VGK’s Nevada Day Matinee Draws 18,207, But Knights Drop 3-2 Decision To TB Lightning

By ALAN SNEL

LVSportsBiz.com

 

There were more kids than usual at T-Mobile Arena for a 3 p.m. Golden Knights game Friday.

 

They watched the Knights dominate the third period, but the VGK still come up short, losing 3-2 to the Tampa Bay Lightning and falling to 4-5-1 on the young season.

 

 

The Deryk Engelland bobblehead give-away was a nice touch for the Nevada Day mid-afternoon special, which drew another sellout at 18,207.

 

After five home dates at T-Mobile Arena, the Golden Knights have drawn 91,647 fans, averaging 18,329 a game. It’s an impressive number when you consider that the arena’s VGK capacity is 17,367 and the Knights are filling the venue at 105.5 percent of capacity. That’s the second highest in the National Hockey League, only behind Chicago and slightly ahead of the Minnesota Wild.

 

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Some observations outside of the business world:

 

^ The offense is not delivering like it did, with 22 goals in the first 10 games.

 

^ The Tropicana hotel-casino is cracking down on VGK fans who park for free in its lots on game day and will be charging a parking fee when the Golden Knights have home games at nearby T-Mobile Arena.

 

^ Forward Max Pacioretty absorbed a nasty hit in the first period, left the ice and never returned. Coach Gerard Gallant doesn’t know the status or extent of any potential injury.

 

^ The Knights host Ottawa Sunday at 5 p.m.

 

 

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