Toronto Maple Leafs vs Vegas Golden Knights: Player Spotlight
The Vegas Golden Knights are coming off a strong showing against the Toronto Maple Leafs yesterday night. The game that was defined by offensive intensity, great puck control, solid defense, and lucky chances- the Knights were unable to walk away with a win.
Yesterday’s game against the Maple Leafs could’ve been a statement win for not only the Vegas Golden Knights but for Robin Lehner as well. The Toronto Maple Leafs have always been a very good team with guys like Auston Matthews, Mitchell Marner, William Nylander and many more. However, if the Knights were able to come into the game and get the win- they could prove they are to be feared by the league.
That was not the case last night. Nonetheless, they were still able to get three goals and get a point out of the loss. After getting two goals in the third period, the Knights were able to take the Maple Leafs into overtime and into the shootout. It was in the shootout that the Knights ended up losing.
Toronto Maple Leafs vs Vegas Golden Knights recap
The Vegas Golden Knights are without some of their best players right now, but that’s not stopping them from getting after it and battling hard. While the Knights let players recover and get healthy, players are stepping up in much needed ways.
Prior to the game against the Maple Leafs, the Knights announced that they were placing- Nicolas Roy, Nolan Patrick, and Shea Theodore in COVID protocol. Obviously with it being before the game, it was short notice for the players that they had called up from the Taxi Squad. However, those three players they called up didn’t really define the game.
The Vegas Golden Knights were playing a strong game in the offensive zone that led to great looks, great shots, and a lot of offensive pressure. However, at the end of the day- pressure doesn’t win games, production wins games. That’s how the Knights lost. The Maple Leafs capitalized on their chances and the Knights didn’t.
Although, the loss stings- it was a great game when you take into account how well the Knights played. They were without some very important players in that game, but they played terrific. They did everything they needed to do. Well, outside of making sure the Maple Leafs don’t score. Anyways, it’s time for the Player of the Game Spotlight.
Alex Pietrangelo
Alex Pietrangelo played a unbelievable game. What he means to this team is beyond words, and beyond actions. The closest word I can get to describe his importance isn’t a word, it’s a sentence.
“If he doesn’t play, we as Vegas Golden Knight fans, are toast.”
His significance to this organization is undervalued to the human eye, but everyone in that locker room knows that he means everything to this team. This season he is averaging 25:43 minutes on the ice which, if you’ve ever played hockey, know that is just ridiculous. Moving on, if you take a look at this past game, you’ll understand just how much he means.
Against the Toronto Maple Leafs, Alex Pietrangelo set a career-high for TOI. Which, in case I haven’t maid it clear yet, he plays a lot every night. So, him setting a career-high is pretty remarkable. Anyway, it’s time to get back on track.
Yesterday night against the Maple Leafs, Alex Pietrangelo played a total of 32:55. He was on the ice for over half of the game, double shifted on power plays, penalty kills, and overtime. That’s not even to mention that he ended up scored the game tying goal late in the third period.
Pietrangelo deserves the player of the game without a doubt. He was a huge factor in the Knights ability to stay close enough to make a comeback. If it weren’t for him and his ability to do all the things DeBoer asks of him, we’d be lost. He’s a huge part to the success of the Knights.