After winning their first three games at home to initiate the new season, the Vegas Golden Knights went on the road to Washington, D.C., to take on the newly improved Washington Capitals.
You know those Capitals with Alex Ovechkin, who is chasing the infamous Wayne Gretzky’s goal-scoring record. Mr. Ovechkin could not turn on the goal light in this contest, but he helped with two of his teammates’ tallies. That put him at the magical number of 700 career assists.
Vegas Golden Knights could match up with the Capitals
The first period was evenly played, with both teams scoring a goal. However, the middle stanza hurt the Vegas team’s chances. Within three minutes and seven seconds, the Caps managed three goals, putting the Golden Knights in a tight spot.
While Jack Eichel was able to score about a minute after the Capitals’ last goal, it wasn’t enough. The teams went scoreless in the third period of play.
The shots on goal were pretty even, with the Golden Knights collecting 26 and the home team firing 22. While faceoffs don’t always tell the game’s tale, it was evident that the Golden Knights were outplayed in the faceoff circle. Washington had a 54.5 percent advantage, while Vegas managed only 45.5 percent.
Logan Thompson played against his former team
Thompson made 24 saves on 26 shots with an impressive save percentage of .923. His 2.01 goals-against average showed his ex-teammates that he was out to display his goaltending prowess. He got traded to Washington over the summer for two third-round picks.
He was voted the game’s third star, with Ovechkin receiving the first star and Jakob Chychrun, in his first year with his third team, receiving the second star nomination.
Mark Stone continues his excellent start
Stone added two assists in this game to give him six points (2-G, 4-A) in his first six games. Now, if he can stay healthy this season, he can be a game-changer for the Golden Knights. That first line of Stone, Eichel and Barbashev has really clicked offensively.
Once William Karlsson returns, head coach Bruce Cassidy will have to make a big decision regarding his first-line players. Cassidy admitted that he may have relied upon his first line too much in this game. His post-game interview recapped the loss.
Vegas Golden Knights must now face two more tough teams on the road
It doesn’t get any easier for the Vegas club as they go on to face the Tampa Bay Lightning on Thursday, Oct. 17th, and then the reigning Cup champions Florida Panthers on Saturday.
The Golden Knights will return home for a four-game homestand on Tuesday, the 22nd. After a loss on the road, it is time to regroup, watch some game films, and improve for the next game. As the Golden Knights know, it is a long season, and winning takes hard work and dedication.
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