Golden Knights’ Winning Streak Snapped as Pittsburgh Defeats VGK, 4-3, Before Announced 18,298 Tuesday
By Alan Snel of LVSportsBiz.com
LVSportsBiz.com photos by J. Tyge O’Donnell
This time, the Vegas Golden Knights could not stage another dramatic comeback.
The Pittsburgh Penguins jumped out to a 3-0 lead and defeated the Knights, 4-3, before an announced crowd of 18,298 at the Big Ice House by the Strip Tuesday evening.
The loss stunned VGK because the Knights had their chances, outshooting the Penguins, 35-15.
VGK coach Gerard Gallant lamented the Knights’ “early mistakes” and said the Penguins “battle an compete.”
Reilly Smith scored his 17th goal with 7:14 left in period three to cut the Pittsburgh lead to 4-3.
After two periods, the Penguins led the Golden Knights, 3-2.
VGK goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury fell behind his old Penguins mates, 2-0, after one period as Evgeni Malkin and Patric Hornovist registered tallies for Pittsburgh.
As is the case when the Pens visit T-Mobile Arena, lots of Pittsburgh fans filled seats, with the cheers after the Penguins goals revealing the many Pittsburgh fans in the building.
The Penguins opened the lead to 3-0 in period two with a power play goal.
The game saw the return of VGK center Cody Eakin.
Max Pacioretty scored his 19th goal of the season to cut the Pittsburgh lead to 3-1 in the second period.
Patches’ linemate, Paul Stastny, scored on a masterful re-direct during a power play to cut the deficit to a lone goal, 3-2.
VGK fans had a good time.
Cirque’s Zumanity even did a short segment between periods one an two.
The Golden Knights play the LA Kings Thursda night in Las Vegas. VGK is now 24-16-6 and remain at 54 points.
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