Excellent defensive game from VGK, probably their best of the year.
— SinBin.vegas (@SinBinVegas) October 25, 2022
VGK's exits have been excellent pretty much all night. Making TOR work to get anything more than one chance on any possession, if they even get one.
— SinBin.vegas (@SinBinVegas) October 25, 2022
Nonetheless, that was easily the best shift of the season by VGK. Absolutely dominant. https://t.co/29xj98737T
— SinBin.vegas (@SinBinVegas) October 25, 2022
Pistol Pete
Another winnable game.
Richie-Rich
Negative Nancy has nothing to complain about tonight. A very good contest. Just a bit frustrating for a bit in the 2nd period. There’s a method to Cassidy’s defensive madness.
Toronto was unable to get the puck to the net like the Flames did. I really think that was the difference tonight. Very good defense, not too many penalties.
Kessel gets a star from me just for him tying the Iron Man record.
Chandler Stephenson and Logan Thompson get stars from me as well.
Logan is looking very solid. I can finally say with confidence myself that we are A-Okay at Goaltending. No worries there.
Pistol Pete
Goaltending was OK this game not bad not amazing. What shined was the defensive structure ala Cassidy. It’s evident all are on board including Eichel. Kessel remains sort of an unknown defensively. He can still skate therefore consistent back checking is not out of the question.
DMR
Great game beating the Listless Leafs!
Pistol Pete
May have found the right line combos. Depends how it continues to go.
Pistol Pete
Being scratched these last three games has given Paul Cotter a lot to think about that’s for sure. His next chance may well be on the line with the 60 career pts/game Iron Man Phil Kessel.
Pistol Pete
Cotter is similar to Kessler in some respects. It’s just highly unlikely he’ll develop into a career 60 pts/yr. Would like to see his next chance on a Kessler line though. Definitely a mentoring opportunity.
THE hockey GOD
PP so far he’s shown very little in the very few NHL games he’s been in. That is why Amadio is in line up and he isn’t.
But if I were PDB, I mean little Nap, in tonight’s game I would put in 15 (hasn’t played yet) or 17 .
George T
Is Eichel still on the team?
I could find him.
Did he ghost us, or just the first line?
George T
*Couldn’t
Pistol Pete
He had six shots, most on the ice both teams. He’s a point a game first seven (3 G/4 A) +5.
Pistol Pete
Have been noticing Jack is good on the back check recently. Definitely will not disappoint Cassidy defensively imo. His skating both directions is off the charts. +5 so far.
Sorvino
Pistol Pete, 100% agree with your comments on Eichel. If someone can’t see what he is doing they probably don’t know a lot about the sport
JV
I would’ve had Thompson as one of the stars. That series of saves he made when the defense broke down and Toronto was buzzing and surrounded the net made a huge difference.
Wonder if I’ll get credit for the SinBingo. The Misfit line did start the game together on the same line, they just didn’t take the opening faceoff. Wording is vague. We shall see.
Pistol Pete
Always thought a healthy Stone belongs with Eichel. When Eichel was acquired it was my first thought. I don’t see any major issues with the forwards depth on this roster. Brisson and Dorofeyev are both legitimate prospects (imo).
Pistol Pete
I still remain upbeat on Dorofeyev. He’s now listed at 6’1” 194. If accurate, 30 lb. heavier than when drafted. Kelly McCrimmon confirmed to me they are encouraged by his size and strength over last season, that he’s “more in the play”. As Cassidy indicated after the last preseason game where Dorofeyev scored, “he’s not strong enough”. It goes without saying the organization is working on the situation. After all, he was the HSK leading scorer last season and turns just 22 tomorrow.
THE hockey GOD
as i recall they tried to beef up Glass too
Hdbiker7851
PP – are you KM’s voice piece now ” he co formed to me ” maybe just his pr guy to go him from being fired. For the record he has no redeeming features. Lips move ly comes out. He has put this team into a downward spiral. It’s great they are winning at the moment – time will tell how long that lasts.
THE hockey GOD
HD
half the team is from western Canada, and he put LT in the goal.
pretty much voids your “no redeeming features”. Plus he has winning runs with VGK in 4 1/2 out of last five seasons. And in season 6 off to a good start.
Stay out of the schnaps, it’s too early in the day. HAve a cookie instead!
hdbiker7851
If I wasn’t a gentleman, I would tell you where to go or where your head is. That said I am well aware of the number of Canadians and probably know more about Canada and hockey than you can imagine or even begin to guess. I stand by what I posted concerning KM – lips move lies come out. No different than politicians. I was making more of a comment about PP statement – KM confirmed to him.
Ts
Pp, I wasn’t sure Stone could keep up with Eichel’s speed, but he is a crafty player, and his prowess outweighs his lack of speed. Add Stephenson, and WOW.
Pistol Pete
I see absolutely no reason why Kessler can’t be at least as productive as Dadonov. He may not get all that near his 25 G/yr. career average but he may make up for it in assists.
Pistol Pete
Nice to see Howden back at C where he belongs.
Pistol Pete
Not current to Leafs game.
“This year, the Golden Knights had 20 players on the ice for those informal skates.”
