Yes, hockey is back in Las Vegas and not a moment too soon.
In just three short years, the Vegas Golden Knights have had a roller coaster of emotions and not only the organization and players, but the fans as well.
In year one, there were zero expectations and we all know how that turned out. The result gave the players and their fans great expectations for year two and we all know how the “not-a-major” game crushed those hopes. The players had visions of completing what they fell three games shy of doing in year one and the fans were poised for a long playoff run. But then, Cody Eakin was penalized for a play that happens multiple times in just about every NHL game and is never called. (Old Man) Joe Thornton cried to the referees, who were thus erroneously pressured into calling a penalty that changed the entire complexion of the Western Conference playoffs.
But we moved on — at least that’s what the players have been saying since they returned from their extended summer vacation.
Last night in the VGK’s game against the Arizona Coyotes, it looked like both the players and fans have truly moved on. Arizona led in the game twice, 1-0 and 2-1, before Max Pacioretty took control, Reilly Smith and Brayden McNabb scored shorthanded goals, and Cody Eakin also scored to complete the 6-2 win for Vegas.
The 17,767 fans who filled every seat at T-Mobile were more than ready to get the 2019-2020 season off to a roaring start. Yes, there were 267 fans above capacity for a pre-season game, unheard of in many of the other 30 NHL venues.
The crowd was in mid-season form and their energy made a meaningless game exciting for the players, who were engaged early on. Pacioretty, who’s not noted for bone-crushing hits, had one early on and that had the crowd buzzing, but he had a lot more in store for the hometown fans: a four-point night that included a hat trick (three goals) and one assist, while playing with Reilly Smith and the new kid on the Strip, Cody Glass.
The coaching staff made it clear by last night’s lineup that if Cody Glass doesn’t make this year’s roster, it will be his own fault. Coach Gallant put Cody Glass on the first line with two seasoned veterans in Patches and Smith. Glass didn’t disappoint, picking up an assist on Patches’ third goal and he looked totally comfortable on the big stage.
Make no mistake, the first two lines are set in stone. The opening for Glass is centering the third line between Alex Tuch and maybe Valentin Zykov or Brandon Pirri, or even Eakin on the wing instead of the center position. The value of Cody Glass in the lineup, in my opinion, can only happen on the third line. He’d be lost on the fourth; he’s a passer and a setup man, not a grinder where fourth-line players are needed. Plus, his keen hockey sense, even at the tender age on 20, is outstanding and Alex Tuch and any of the other possible wingers to complete the third line will benefit from Glass’ untapped talent.
If he somehow self-destructs in training camp, which I don’t see happening, he’ll be better off playing with the Chicago Wolves instead of watching from the press box. McPhee likes to overcook rookies, but the Glass entrée is ready to be put on the menu. He’s the future of the VGK and with cap issues this season, he helps in that department. Eakin’s $3.85 million contract and Ryan Reaves’ $2.775 million contract expire at the conclusion of this season and the team can’t afford those going forward.
Cody Glass also won 10 of the 15 faceoffs he took, for an impressive 67% win rate — not too shabby for a 20-year-old performing under the bright lights of the Strip. Is Cody Glass Eakin’s replacement for the 2020-2021 season? Who knows? But it sure looks like that’s what the upper management vision is.
Likewise, is Keegan Kolesar the player who’ll fill the void if Reaves won’t take a home-team discount to stay and play in Las Vegas? KK was a force last night on the ice. Both Reaves and Kolesar are exactly the same size, height and weight wise, and last night KK got time not only on the penalty kill, but also on the power play with his big body presence in front of the net. KK got 12:50 in ice time, delivered the most hits in the game with 5, and picked up 10 minutes in penalties, including a 5-minute fighting major and a 5-minute charging penalty when he crushed Aaron Ness in center ice. In defense of KK, Ness lost the puck and was slightly bent over when KK sent him to La La Land. Ness left the game and never returned.
Post-game, Gallant commented on the crowd and the players feeding off of its energy.
“It’s incredible. I expected it tonight, because we’ve had that for two years in a row, but to get that many people at our game tonight, it makes our games a lot better. You saw the players tonight. It was a good atmosphere. It wasn’t like the first exhibition game. They played hard. It’s fun to play like that. All the guys on the bench were pretty excited.”
About Malcolm Subban in goal, Gallant said, “Malcolm wasn’t supposed to play tonight. Fergie [20-year-old Dylan Ferguson] was going to, but he didn’t feel that great, so Malcolm went in there and it’s actually good. The more Malcolm can play in preseason, the better we’re going to be. It was good for him to play tonight and he played a pretty solid game. Didn’t like the first goal and I’m sure he didn’t either, but after that he was pretty solid.”
My 3 stars of the game: Max Pacioretty ( 3 goals, 1 assist), Cody Eakin (1 goal, 1 assist), the T-Mobile crowd, in mid-season form and happy HOCKEY IS BACK.
The next pre-season game is tomorrow night at 6 p.m.; it’ll be show on KTNV channel 13 here in Las Vegas.
And here are the videos:
Max Pacioretty Part I and Part 2
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A comment I received.
Interesting that Subban was not supposed to start, I didn’t know that. As always, great work Joe!
A comment I received
Interesting that Subban was not supposed to start, I didn’t know that. As always, great work Joe!
Comment from Lynda
Joe, so happy you’re back! Great reporting. 🤠❤️🏒