Marchessault gets game winner in OT past Flyers

The Vegas Golden Knights looked to rebound Saturday’s contest against the Philadelphia Flyers wearing the alternate glow in the dark uniforms after getting pummeled 5-1 to the New York Rangers in the opening game of three-game home stand. Not only were the Golden Knights looking to rebound, they were looking to do it with a returning Jack Eichel. In the end, Jonathan Marchessault got a goal in his fourth goal in four straight games with the goal becoming the game-winner.

First Period Ice Pack – Carrier matches career high

Adin Hill got the start for the home side and it didn’t take long for the netminder to get some key saves in the game. The Flyers and Golden Knights spent the majority of the period trading shots and possession before a mid-period treat for Vegas. William Carrier got his ninth goal of the season at 11:45 in the first period, which tied his career high for goals in a season. The goal was the fourth shot of the game for the Golden Knights and it was an unassisted goal. With just under six minutes to go in the opening period, Hill would grab a solid save off the stick of Morgan Frost. Alex Martinez and Zack MacEwen got into a scuffle just to the right of the Vegas net with 4:50 left after James van Riemsdyk made an effort to tie the game. With 2:15 left, William Karlsson narrowly missed a shot to increase the Vegas lead with a shot hitting the goalpost.

1st Intermission score: Golden Knights 1, Flyers 0

Second Period Ice Pack – Disaster averted

The second period continues to be the period of doom for the Golden Knights. With just under 90 seconds into the period, the Flyers got a game-tying goal that was credited to Scott Laugton, but was carried into the net off the skate of Hill, who was wrapping around behind the net trying to recover the puck at the time. As the Golden Knight offense tried to regain control of the game, Reilly Smith forced Flyers goalie Carter Hart to make a spectacular glove save with 13:20 left in the period.  A few minutes later, Paul Cotter and Nic Hague and Jake Leschyshyn gave the Golden Knights another opportunity but Hart was there to make the grab. With 10;24 left, Laughton was called for tripping Karlsson giving Vegas the first power play opportunity of the game, which resulted in no shots taken.  Disaster was averted in reality as the offense began to find itself after Flyers got the game-tying goal.

2nd Intermission score: Golden Knights 1, Flyers 1

Third Period Ice Pack – ZZZZZZZZ

Like much of the game, the two teams started off the third period trading shots and puck possession.. The Golden Knights got a break with a Joel Farabee breakaway backhander failed to get passed Hill with 13:09 left in regulation. The trend of trading barbs continued throughout the period. The Golden Knights would start to maintain possession with the game going south of five minutes of regulation play. Carrier had an opportunity to get the go-ahead with 4:08 left but Hart, who had played well throughout the game, got another stop. With just under three minutes left, Cates was called for tripping on Karlsson giving the Golden Knights a late game power play opportunity. It resulted in several solid saves by Hart keeping Vegas off the scoreboard.  In the final seven minutes, the Golden Knights outshot Philadelphia 7-1.

Regulation Score: Golden Knights 1, Flyers 1

Overtime Ice Pack – Marchessault Game Winner!

The Flyers got off to a hot start offensively as Travis Sandheim fired off a pair of shots on goal. Shea Theodore was collided knee on knee with Sandheim, leaving the game shaken up. Jonathan Marchessault found a breakaway opportunity and with 1:39 left, got the puck past Carter Hart giving the Golden Knights a 2-1 overtime win. While it wasn’t the best overtime for Vegas, it is ultimately the scoreboard that matters.

Final Score: Golden Knights 2, Flyers 1

Game Notes:
+ Chandler Stephenson played in his 200th game as a Golden Knight in the contest against the Flyers.
+ With the win, the Golden Knights became the first Western Conference team to reach the 20-win mark.
+ Jonathan Marchessault grabbed his 12th goal of the year and fourth straight game with a goal scored.
+ Adin Hill improves to 7-2-1 on the season as the Golden Knights back-up goalie.
+ 2022-23 Season Overtime Records: Vegas (4-1), Philadelphia (0-6)

Coming Up Next

Sunday – vs Boston (8:00p ET/5:00p PT)
Tuesday – at Winnipeg (8:00p ET/5:00p PT)
Thursday – at Chicago (8:30p ET/5:30p PT)

Want your voice heard? Join the Vegas Hockey Knight team!

Write for us!