Kicking off their two-game swing through the Pacific Northwest, the Vegas Golden Knights picked up a valuable two points with a 3-2 victory over the Vancouver Canucks. In a game dominated by the visiting Golden Knights, the Canucks proved that they will not be a pushover this season and made Vegas work for their three goals.
Golden Knights get contributions up and down the lineup
On Sunday night, the Golden Knights played a complete game on both ends of the ice and got contributions from three separate lines. Vegas’ goals came from Mitch Marner, Victor Olofsson, and Marc Gatcomb, who had the winner late in the second period. After a lackluster two periods against a stronger Anaheim Ducks team, the Golden Knights went into Vancouver well aware of how productive the Canucks had been through their first three outings. Ultimately, Vegas held the Canucks to just two goals, the lowest total in a game this season.
Meanwhile, Adin Hill skated in his first game of the regular season and turned away 18 shots, finishing the night with a .900 SV%. Altogether, the Golden Knights threw everything at the Canucks, who blocked 20 shots and spent much of the game hemmed in their own end. Despite a convincing 5-2 win over the Chicago Blackhawks to open the season, Sunday's performance suggested the Anaheim loss may have been an early-season hiccup. In addition, Olofsson scored in his second game this season and continues to build the case that he is a solid replacement for Pavel Dorofeyev.
Golden Knights can't let up against the Kraken
Next, the Golden Knights will visit the Seattle Kraken, who have scored 12 goals in two contests against the Calgary Flames, the frontrunner for the last spot in the Pacific Division. Yes, it’s only been three games, but Vegas is holding a wildcard spot in the West, since the Edmonton Oilers sit atop the division with the undefeated Ducks and Sharks holding the other top spots. As crazy as it sounds, these Pacific Division matchups are really four-point games and just as important in early October as they are in January or in early April.
Recently, the Canucks and Kraken have been viewed as easier opponents, but Vancouver has proven through their opening games that this year will be different, just like Seattle has. The Golden Knights need to bring the same effort they showed on Sunday against the Kraken to secure four points on this mini road trip. Not only will it help in the standings, but stringing together two wins like this will go a long way toward building confidence. Moreover, Vegas will look to avoid a slow starts that can plague teams coming off a short summer following a run to the Stanley Cup Final.
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