After a disappointing trip out East, the Golden Knights hoped to claim another home game win for the 2024-2025 NHL season. The Golden Knights had one of their best games in the season Monday night after a wash-out of their rival. The Knights improved in many areas of the game, despite the temporary loss of three formidable players. Let’s examine how the Vegas Golden Knights earned their win against the Kings.
Period One
The Golden Knights started the game against the L.A. Kings in the fortress at 11:00 p.m. EST. William Karlsson may soon return to the ice after a morning skate with the club. The fire extinguisher for the Knights is certainly missed after the upset of three losses in the East. Victor Olofsson and Shea Theodore were missing from the game due to a lower-body injury (Olofsson) and an illness for Theodore. Kaedan Korczak made his season debut in place of Theodore. Despite the lack of three influential players for the Knights, period one of the game was breakneck.
The Kings held the higher shots on goal early in the first, but the tide quickly turned in Monday’s matchup. The Kings weakened against the offensive breaks from the VGK. The Kings eventually offered two power plays to the Golden Knights. Tomas Hertl scored early on the first power play, throwing Vegas on the board first.
After a quick turnaround, Vegas was awarded another power play, where Tomas Hertl and Mark Stone (Stone credited) both tipped the puck into the net from a shot from Noah Hanifin. The game only intensified as the Knights rode the high from their 2-0 lead. Pavel Dorofeyev finished the period with another point on the board for the Golden Knights. Period one against the Kings ended 3-0.
Period Two
The Golden Knights were consistently all over the L.A. Kings in period two. From puck drop to the end of the period, Vegas showed improvement in areas that severely needed it. Vegas jumped on loose pucks and won the majority of puck battles in the corner. Multiple lines from Vegas were showing a substantial upgrade from past games played. Another area that needed attention for the Golden Knights was the penalty kill.
Vegas caught two back-to-back penalties, one being a double minor (four minutes). Six minutes with a man down, the Knights and their new Goaltender Ilya Samsonov killed the penalties. However, off the faceoff, the Kings were finally able to get on the board (3-1).
Period Three
Goaltender Ilya Samsonov was fantastic in the matchup. He made impeccable saves throughout the game and continued to do so until the end. Alexander Holtz scored early in the final period; his first as a Golden Knight to make it 4-1. The Knights have focused on protecting their lead and closing out games better. They did that and more with another goal from Tomas Hertl making the score 5-1.
The Golden Knights did not relinquish the pressure on the Kings and were able to further their lead with a goal from Ivan Barbashev (6-1). Mark Stone, Jack Eichel, and Ivan Barbashev have become new linemates and a successful line at that. Much of the Knights’ achievements are owed to that top line.
It’s Only Up From Here
The Golden Knights played a nearly perfect game in the fortress on Monday night, shutting down plays, forcing turnovers, and better sustaining their offensive rushes. With a disappointing three games on the road for Vegas, a high-scoring win was needed. To add to the excitement, William Karlsson is looking to join the season within the week, adding one of the most consistent players back on the Vegas bench. As the Golden Knights continue in the 2024-2025 NHL season, their home winning streak has not yet been broken.
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