Blog

02/12 – Winner of Adam Kutner Giveaway

 

The Vegas Golden Knights were aiming to get back on the winning track last night against Pacific Division rival Arizona Coyotes. Watching the action were some lucky winners of our Facebook giveaway! The Adam Kutner Cares Team was also able to give away a ride on the Zamboni! To see more pics from the winners and Zamboni rider, head to our Facebook page!

The Coyotes took some early chances on Knights goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury but couldn’t convert. Vegas ended up with multiple offensive attacks but came up empty. After a scoreless opening period, Vegas generated 16 shots on net.

The game’s first goal came 9:38 into the second period on a Coyotes Power Play. Arizona’s Jordan Oesterle scored his sixth goal of the season to take the 1-0 lead.

“We have the work ethic, all the skills that we need to be successful and we just don’t make it happen. We need to be willing to want it more than the other ones.”
-Jonathon Marchessault, VGK Forward

It looked like the Golden Knights were in serious trouble when Coyotes forward Alex Galchenyuk added their second goal five minutes later taking the 2-0 lead. Down but not out, Vegas’ Brandon Pirri got the home team on the board :29 seconds later. Pirri added his 9th goal to trim Arizona’s lead 2-1.

“Yeah, I mean sometimes certain statistics might deceive you. I mean, we had a lot of shots, but we didn’t really get there as much. You saw a lot of the pucks that he saved and the goals we give up are just some errors in our group. You know, you leave Flower out to dry twice and he’s not going to make saves he can’t see on plays you don’t have a chance on. It’s just tough for our group.”
-Nate Schmidt, VGK Defenseman

Late in the second period, Reilly Smith had a chance to tie the game for Vegas on a penalty shot. Unfortunately, Smith’s efforts came close but couldn’t find the net. However, Vegas gained momentum and defenseman Nate Schmidt wristed home the game-tying goal. After 40 minutes of action, Vegas found themselves tied against Arizona 2-2.

The final frame was all Arizona. The Coyotes scored three unanswered goals to beat Vegas 5-2.

“Tough building obviously, a Stanley Cup Final team these guys are a good hockey club and we weathered the storm when we could. I thought we had some good goals from some big guys at some crucial times in that third period. Obviously, they were coming, and that bend don’t break defense really helped us tonight.”-Rick Tocchet, AZ Coach

Vegas’ record drops to (31-23-4) holding firmly on to the third spot in the Pacific Division. The Golden Knights look to end their two-game skid on Thursday as they host the star-studded Toronto Maple Leafs. Game begins at 7p.