Game 1 was an eruption of sorts for the Vegas Golden Knights. They were facing a young Utah Mammoth team that flew up and down the ice throughout the game. They attacked the net in the first period and the period after, trying to break Carter Hart.
However, the former Flyers goaltender didn't budge, paving the way for a Golden Knights comeback. As loud and rowdy as the opposing Mammoth fans were in Vegas's barn, they were eventually silenced by three third-period goals. The result? A 4-2 Golden Knights victory as Vegas exited T-Mobile Arena with a 1-0 lead on Sunday.
That's great news for the Golden Knights, especially with their depth scoring. They got goals from Colton Sissons and Nic Dowd (who still wants to end Logan Cooley's life, by the way), boasting lower-line power that the team desperately needed in previous playoff runs.
The Golden Knights look to keep the mojo flowing on Tuesday against the Mammoth. The team wants to back Utah and its motley crew of rowdy fans into a corner by taking a 2-0 lead. But how can the team do that with a different cast of characters? Why, let's look at three players that can make a difference on Tuesday.
1.) Tomas Hertl
Tomas Hertl hasn't had a goal since March 4, marking a massive cold streak for the Czech Olympian. He also hasn't done much for the Golden Knights in the postseason, leaving some fans wondering whether he'll break out of his slumber.
What better way to do that than to go big in Game 2? The Golden Knights got a power play goal in Game 1, en route to their 4-2 victory. While Mark Stone got the goal, it's Hertl's turn to contribute to the scoring.
2.) Ivan Barbashev
Game 1 saw Ivan Barbashev explode for eight hits, jolting a Golden Knights team needing a spark all season long. He also added an empty-netter to cap off a productive night. In turn, the Golden Knights defeated the Mammoth and carried their momentum to Game 2.
Barbashev must carry that hard-hitting nature over to Tuesday's game. The Golden Knights could use an energy boost against a fast-moving Mammoth team. That way, they can rattle Utah and carry the play later in the game.
3.) Mitch Marner
Mitch Marner has heard endless chirps from jilted Toronto fans about his playoff failures. They've hounded him abouthow he disappeared when the lights got bright, saying that the Markham native was a massive disappointment. Well, Game 2 is the perfect chance for him to tell those critics this:
Believe it or not, this is applicable for Golden Knights fans to use against rowdy Mammoth fans at T-Mobile Arena.
Anyways, Mammoth fans don't care about the narrative surrounding Marner's playoff history. However, Toronto will, which is why the Canadian Olympian needs a big game. He exited Game 1 with an assist, putting him in the right direction. Tuesday will be the ultimate opportunity for him to change the narrative for good.
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