Vegas Golden Knights — Somewhat Unconventional and a Little Sloppy

Last night at T-Mobile, the VGK returned to the ice for the first time in 123 days to face the Anaheim Ducks, who haven’t played in 310 days. What could we expect, especially considering that there were no exhibition games played and it was a truncated training camp for the teams to work on their timing and chemistry?

Well, just 2:13 into the game, the VGK had already scored two goals and appeared to be on their way to another easy victory over Anaheim, whom they’ve dominated in their brief history with 10 wins in 12 games. But not so fast. Anaheim responded with two goals of their own in the middle of the first period and the game was now tied at 2-2. Both Anaheim goals were scored by Max Comtois, who in 2 seasons with the Ducks had scored only seven goals. It was also Max’s first 2-goal game.

Vegas eventually won the game by a final score of 5-2, as they sandwiched Anaheim’s 2 goals with 3 goals of their own in the 3rd period for an important win.

This 2021 season is different than any previous NHL season. The 8 teams in the Western Division will play only one another, thus reducing travel time and unnecessary exposure to the coronavirus.

This makes every game a 4-pointer. Only 4 teams from the West will qualify for the playoffs and there will be no wild cards. The somewhat soft Pacific Division that the VGK has feasted on in the first 3 seasons isn’t around this season. Vegas won the Pacific Division title 2 times in their first 3 seasons. The addition of St. Louis and Colorado into this new division will make the VGK’s path to a playoff spot and a run to the Stanley Cup uphill battle at the very least.

It was a sloppy game for the majority of the first period after the VGK’s first 2 goals and the entire second period. The quick start was most likely due to pure adrenaline as the players were pumped to be back at the Fortress. The difference was that the usual 18,000-plus fans keeping the players juiced up to put the game away early were absent. That showed, as they took their foot off the gas pedal and let the Ducks back in the game. I firmly believe that, with 18,000 fans blowing the roof off of T-Mobile with the team’s first 2 goals just 2:13 into the first period, this game would have been decided early. Vegas lost focus and had 2 extended periods of playing time where they didn’t even register one shot on goal. The home-ice advantage was clearly missing last night.

When I included “Somewhat Unconventional” in my title, it concerned the VGK’s opening-night lineup that will most likely be the norm for a while as they’re pressed up against the salary cap. A usual NHL lineup features 12 forwards and 6 defensemen with 2 goaltenders. Once in a while, a coach will dress 7 defensemen and 11 forwards. Last night, Peter DeBoer, whose hands are tied because of the salary cap, had no other choice but to dress only 5 defensemen and 13 forwards. With a shortened season and lots of back-to-back games, this has the potential to be a disaster waiting to happen. Keep in mind that one of the 5 defenseman is a rookie for the most part. Zach Whitecloud has played in only 16 NHL games in his career. Last night it didn’t come into play, but this was against an inferior Anaheim team. The 13th forward that DeBoer dressed was Keegan Kolesar, who happened to be on the ice for both Anaheim goals. He was the only VGK forward who was minus for the game. His insertion into the lineup did prevent DeBoer from having a consistent flow of 4 lines with the same 12 forwards.

Granted, all 4 lines scored last night, if you want to count Alex Tuch’s empty-net goal as part of that equation.

The original #1 line of Marchessault-Karlsson-Reilly Smith was reunited and they opened the scoring when Marchy ripped a wicked snap shot over Gibson’s left shoulder. The Meat Grinder line of Nosek-Carrier-Reaves was a force on the forecheck all game, creating their usual havoc, which led to Nosek’s goal that made the score 2-0. It came from an assist from Ryan Reaves with his back to the play and a pass between his legs to Nosek who went to the front of the net.

It took newly named Captain Mark Stone to get his team back to playing VGK hockey when he scored the winning goal just 49 seconds into the 3rd period that saw Vegas put the game away. Stone also set up Max Pacioretty for the 4th VGK goal. Stone wound up with 1 goal and 1 assist and a career-high 5 hits on the night. If anyone questioned naming Stone as the very first captain of the VGK, last night’s performance would have put that argument to rest.

My 3 Stars of the Game: Mark Stone (1G, the game winner, and 1A), Max Pacioretty (1G and 5 SOG), the Meat Grinder Line of Nosek-Carrier-Reaves (who combined for 1G 1A and a combined +3 rating to go along with their impressive forechecking)

Next game is Saturday Jan. 16 vs. the same Anaheim Ducks at T-Mobile 7 p.m.

Remember, last night’s game wasn’t a shutout, so no Krispy Kreme donuts, but you can get a free Jumbo Jack from any Jack in the Box location in Las Vegas with a purchase of a large drink.

Your comments and opinions are welcome here at Las Vegas Advisor or you can contact me directly [email protected] on my Facebook page or the Facebook page of Vegas Hockey Guy

It’s good to be back.

Marchy’s opening goal

Nosek’s goal

Stone’s winning goal