Vegas Golden Knights: Musical recalls, Sparks’ streak, Hockey Fights Cancer

Some eyes were raised on Monday when it was announced that the Vegas Golden Knights had sent rookie phenom Cody Glass down to the minors.

A day removed from their shocking 3-2 loss to the Detroit Red Wings that ended an ugly road trip, the Vegas Golden Knights announced that they had sent down three players to the AHL.

We are going to delve into that and why it isn’t what it seems on the surface, while also diving into other nuggets that have emerged from the world of the Golden Knights over the past few days…

Glass Sent Down

On Monday it was announced by the Vegas Golden Knights that they had sent down defenseman Nic Hague and forwards Nicolas Roy and Cody Glass to the AHL with the Chicago Wolves.

Now, it is worth noting that both Hague and Roy have been sent to the minors, back up and then back down again like a game of musical chairs over the last few weeks.

So, that is why it is important to keep that fact in mind when hearing about the news that Cody Glass has been sent down to the AHL.

This isn’t an indictment on Glass whatsoever, rather the Golden Knights doing some vital housekeeping when it comes to remaining salary cap compliant.

You may think that sounds strange but when you are pressed as tightly against the cap as the Knights are, it is necessary to make moves such as this.

As a result, don’t be surprised when Glass and Hague, probably Roy too, are all activated for the game against the Chicago Blackhawks on Wednesday.

After all, Glass in particular has excelled in the NHL during his rookie year and he has three goals and four assists for seven points in 19 games, while he has become a staple of the Knights’ top powerplay unit.

And, it is worth keeping it in mind that, as it stands, the Golden Knights will have $9,247,711 in cap space available at the Trade Deadline, which is significant because that will allow them to make a move or two in order to bolster this roster.

To conclude, when you see roster transactions such as this one, nine times out of ten it is just a way for the Vegas Golden Knights to save some dollars here and there.

Sparks’ Impressive Streak

When the Vegas Golden Knights acquired Garret Sparks in a trade from the Toronto Maple Leafs during the off-season as part of the move to dump David Clarkson‘s hefty contract, few eyebrows were raised.

But, when Sparks was given some action for the Knights in the preseason, Vegas fans were encouraged by what they saw.

And some, mainly those who still aren’t sold on Malcolm Subban, were calling for Sparks to be the backup goalie behind Marc-Andre Fleury.

That didn’t happen but the Knights’ loss has been the Chicago Wolves’ gain with Sparks absolutely tearing it up in the AHL.

The goalie, who helped backstop the Toronto Marlies to the Calder Cup in 2017-18, set the franchise record for the longest shutout streak which was achieved during Chicago’s 4-1 loss to the Rockford IceHogs on Sunday.

Sparks went 191:14 minutes without allowing a goal over the span of four games, turning away 115 shots during a streak that began on Oct. 23 against the Texas Stars.

That broke the record set by Matt Climie (173:57) in January, 2013.

Sparks is 4-3-1 in eight games with the Chicago Wolves this year and he leads the AHL in Goals Against Average (1.60) and Save Percentage (.953).

If he carries on then it may not be long before Sparks sees some action in the National Hockey League this season.

Military Appreciation / Hockey Fights Cancer Night

The Vegas Golden Knights have also announced a couple of really good and noteworthy events coming up.

Firstly, the Knights will host its Military Appreciation Night on Nov. 13 against the Chicago Blackhawks at T-Mobile Arena where Vegas will wear specialty camouflage jerseys during warmups that will be signed and auctioned off during the game.

All proceeds of the auction and 51/49 raffle that night will benefit the Folded Flag Foundation.

And the Golden Knights will also host military members from Creech Air Force Base, where current and past military members will be honored throughout the night in recognition of their service.

Then, later in the month, the Vegas Golden Knights will host their Hockey Fights Cancer Night on Nov. 21 against the San Jose Sharks at T-Mobile Arena.

The Knights will wear specialty Hockey Fights Cancer lavender jerseys during warmups that will be signed and auctioned during the night. All proceeds from the jersey auction will benefit organizations that help with early detection and/or screening for those who can’t afford it on behalf of defenseman Shea Theodore, who had his own battle with cancer during the summer.

Hockey Fights Cancer is a league-wide initiative uniting the hockey community in support of cancer patients and their families. Each season, every NHL franchise hosts a Hockey Fights Cancer night to benefit various organizations and support initiatives.

These kind of nights epitome everything that is great about the game of hockey and the work the NHL does in the community.

And, being from England, I have to say that America really does lead the way when it comes to how American sports support the military and other such initiatives.

Stick taps all round for this one.

So, that’s a quick roundup of the latest news emerging from the Vegas Golden Knights, who return home to T-Mobile Arena on Wednesday when they matchup against the Chicago Blackhawks – 7:00 p.m. PT.