Entering the game 0-3 against the Bakersfield Condors this season, the Henderson Silver Knights were hungry for a win. And that is exactly what transpired. With Carl Lindbom back in goal, and goals by five different Knights, Henderson won 5-2.
Lindbom started in goal for Henderson. He returned to the team after securing his first NHL victory with the Golden Knights against the San Jose Sharks on Nov. 29. Lindbom saved seven shots on goal in the first period. Tanner Laczynski scored 3:31 into the game, giving the Silver Knights an early 1-0 lead. Henderson survived a 4-on-4 when Joe Fleming and Bakersfield’s Josh Brown were penalized for two minutes for roughing. Matyas Sapovaliv gave the Condors their first power play after he tripped the goaltender, but Henderson killed it with ease.
Henderson extended its lead to 2-0 in the second period. Ben Hemmerling scored off an assist from Kai Uchacz and Jeremy Davies. In less than two minutes, the Condors got on the board with their first goal of the game. Henderson strengthened its offense and had major puck control halfway through the period. While the shots were constant, the Knights couldn’t find the back of the net on back-to-back power plays. That changed quickly when Mitch McLain won the battle in front of the net, giving the Silver Knights a 3-1 lead. The goal came at the cost of Fleming and Riley Stillman on the Condors, who were penalized 10 minutes each for misconduct. The Condors had two power plays to end the period and score on one, coming within one goal of the Silver Knights, 3-2.
Bakersfield tested Henderson’s defense to start the third period. The Condors had four consecutive shots on a power play, and Lindbom saved them all. The Silver Knights gained back control of the puck, and Trevor Connelly scored. With 12:33 left in the game, Henderson had a 4-2 lead. The teams exchanged control throughout the rest of the period, and each killed a power play. Bakersfield pulled their goalie, Dylan Coghlan won a face-off, and scored an empty netter.
Lindbom finished the game with 26 saves. The Silver Knights outshot the Condors 31-26. The five goals scored are the most Henderson has scored against the Condors this season.
Listen to Mitch McLain’s postgame interview.
Listen to Carl Lindbom’s postgame interview.
Listen to Ryan Craig’s postgame interview.
