By Alan Snel of LVSportsBiz.com
Knight Time. Noon Time. Goal Time.
On Super Bowl Sunday, the Vegas Golden Knights played hockey at 12 noon at the Big Ice by the Strip.
The goalies for the Golden Knights and Los Angeles Kings may have been a little sleepy today from starting at high noon because VGK netminder Robin Lehner allowed two goals on the Kings’ first two shots while the Knights responded with three goals of themselves in the first period.
It was the Knights up 3-2 after one period.
Reilly Smith, Zach Whitecloud and Chandler Stephenson all snapped wrist shots by Kings goaltender Cal Petersen in the first 20 minutes.
The NHL scheduled this contest at 12 noon because the Super Bowl is set for 3:30 PM Las Vegas time.
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Even with no fans at T-Mobile Arena, the Golden Knights try to re-create the home ice advantage as much as possible with emcee hosts Mark Shunock and Katie Marie Jones hyping the VGK, PA announcer Bruce Cusick boldly enunciating goals and penalties over the loud sound system and Lee Orchard playing the knight character and Clint McComb in the “Chance” mascot outfit.
Even the Vegas showgirls do routines during breaks in the game.
They’re all doing their thing at the “Fortress” castle stage.
To start the second period, Cusick said loudly, “Vegas, please welcome to the ice your Vegas Golden Knights.”
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Five goals in period one.
But only one in period two. The LA Kings delivered the equalizer and it was 3-3 entering period three.
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Stephenson has a big responsibility this season. He’s centering the VGK’s top line between wingers Max Pacioretty and Mark Stone.
With the Knights on a power play to open the third period, Stephenson took a pass from Alex Tuch, accelerated to the Kings goal and scored his second goal of the afternoon.
It was a 4-3 advantage for the Knights.
And that’s how the game ended.
Final: VGK 4 LA Kings 3.