The team at Adam S. Kutner & Associates gave away two tickets and a Zamboni ride to last night’s Vegas Golden Knights game against the Vancouver Canucks.
The Golden Knights were on a roll heading into Wednesday night’s game against the Vancouver Canucks, winning four games in a row. The Canucks came into Las Vegas with a (5-4) record sitting fourth in the Pacific Division. The game got off to a slow start, as both teams traded early penalties. After play settled out, Vancouver pressured Vegas for most of the period. Luckily, the Canucks couldn’t convert any scoring chances, and Vegas goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury was in typical form.
The second frame began with instant action. Vegas forward Max Pacioretty scored his second goal of the season two minutes into the period. Pacioretty scored on a nice feed behind the net from linemate Erik Haula. The second line put the Golden Knights up 1-0.
The Canucks responded a few minutes later with two goals by Bo Horvat. Horvat’s two quick scores temporarily put Vancouver in the lead, 2-1. Until Ryan Reaves shot one past Vancouver goaltender, Jacob Markstrom, to tie it up 2-2.
In the third, tight play continued throughout the entire 20 minutes. Both teams traded chances but never capitalized forcing a five-minute, 3-on-3 overtime. In overtime not much changed, the Canucks were cautious and protected the puck well. Vegas pushed for scoring opportunities but couldn’t create high-percentage shots.
“I think we got mentally ready to play in the third period more than we did in the first two periods. I didn’t like our start tonight. Again, tonight we gave up some great plays, some odd-man rushes for no apparent reason. They made some good plays, but we’re a little bit sleepy and the first period gave up some of those opportunities. We were fortunate to be 2-2, even though we outshot them, chances were probably similar, but we didn’t play good enough.” – Gerard Gallant, Vegas Golden Knights Head Coach
After an extended shootout, the Canucks stole the win 3-2 on the road. Vegas is now (4-4-1, 9 Points) and will get back on the ice on Friday afternoon. The Tampa Bay Lightning come into town to play on Nevada Day against the Golden Knights. Game time starts at 3pm.
“Nate has turned out to be a pretty good defenseman for us… He is a kind of defenseman that every team in this league is looking for now. He is unique, excellent defensively and has become a shutdown defenseman for us playing against the other clubs top players, but he also brings a lot of paste to the game and he brings offense. So, we are delighted to get this done.” – George McPhee, Vegas Golden Knights General Manager
Quick Notes: General Manager George McPhee announced the team has extended top defenseman, Nate Schmidt. Schmidt signed a six-year/$5.9M annual contract.