“It tells me they like each other, otherwise they would not show up that early,” Cassidy said. “Once you are typically back to where you are playing from your offseason home, you are with the guys. … You are at the gym with the guys, at the rink with the guys and probably socializing with the guys. It tells me they are a tight-knit group that wants to settle in and focus.”
https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/34838185/everyone-understands-our-goal-knights-return-contention
Pistol Pete
Definitely can see Kessel going on some runs this season.
Includes:
Kessel in Arizona: The veteran mentor
and
Kessel in Vegas: How hockey is (and isn’t) like poker
https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/34861947/the-legends-nhl-iron-man-phil-kessel
Pistol Pete
Yet again we have to really like Cassidy’s post game. So much better to listen to than coaches 1 and 2.
Jailbird
Great game, best this year! Like that new first line. Now, no let down tonight against the sharks! Go crush them boys!
TS
So glad we finally signed Hague– he’s going to be a BIG presence on ice. ..Literally..smart player!
This is going to be Stephenson’s year to shine…productive right out of the gate. Love his attitude at practice, love his speed and smarts gametime.
Stone is strong again..great playmaking!
LT gets all praise from sports outlets/ sites..he’s the talk of the VGK right now. Goalie was THE question mark for the team, and LT has ANSWERED!!
Cassidy is indeed experimenting with lines, and he’s finding the right combos. I consider his willingness to change it up a positive. He is a flexible coach, and the team is responding very well. Knights are gonna have a GREAT season!!
Sorvino
TS, good call on Hague. I thought he was solid as well.
TS
Sorvino, !! The team is jellin…
THE hockey GOD
and LAST nite in the NATIONAL…..
The Leafs were lanced by the Golden Knights 3-1 as Cassidy had his crew ready to go at the get go. Amadio and Eichel’s extra OT work at NATIONAL CITY ARENA in mornings paid off contributing in play action. Kessel should have counted on questionable off sides.
The Pens got oil (slicked) by Edmonton 6-3
The Caps bedeviled NJ 6-3, shutting down their winning streak
Ottawa dimmed the Stars at home 4-2 out shooting them 33-20 at home
And the Canes swept the winless Canucks (at home) 3-2. Canes are 4-1-1 for the season.
THE FIFTH LINE rules !
THE hockey GOD
HOCKEY LEAGUE !
cookie chainsaw Randolf signing off, back to you Dave (of the Dave, Shelly and
Chainsaw – DSC morning radio show) .
Canada
So many good things to say many have been said . Loved Nick’s game Petro played smart moved the puck well . Chandler was on fire as were Eichle and Stone. We won all the battles in the first period Wasn’t at the game but what I saw for periods 1 and 3 was some strong back checking . Always 4 knights in the camera view coming back , awsome. Cassidy is not scared to try new things but also realizes what’s not broke dosent need fixing …. Im a believer
Canada
So many good things to say and many have been said . Loved Nick’s game, Petro played smart moved the puck well . Chandler was on fire as were Eichle and Stone. Logan was good one he would like to have back but had great support. We won all the battles in the first period Wasn’t at the game but what I saw for periods 1 and 3 was some strong back checking . Always 4 knights in the camera. view coming back , awsome. Cassidy is not scared to try new things but also realizes what’s not broke dosent need fixing …. Im a believer
vgk21
Finally they put Eichel with someone who can skate with him, namely Stephenson. if Stevie had finished his breakaways, he could have had 3 goals in the game.
also, Carrier driving to the net was very good, and a little finish would get him a goal.
The team defensive play by VGK was EXCELLENT. if they play that way they will win plenty more games. shutting down an offensive gifted team like Toronto is impressive.
Gotta beat the Narks though to make it complete. Can’t play like they did vs SJ in that preseason game.
TS
Vgk21,I was pleased also… Stephenson/ Eichel are the fastest skaters on the team, they SHOULD be together..add Stone, the play- maker, and that’s PUCK MONEY IN T HE BANK!!
Tim
For the most part we dominated Toronto as Colorado dominated us the game before. Nice win against a good team with a lot of star power. Logan Thompson and the D did a good job holding Toronto to one goal. From what we hear Kessel is a good guy and good in the locker room and that’s good enough for me. He may be a little slower but he handles himself well on the ice and you can’t put a price on his experience. San Jose gave us our lunch in the pre-season so don’t take then lightly it’s another big two points.
Ts
Tim, Kessel is a step slower now ( aren’t we ALL?), to be sure. He’s making up for it with his veteran experience and hockey IQ. He’ll play less minutes, but valuable minutes. I like him, too.
Pistol Pete
When I first saw Kessel practice my impression was he’s not slow. Obviously slower than in his prime.
Pistol Pete
2 A in the first seven. He’ll way improve on that average. Last season only 8 G but added 44 A on the worst team in the league. No way is he crazy low this season (imo). Expect less than if he skates with Eichel etc. , however I’m expecting chemistry with Howden who is young, big and fast (assuming they stay together).
knights fan in minny
missed the third period otherwise a solid performance logan was solid again cool and calm he is
JV
Oh crap, we gotta listen to Leah Hextall. Time to hit the mute button. Rather listen to Pierre slobber over Crosby’s jock strap.