Vegas hosted the Florida Panthers for Miracle Night at the T-Mobile Arena and we were able to give one lucky fan tickets to the game and a ride on the Zamboni. 40 years ago, the United States hockey team beat the Soviets, and the Golden Knights welcomed in the Miracle on Ice roster.
Florida jumped out to quick start taking the 1-0 lead 3:28 into the game. Tomas Nosek tied the game later in the period scoring his 7th goal of the season. After the opening 20 minutes, the game was locked up 1-1.
The Panthers regained the lead quickly into the 2nd period. On a carryover power play, Florida took advantage and took a 2-1 edge. William Carrier tied the game for Vegas with his 7th goal of the season. Max Pacioretty scored his 29th, giving his team the 3-2 lead right before the period expired.
Reilly Smith doubled Vegas’ lead just :19 seconds into the final period. Smith buried his 24th goal of the year stretching the lead 4-2. The Panthers got within one but Smith would score his second of the game on an empty-net goal. The Golden Knights closed out the game 5-3.
Vegas’ record improves to 33-22-8 and remains in 1st place in the Pacific with 74 points.