The Golden Knights(3-0) have become just the fourth team to start the year 3-0-0 in three straight seasons. The San Jose Sharks, Minnesota Wild, and the Chicago Blackhawks are the only other teams to win there first three games in three straight seasons. The Golden Knights hit the road for the first time this season and travel across the country to the nations capital to take on Alexander Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals(0-1).
The Knights will see a familiar face in the opposing net as they will take on former Golden Knight, Logan Thompson. Thompson played four seasons in goal for the Golden Knights before being traded to Washington in June for third round picks in the 2024 and 2025 NHL draft.
In the opening minutes of the game, the Golden Knights give up a quick goal to Jakub Vrana. However, the Knights’ powerplay came through once again as Victor Olofsson scored his third goal of the year, assisted by a beautiful pass from Thomas Hertl.
However once the second period started, it seemed to be the Golden Knights toughest period thus far this season. The Capitals scored three goals in the first 7 minutes of the period, with Tom Wilson, Aliaksei Protas, and Jacob Chychrun all finding the back of the net to give the Capitals a 4-1 lead.
The first line for Vegas slows the bleeding down after a nice passing play from Barbeshev to Stone, and Stone finds Eichel for another wide open net goal to cut the lead in half 4-2. With this goal Jack Eichel currently leads the NHL in points with 8.
The Golden Knights could not find there rhythm in the third period, as Washington dominated puck battles and was the more aggressive team all night. On top of all of that, Logan Thompson in his Washington debut was solid in net. Thompson made timely saves stopping a couple break aways from Mark Stone and Alexander Holtz and finished the night blocking 24/26 shots. Giving the Golden Knights there first loss of the season.
It is worth noting that Victor Olofson, uncomfortably went back to the Knights locker room late in the third period with an apparent lower leg injury. Olofson was seen leaving the Golden Knights locker room in crunches.
The Golden Knights will have the opportunity to bounce back this Thursday in Tampa Bay against the Lightning. Puck drop for that game will be at 4pm pacific time.
