Sharks bite through Golden Knights special teams
120. 2. 942. Final. 5
The Golden Knights entered the contest against the San Jose Sharks looking to start a brand new win streak after losing to the St. Louis Blues, The loss to the Blues resulted in a nine-game win streak being snapped.
First period impressions
The Golden Knights played through the first seven minutes playing a consistent brand of hockey with plenty of solid passes and got four shots on goal to the Sharks one. Throughout the period, the Knights continued to put the pressure on Sharks goaltender James Reimer. After Paul Cotter was called for holding on Nico Sturn, the penalty kill did its job as the Golden Knights continued to put the pressure on the Sharks. With 3.9 seconds remaining, Jack Eichel found the net to put the Golden Knights up 1-0. The shots in the period were 11-6 in favor of the Golden Knights, Overall, it was a very sold first period for Vegas.
Second period impressions
The second period is usually the period of doom for the Golden Knights. The offense played an aggressive style creating plenty of chances. Tomas Hertl was called for holding on Shea Theodore with 16:57 left in the period giving the Golden Knights a power play. For the most part, the Golden Knights continued to play a solid period until Luke Kunin found the net with 11:55 left in the second to tie the game 1-1 a piece. Eichel and Chandler Stephenson got great looks at Reimer. While they waited until it was under five minutes to go in the period, the Golden Knights would get more chances and one resulted in a Jonathan Marchessault goal to put Vegas back up 2-1. Good way to bounce back for Vegas,
Third period impressions
Matt Nieto caught the Golden Knights napping to open the period with a quick game-tying goal just one minute into the opening period. The Golden Knights would capitalize on their own opportunities but were not able to get it in net. With 8:49 left, Kevin Lebanc hit a shot that went past Logan Thompson and off the goalpost. The Golden Knights got extremely luck that did not go in. With 5:50 left, Sturn was called for a high sticking on Paul Cotter, giving the Golden Knights their third power play of the night. As Sturn’s penalty expired, Reilly Smith was called for tripping putting out the penalty kill unit on to the ice. Timo Meier would give the Sharks a 3-2 lead on that power play. Sharks would then add two empty net goals to make it 5-2 San Jose
Overall Grades
Vegas Golden Knights. OFFENSE. C-. The offense did its part for the most part. There were plenty of opportunities out there but when you can’t get the biscuit in the basket, you will not be able to contain a win. Giving James Reimer credit, he was a good opponent against the Golden Knights. The fact is, there is no excuse for turning over the puck and giving the opposition opportunities to capitalize..
. Vegas Golden Knights. DEFENSE . D-. Where to begin.. Defense in the third period was just atrocious. Making bad plays and getting caught napping on the ice will cost you. The defense in the second and third was just one step behind whatever San Jose threw at them. The positive is that the defense kept the score low all the way to the opening of the third period.
Vegas Golden Knights. SPECIAL TEAMS . F. No matter how you look at it, the penalty kill and the power play units were the ultimate reason why the Golden Knights lost the game. The Golden Knights had a 2-1 lead in the third period. Not converting on the power play and letting the opposition off the hook in the penalty kill will always result in losses. This has been a common theme for the Golden Knights all season, bit it is correctable..
B-. Logan Thompson did his job tonight although he will not get the credit where is due. In reality, Thompson only surrendered three goals, one of which was unavoidable. Two of the goals made when Thompson was off the ice.. . Vegas Golden Knights. GOALTENDING
