By Alan Snel of LVSportsBiz.com
Just the facts: Vegas Golden Knights 5 Detroit Red Wings 2
VGK goal scorers: Nic Hague, Zach Whitecloud (two), Paul “Welcome Back” Cotter, Reilly Smith
Storyline: VGK goalie Robin Lehner dialed in with an injury-racked lineup playing hustling, opportunistic hockey.
Attendance: VGK tell us it’s 18,002
Record: 10-7 after 17 games (Started 1-4, then won 9 of next 12)
Quote: ” I saw Mark Stone had the puck and I got open.” — VGK defenseman Zach Whitecloud on scoring thanks to a Stone pass in period 2.
Next game: Columbus at Vegas Saturday
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After a scoreless first period, the Golden Knights played a high-energy and opportunistic second period.
VGK defenseman Nic Hague scored the game’s first goal, knocking in a rebound from the slot and enjoying a sliding celebration.
Then forward Mark Stone fired a gorgeous cross-rink pass to defenseman Zach Whitecloud, who buried his shot for 2-0 Golden Knights lead.
After a Detroit score, Whitecloud fired home a goal from the point for a 3-1 lead. Knights defensemen are leading the NHL in goals with 14.
And Paul “Welcome Back” Cotter scored on a wrister from in front and the Knights went to the second intermission with a 4-1 lead.
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He won the National League MVP award today and he’s a Vegas Golden Knights fan. Here’s Bryce Harper at a game during a previous season.
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In the third period, Knights forward Reilly Smith zipped in on the Wings’ new goalie who entered the game at the start of the third period, Alex Nedeljkovic, and made a nice move before flipping a backhander into the twine for his sixth goal of the season.
The Knights led, 5-1, and were in control. With so many players who are injured like Max Pacioretty, Alec Martinez and William Karlsson and in the NHL protocol like William Carrier and Jonathan Marchessault, it’s a good thing the VGK’s Triple A team is just a car ride away in Henderson. The Knights have already used 31 players and the team is only 17 games into the schedule.
Detroit added a late third period goal to wrap up the scoring.
Final: Vegas 5 Detroit 2
Coach Pete DeBoer said he was impressed with Stone taking a step forward with his game tonight.