The Golden Knights (38-18-6) are striving for their fifth consecutive win at T-Mobile Arena as they wrap up their longest homestand against Pacific Division rivals, the Los Angeles Kings (32-20-9). With the Stanley Cup playoffs fast approaching, every point is crucial as the season winds down. The Knights currently lead the Pacific Division with 82 points, while the Kings sit third in the division with 73 points. For the Kings to have any chance of winning the Pacific, this game is pivotal.
This marks the fourth meeting between these two Pacific Division rivals this season, and it will be the final match-up of the regular season. After the Kings defeated the Knights 5-2 in Los Angeles a couple of weeks ago, the Kings lead the season series 2-1.
The Kings came out strong in the first period, dominating puck battles along the boards, and it seemed like they had an extra pep in their step to start the game. They opened the scoring with Anze Kopitar, who tipped a shot in front of the net for his 16th goal of the season, bringing his total career goals against Vegas to 16.
The Kings maintained their momentum, with Brandt Clarke driving to the net and finishing with a beautiful backhand move to put LA up by two goals. This was the first time the Knights had trailed by two goals during their five-game homestand.
Just 1:56 into the second period, Quinton Byfield scored his 14th goal of the season after a shot from Kevin Fiala deflected off Byfield’s skate and past Adin Hill, extending the Kings’ lead to 3-0.
The Knights were being outbattled by the Kings and desperately needed a spark. In an attempt to energize the team right after Byfield’s goal, Nicolas Hague dropped the gloves with Samuel Helenius.
The fight certainly energized the crowd and boosted the Knights, who responded with two goals from Nic Roy (8) and Tomas Hertl (25) to only trail by one (3-2).
Although the Knights had momentum on their side, Warren Foegele of the Kings silenced the crowd at T-Mobile Arena with a beautiful goal. He chipped the puck over the glove-side shoulder of Adin Hill, extending the Kings’ lead back to two goals.
The third period was quite eventful, with a total of five goals scored by both teams. The Kings received goals from Trevor Moore (13) and Adrian Kempe, which extended their lead to 6-5.
However, Brandon Saad managed to score, and Tomas Hertl added two more goals, with one of his goals coming with just 2:22 left on the clock, marking his first hat trick with the Knights. The score remained 6-5 late in the period.
The thrilling comeback story will have to wait, as the Kings manage to hold on in the final minutes of the game, defeating the Knights for the third consecutive time.
After the game, Bruce Cassidy addressed the team’s lack of effort in the first period, acknowledging that some of the responsibility falls on the coaches, including himself.
The Golden Knights are set to hit the road again, traveling to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to face Sidney Crosby and the Penguins for the second time in four days in hopes to get a bounce back win.
Stay tuned to Vegas Sports Today for more updates on Golden Knights hockey in the future.
