The team at Adam Kutner Cares gave away two tickets and a Zamboni ride to the last game of the Vegas Golden Knights’ home stand against the Ottawa Senators.
It was a festive crowd at the T-Mobile Arena on Sunday afternoon.
The game began slowly for the Golden Knights as Ottawa broke open the score three minutes into the game. Vegas had a tough time generating any high-percentage chances trailing the Senators 1-0 after one period of action.
“We had a ton of shots and a ton of chances early on in the game and nothing was going in. They built a 2-0 lead, so that first goal was real big for us. Then Ryan Reaves scored to tie it up on the power play. It was big, we just stuck with it and kept working hard. I thought we played an excellent game.” – Gerard Gallant, VGK Coach
The second period was scoreless for the first eight minutes when Ottawa added to their lead. The Senators scored on a Power Play goal by forward Bobby Ryan. Down two goals late in the second, the Golden Knights got to work.
“I think I got rewarded for it tonight. It was really good playing by my linemates, by the defensemen getting pucks in the net. We were able to have a lot of o-zone time, so it was a lot more fun getting to play offense for the Golden Knights.” – Alex Tuch, VGK forward
Tuch got Vegas on the board on a beautiful five-hole breakaway. The young power forward broke up a play in the defensive zone and singlehandedly drove to the net for the tally. Tuch’s highlight reel goal made the score 2-1 Ottawa. Luckily for Golden Knights fans, the team wasn’t done.
Fan favorite Ryan Reaves skated and played hard all night, waiting for his opportunity. With under two minutes remaining in the second period and the Golden Knights on a Power Play, the big fella buried a rebound to tie the game 2-2.
“Ryan Reaves is a fan favorite. He is a tough guy and it definitely energizes our group. He is a popular player and he puts the work in and does a lot of work for the physical side of it, but he is also playing real good hockey for us… he scored some big goals for us.” – Gerard Gallant, VGK Coach
Vegas and Ottawa traded chances in the third period, as Alex Tuch added his second goal of the game. After regulation, the teams were tied 3-3 and needed an extra five minutes to decide a winner. It didn’t matter, as Vegas used less time to win the game.
Star forward, Jonathan Marchessault, ended the night on a rare overtime penalty shot. Marchessault took the puck, skated slowly, and faked out Senators goaltender, Craig Anderson, for the game-winner.
“I kind of knew a little bit what I wanted to do. I just waited for it to open up and it did, so I was able to put it where I wanted.” – Jonathan Marchessault, VGK forward
Vegas ends their home stand (3-1-1), bringing their overall record to (5-5-1). The Golden Knights are currently tied for third in the Pacific division. Their next game is Tuesday on the road against the Nashville Predators. Nashville is tied with Toronto with the most (16) points in the NHL.
Quick Note: VGK center, Cody Eakin, suffered an injury on a scary hit in the first period. Gallant said after the game he wasn’t sure about Eakin’s status.