Remember when critics and podcasters berated the Vegas Golden Knights for not beating any good teams, especially Eastern Conference teams? They pointed out how the Golden Knights were swept in the season series by the Washington Capitals and Carolina Hurricanes. Jack Eichel and company must've thought to themselves...
"Why not shut these critics and podcasters up with a win against the Stanley Cup champions?"
Well, they took a puck and crammed it down their throats, defeating the Florida Panthers, 4-1. On a day when two teams got their Super Bowl berths, the Golden Knights were front and center in Las Vegas.
The party got started with Brayden McNabb scoring in the first period. The defenseman had a nice setup from Kolesar past the faceoff circle to break the ice, putting the Golden Knights up, 1-0. Kolesar would grab another assist in the second period. This time, he set up Tanner Pearson, who fired a wrist shot from the point to put the Golden Knights up, 2-0.
Tanner Pearson extends the Golden Knights' lead 🚨
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) January 27, 2025
📺: Sportsnet pic.twitter.com/YWoFkLBQyM
Anton Lundell got on the board for the Panthers in the third period, thanks to help from Eetu Luostarinen and Uvis Balinksis (try saying those names three times fast). However, Eichel did Eichel things, where he sped past Spencer Knight for his 15th goal. Tomas Hertl had fun (as always) with his 18th goal, adding an empty netter for the cherry on top.
Adin Hill was also a major part of the Golden Knights winning on Sunday, stopping 32 of 33 shots. Knight stopped 22 of 25 shots, earning the dubious distinction as the losing goaltender. The Panthers fell to 29-19-3, while Vegas improved their record to 31-15-4, jumping back into first place with 64 points.
What's next for the Vegas Golden Knights and Florida Panthers?
The Vegas Golden Knights continue a tough four-game stretch with a Tuesday matinee against the Dallas Stars. The Golden Knights will seek revenge for Friday's close 4-3 loss to the Stars. This time, the contest will be at T-Mobile Arena, where Vegas is 19-6-1 for the season.
As for the Florida Panthers? They're taking their talents back to South Beach for a Wednesday home game against the Los Angeles Kings. The Panthers are also looking for revenge, this time against the dudes from Hollywood after losing last Wednesday, 2-1. Can Matthew Tkachuk and the defending Stanley Cup champions exact their revenge? Stay tuned.
The Golden Knights needed a big game to shut skeptical podcasters and critics up. Some people were whetting their appetite for a loss to the defending Stanley Cup champions, preparing another hit piece on Jack Eichel and company. However, that day never came. That's thanks to Eichel continuing his career year. The U.S. representative for the 4 Nations Face-Off has four goals in his last five contests, showing why he's vital to the team's success.
On top of that, the victory is a nice confidence-builder for a team that struggled in January. The Golden Knights needed a response after the Edmonton Oilers took over the Pacific Division lead entering Sunday and they got it in a resounding way. Perhaps that'll quiet the whispers down to pure peacefulness and bliss.