Let me be honest for a second. I'm too tired to write a post about how the Vegas Golden Knights got shut out in Game 6. That was the dagger in the proverbial heartbreak for Golden Knights fans everywhere. They were hoping for a better outcome after winning the Pacific Division and making the Stanley Cup Final for the third time in their first nine seasons.
Think about it. How many teams can say that they've gone on such a run to start their franchise history? Not many can say that they did all of these things, which makes it even better. You add a Stanley Cup in 2023 while turning your city into a premier hockey destination and *BOOM* you're hated by 31 other NHL teams.
Unfortunately, the Golden Knights were the victims of a fairy tale, watching the NHL's good guys beat them in six games. The Hurricanes win the Stanley Cup with a wave of story lines, leaving Vegas to wonder if this is it.
Personally, I disagree with this sentiment. The Golden Knights have plenty of starpower and Kelly McCrimmon can lure in any superstar that he desires. In the meantime, let's look back—reluctantly—at three disastrous moments that signalled the impending doom of the Golden Knights. This is for all of the Golden Knights haters out there, so relish in this moment!
1.) John Tortorella's unsuccessful goaltender interference challenge in Game 2
Some people will point to Game 2's failed goaltender interference challenge as the turning point of the series. Ivan Barbashev runs into Frederik Andersen on what appears to be a go-ahead call. However, it's waved off and the Hurricanes get an ensuing power play, which... they score on.
This resulted in Carolina getting all the momentum in the series. They win Game 2 and head to Las Vegas with more confidence. While they didn't win the next game, what happened in that game set the tone for the remainder of the series.
2.) The Game 3 third period collapse
Whenever you allow three third period goals in a quick fashion, you're bound to get ESPN's announcers turning into Randy Marsh in front of a computer. That was the case with Game 3, where the Golden Knights struggled to make successful exits and keep the puck safe.
In turn, the game went to double overtime and the Golden Knights were tired. While Shea Theodore ultimately won Game 3 for the Golden Knights, the game was a long-term loss for Vegas. Think of it as winning the battle, but losing the war, especially in this sense.
3.) Rod Brind'Amour switching out Frederik Andersen for Brandon Bussi
Game 3 saw Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind'Amour pull Frederik Andersen for Brandon Bussi in the third period. Part of that third period comeback came from Bussi's incredible play, where he abused his aggressive style to foil many Golden Knights chances.
Overall, Bussi was strong in his short stint, posting a GAA of 1.60 and a save percentage of .931 in four games. Suddenly, sports media has a story they can get behind with the former Chipotle worker, leading Carolina to its second Stanley Cup in franchise history.
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