Vegas Golden Knights Vs. Blackhawks Game 3: Lineups, TV, Odds, More

William Karlsson #71 of the Vegas Golden Knights is stopped by the Chicago Blackhawks during the second period in Game Two of the Western Conference First Round. (Photo by Jeff Vinnick/Getty Images)
William Karlsson #71 of the Vegas Golden Knights is stopped by the Chicago Blackhawks during the second period in Game Two of the Western Conference First Round. (Photo by Jeff Vinnick/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Today is the start of a wild weekend of Playoff hockey for the Vegas Golden Knights.

Games 3 and 4 of this Round 1 matchup against the Chicago Blackhawks will take place as a back-to-back, and it could be a big few days for the Vegas Golden Knights…

The Skinny

Reilly Smith scored the game-winner in Overtime in Game 2 on Thursday to give the Golden Knights a 2-0 series lead.

Chicago was better than they were in Game 1 and they were close to tying the series after Dylan Strome hit the crossbar in Game 1.

And, although both teams are in Edmonton, the Blackhawks are now the home team and they will get the last change and that could prove huge late on in the game.

The Blackhawks showed in Game 2 that they have the weapons to be a threat, and Patrick Kane really came alive on Thursday with a three-point night.

The Chicago Blackhawks and the Vegas Golden Knights skate in warm-ups
The Chicago Blackhawks and the Vegas Golden Knights skate in warm-ups prior to their Game Two of the Western Conference First Round during the 2020 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs. (Photo by Jeff Vinnick/Getty Images) /

However, the Golden Knights are getting contributions from up and down their lineup and they will be motivated by the fact that they could move a step closer to closing out this series with a win tonight.

In saying that, though, there will be some lineup decisions for the Knights.

With a back-to-back this weekend, Head Coach Peter DeBoer will need to decide whether to start Marc-Andre Fleury tonight or stick with Robin Lehner for Game 3.

Plus, Max Pacioretty was declared unfit to play just before Game 2 and Tomas Nosek left the game late in the second period, and we are still awaiting an update on both.

Also, the Golden Knights have yet to convert on a power play this series, going 0/3, and that is something that will need to change if they are to go on a deep run in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Betting Odd

Want some action on this game?

We recommend you go with our friends at ACTION!

Streaming

fuboTV is a service that broadcasts live TV over the internet, no cable required. Watch your favorite hockey teams with a free-7-day trial, network shows, news, and movies on 100+ channels. Plus on-demand entertainment including full TV series.

Projected Lineups

team. 942. . 2-0-0. . Vegas Golden Knights.

There will be a lot of interest when the Golden Knights hit the ice for warmups later.

For starters, with Game 4 scheduled on Sunday, we will see Marc-Andre Fleury at some point this weekend.

It could be tonight or he could be given a start on Sunday in order to close out the series should Robin Lehner get the win tonight.

We are also awaiting updates on Max Pacioretty who was deemed unfit to play before Game 2, while Tomas Nosek left the game at the end of the second period.

Should both forwards not be able to go, expect Patrick Brown, Keegan Kolesar or Gage Quinney to be called up from the Taxi Squad.

This is the Vegas Golden Knights Projected Lineup for Game 3, per nhl.com…

Chandler StephensonWilliam KarlssonMark Stone

Jonathan MarchessaultPaul Stastny – Reilly Smith

Nick CousinsNicolas RoyAlex Tuch

William Carrier – Tomas Nosek – Ryan Reaves

Brayden McNabbNate Schmidt

Alec MartinezShea Theodore

Nick HoldenZach Whitecloud

Robin Lehner

Marc-Andre Fleury

94. . 0-0-2. . Chicago Blackhawks. . team

Patrick Kane came alive in Game 2 with three assists and, even though he allowed four goals for the second straight game, Corey Crawford is expected to get the start for Game 3.

Here is the Chicago Blackhawks Projected Lineup for Game 3, per nhl.com…

Dominik KubalikJonathan ToewsBrandon Saad

Drake CaggiulaKirby Dach – Patrick Kane

Alex DeBrincat – Dylan Strome – Matthew Highmore

Alex Nylander – David KampfRyan Carpenter

Duncan KeithCalvin de Haan

Lucas CarlssonConnor Murphy

Olli MaattaSlater Koekkoek

Corey Crawford

Malcolm Subban

Team Leaders

Vegas Golden Knights Postseason Leaders 

Reilly Smith: 7 points (3 G, 4 A)

Mark Stone: 6 points (3 G, 3 A)

Jonathan Marchessault: 6 points (2 G, 4 A)

Shea Theodore: 5 points (3 G, 2 A)

Nicolas Roy: 4 points (1 G, 3 A)

Chicago Blackhawks Postseason Leaders

Jonathan Toews: 8 points (4 G, 4 A)

Dominik Kubalik: 7 points (4 G, 3 A)

Patrick Kane: 7 points (1 G, 6 A)

Kirby Dach: 5 points (1 G, 4 A)

Brandon Saad: 4 points (2 G, 2 A)

Stats

Power Play: VGK: 21.4 (8th) – CHI: 22.7 (7th)

Penalty Kill: VGK: 78.6 (16th) – CHI: 75.0 (20th)

Faceoff: VGK: 44.6 (22nd) – CHI: 49.2 (15th)

GF/GP: VGK: 4.60 (1st) – CHI: 3.33 (6th)

GA/GP: VGK: 2.80 (13th) – CHI: 3.83 (22nd)

Prediction

5. 942. 3. 94. Final

Next. Smith playing like a Conn Smythe contender. dark

Game Info

Puck Drop: 5:00 p.m. PT

Venue: Rogers Place, Edmonton

TV: NBC

Radio: FOX Sports 98.9/1340 | Deportes Vegas 1460