Well, you knew it would eventually happen, dear reader. It's near impossible to go 41-0-0 at home in a regular season, which the Vegas Golden Knights learned the hard way. They were blown out by the Carolina Hurricanes, 5-2, handing Vegas their first home loss this season. Let's just say the loss was ugly for the home crowd tonight.
The Hurricanes outshot the Golden Knights, 27-17, through the first two periods. Despite allowing four goals and being pulled in the second period, Adin Hill wasn't the problem. It was an overall poor performance by the home team. They had more penalty minutes than the Hurricanes after two periods (six to two) and had problems with the puck all night. Take this goal by Jesper Kotkaniemi in the first period as a perfect example.
JACKPOT! Kotkaniemi gets on the scoreboard!@Canes | #RaiseUp pic.twitter.com/bROtF1jLPQ
— Hurricanes On FanDuel Sports Network (@FDSN_Hurricanes) November 12, 2024
That was the night fans were subjected to at T-Mobile Arena on Monday. The Hurricanes sped across the ice and outmaneuvered the Golden Knights at every turn. Nicolas Roy had a horrible giveaway that left Hill vulnerable off the rebound, with the Finnish forward punching it in for Carolina.
Simply put, Vegas was outplayed in nearly every aspect from high-danger chances (8-2 after the second period in favor of Carolina) to shooting. The Golden Knights even allowed their first short-handed goal of the season, where Jordan Staal pounced on a giveaway from Shea Theodore. Overall, it was a night to forget as the Golden Knights suffered their first home loss.
What's next for the Vegas Golden Knights?
After the home blunder, the Vegas Golden Knights will set off for a two-game road trip throughout the western part of the United States. That begins with a Wednesday matinee against the Anaheim Ducks. After that will be a contest against the Utah Hockey Club on Friday.
As for the Carolina Hurricanes? They'll finish their three-game road trip on Wednesday against that same "Hockey Club." After that, they return home to face the Ottawa Senators, a middle-of-the-pack team in the Atlantic Division. The Hurricanes improved to 11-3-0 and have 22 points. Meanwhile, the Golden Knights fall to 9-4-2 and stay at 20 points. They remain one point back of the Los Angeles Kings in the Pacific Division.
It's okay to let out the emotion, dear reader. Tonight is officially over. Let out the emotion and scream from the top of your lungs. If you need to use a smash room tomorrow, please do so. Tonight was a nightmare from start to finish.
At least Jack Eichel scored a goal tonight. Also, Akira Schmid looked good tonight. Small victories, people.