After a disappointing end to a very heated series against the Sharks last playoff season, the Vegas Golden Knights came to Sunday’s game with a mission to prove who really is the better team. The result was the most exciting game of the preseason this year.
Table of Contents
The Lineup
With Tuch and Eakin out on injuries, the Knights changed several lines to give rookies another chance to prove why they should make the team this year.
Forwards
Marchessault, Karlsson, Smith
Pacioretty, Glass, Stone
Pirri, Stastny, Zykov
Carrier, Nosek, Reaves
Defense
McNabb, Hague
Merrill, Theodore
Schuldt, Engelland
Goaltender: Fleury
Recap
Whether it was the new lines, or the intense desire to win, the Knights really showed up last night. Winning 5-1, the Vegas Golden Knights had goals by 5 different players: Carrier, Schuldt, Marchessault, Stone, and Smith. They scored on 2 of their 5 power plays, and prevented any goals while on the penalty kill. All lines played well, and the rookies proved they can handle intense games in the NHL.
Penalties and Fights
We could give you a full recap of the game, but let’s be real, you really want to hear about the fights. And yeah, there were A LOT.
Similar to the last few games of the 2019 playoff series, the game started off fairly amicable, but ended in a series of on-ice fights that proved the penalty box isn’t big enough for the Sharks.
Evander Kane got ejected from the game for “abuse of officials” after being tackled by a ref and subsequently shoving that referee. We’re still waiting to hear whether or not Kane will face disciplinary action.
Probably the most notable stat is that Ryan Reaves did NOT get a penalty this game. In fact, it was Zykov who had the most action, quickly raising his stock among fans.
Take a look at this great video recap of the fights from Sunday’s game:
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t55PQCPp65U[/embedyt]Looking Forward
I think it’s safe to say that the rivalry between the Knights and the Sharks is the most intense in the NHL right now. It makes for very exciting games. Luckily, we get to watch the two teams face-off again in the next 2 games!
Wednesday, October 2nd at 7:30pm, the Knights have their home opener at T-Mobile Arena against the Sharks. There are still tickets available at vegasgoldenknights.com, or you can watch the game at home on NBCSN.
Friday, October 4th at 7:30pm, the Vegas Golden Knights will be in San Jose to play their 3rd game in a row against the Sharks. Fans can watch on ATTSN, or come to Hyde Lounge at T-Mobile for a charity watch party benefitting the American Cancer Society. Click here for more details, and to RSVP.