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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