Knights on Ice — VGK Sneaks By Anaheim, but Not COVID

The VGK sneaked by the Anaheim Ducks 5-4 after blowing a 3-goal lead in the 3rd period. But the celebration didn’t last long; immediately after the game, the team went into COVID protocol once again. It was almost like the team knew what was in store for them. They seemed to lose their focus in a game they had complete control of until they put it on cruise control and allowed Anaheim to score 3 third period goals in a span of just 4:57 to tie the game at 4-4.

Rookie sensation Zach Whitecloud saved the VGK from averting a loss that would have been devastating when he scored the game-winning goal with 3:56 left to go. The Anaheim Ducks have been averaging just 1.85 goals per in their first 13 games exploded for 4 goals with 3 of them in the 3rd period. Good teams like the VGK, now 8-1-1 in their first 10 games, are supposed to lock things down with that big of a lead, so seeing Anaheim put 4 behind Fleury wasn’t only unusual, but baffling as well. Fleury came into last night’s game with a 1.25 GAA. In his previous 4 games, Fleury gave up 5 goals, so even though he was pinged for 4 goals, it spiked his GAA to a still-respectable 1.80.

Chandler Stephenson opened the scoring by putting one behind Anaheim goaltender Ryan Miller, who was sensational in goal, even considering that he allowed 5 goals. He had a number of 10-bell saves that denied shots by Mark Stone and Max Pacioretty that appeared to be headed into the net. Stephenson’s goal was his 3rd goal in the last 2 games; the #1 line of Stone-Pacioretty-Stephenson has scored 13 of the VGK’s 37 goals this season. They’ve also accumulated 33 points.

Mark Stone had an assist in last night’s game for his 400th NHL point. Stone leads the team in scoring with 89 points (29 goals, 60 assists) in 93 games since being traded from the Ottawa Senators on Feb. 25, 2019. Stone also leads the team in scoring this season with 15 points (3G 12A).

The tres amigos/roommates all got their names on the scoresheet with Whitecloud’s winning goal, Cody Glass’ 2 assists, and Dylan Coghlan’s first NHL point with an assist on Chandler Stephenson’s opening goal.

The team has canceled a scheduled practice today and the status of Thursday’s game in the rematch vs. Anaheim is unknown at this time.

Vegas remains unbeaten at T-Mobile in regulation time. Their only blemish was the OT loss to St. Louis. Right after that game, Vegas went into their first COVID protocol and 3 games had to be rescheduled. We shall see if this protocol will cause any future games to be postponed. The NHL is in danger of running out of off days for the multiple teams that have been placed in protocol.

The depth of this team is evident. They keep on rolling along in spite of missing their top defensive pairing of Petrangelo and McNabb.

This is unconfirmed, but it could be that Tomas Nosek is the player that has caused the protocol: He was pulled after the 2nd period and never returned. Which could be the main reason for the team losing its focus in the 3rd period.

My 3 Stars of the Game: Zach Whitecloud (GWG on his only shot on goal for the game), Chandler Stephenson (1G 1A), Cody Glass (2A).

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Stephenson’s goal

Ryan Miller’s big save on Pacioretty

Whitecloud’s winning goal