The Golden Knights encountered the former Knight, Michael Amadio on Friday afternoon while facing off against the Ottawa Senators. After a memorable win in the last game, high hopes surrounded the Vegas hockey club. The Senators and the Las Vegas Golden Knights supplied an intense game, with physical battles for possession.
Period One
The game began with the Ottawa Senators fierce on the four-check. The Golden Knights seemed disheveled as their opponent opened so aggressively. The Senators, along with former Knight Michael Amadio, scored twice soon after the start of the first. The Golden Knights had trouble starting their game offensively until they were gifted a power play.
After tasting a few scoring opportunities, Nicolas Roy scored soon after the power play ended. Only twenty seconds later, Nicolas Hague threw a puck on the net from the top point, deflected off a Senator, and into the net. Approximately 50 seconds later, the Senators sent a bouncing puck through a screen and past Adin Hill, taking back their lead.
Period Two
Period two in game eight of the 2024-2025 NHL season continued for the Ottawa Senators and Las Vegas Golden Knights. With the score 3-2, the Knights still had yet to fully submerge themselves in the game. The Knights were struggling to control the neutral zone and allowed multiple turnovers.
However, the pressure on the puck battles and the breakout rushes were palpable. Ivan Barbashev evened the score 3-3 seven minutes into the second period. The Knights gained the upper hand on offensive zone time in the second. Despite this, Brayden McNabb drew a delay-of-game penalty and provided the Senators with the man advantage. The Senators capitalized, and once again had the lead.
Period Three
The final period in the Golden Knights vs. Ottawa Senators game was nail-biting, as the Vegas battled to even the score. Ottawa gained another chance to spread their lead when Brayden McNabb drew a holding penalty. Thankfully, the Knights were able to maintain their defense.
Ottawa returned the favor and sent the Knights to the power play, allowing Tomas Hertl to even the score. The game was now 4-4 and the clock winding down, the Golden Knights erupted with an offensive push, scoring twice more before the final horn. Keegan Kolesar, Ivan Barbashev, and Tomas Hertl all scored within one minute and twenty-six seconds, turning the game’s theme from “catch-up” to a washout.
Golden Knights Still Undefeated In the Fortress
The Golden Knights remain undefeated in the fortress. Tonight’s game showed strong resistance from both teams. While the Golden Knights were off to a slow start, they continued to push back regardless of the score. The VGK were still hard on the offense when they earned the opportunity, were forceful in the puck battles, and broke up countless plays. With the hopeful return of William Karlsson today, the Golden Knights are expected to fortify both lines. Even though high expectations are placed on the Golden Knights, it is always a regretted mistake to doubt the beast of the West.
