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2020 VGK Draft Recap

2020 VGK Draft Recap

 

It was Vegas’ fourth NHL Entry Draft in team history and The Golden Knights added six new prospects to their pipeline. Here are the newest members of the Golden Knights organization.

1st Round, Pick #29: Brendan Brisson (F)

A native Californian, Brisson recorded 59 points (24 G, 34 A) to go with 50 penalty minutes in 45 games for the USHL’s Chicago Steel during the 2019-20 season. During his 2018-19 campaign with the Green Bay Gamblers (USHL), Brisson finished with one goal in six games. The 18-year-old forward is expected to play and study at the University of Michigan next season.

 

3rd Round, Pick #68: Lukas Cormier (D)

Cormier is a puck-moving defenseman who has good vision and can make quick decisions in the defensive zone. He’s a little undersized but with the success of smaller defenders in the NHL, Cormier will get his chance in Vegas.

 

3rd Round, Pick #91: Jackson Hallum (F)

Hallum is a quick, 6-foot forward from Minnesota. He’ll need to use his size and explosive speed, like Alex Tuch, to become a successful NHL forward. Like Brisson, Hallum has committed to play at the University of Michigan.

 

5th Round, Pick #125: Jesper Vikman (G)

The Golden Knights picked up another Swedish goaltender with size. Like newly signed Robin Lehner, Vikman is big (6-3) and was developed through the Swedish junior leagues.

 

6th Round, Pick #184: Noah Ellis (D)

Ellis became the third American prospect drafted by the Golden Knights. The Iowan is a big, strong skating defenseman. The right-handed blueliner is committed to play at the University of Massachusetts.

 

7th Round, Pick #215: Maxim Marushev (F)

The Russian forward is a two-way player that has experience in both offensive and defensive roles. He’s 21-years-old making him by far the oldest player Vegas has ever selected. He posted 40 points in 30 games last season in a professional Russian hockey league.

 

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Game 3 Of The Western Conference Finals

The Golden Knights began Game 3 of the Western Conference finals looking to take a 2-1 series lead over the Dallas Stars.

The opening period was tight with Robin Lehner and Anton Kuhdobin both coming up with big saves to keep it a scoreless tie heading into the first intermission.

Lehner continued to play strong frustrating Dallas into the first two periods. However, the Stars would finally get one by the Vegas goaltender with:17 seconds left in the period.

Vegas’ offense broke out of their slump when Shea Theodore scored his 7th goal of the postseason tying the game 1-1. Dallas regained the lead 2-1 a few minutes later but Vegas wore down the Stars and eventually Mark Stone tied the game with his 7th goal of the playoffs.

Dallas didn’t take long to win the game 3-2 in overtime. The Stars found an opening:31 into OT scoring their third on Lehner.

With their 3-2 OT loss, the Golden Knights trail the Stars 2-1 in their best-of-seven series. Game 4 of the Western Conference finals is set for Saturday night. Puck drop is scheduled for 5P PT.

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Western Conference Finals – Game 1

It was the second Western Conference final in three years for Vegas as they face the Dallas Stars, a team that hadn’t been since 2008. In a surprising decision, coach Pete DeBoer gave Marc-Andre Fleury the start in Game 1.

Dallas came out hard, attacking Vegas’ zone right from the opening faceoff. The Stars quickly scored 2:36 into the series taking a 1-0 advantage into the first intermission.

The Golden Knights couldn’t generate much in the middle frame. Vegas took only four shots on net and was 0/2 on the power play in the second period. Both goaltenders were strong stopping all shots faced in the second period.

Vegas failed to convert again on the power play going 0/4 on the game. The Golden Knights made a strong late push but the Stars were able to stave off and win the game 1-0.

With their 1-0 loss, the Golden Knights trail the best-of-seven series 1-0 to the Stars. Vegas will hit the ice for Game 2 on Tuesday night. The game will air on NBC Sports Network scheduled for 5P PT.

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Golden Knights Look Ahead To Game 7

The Golden Knights got off to a bad start to Game 6 allowing the Canucks to score 2:50 into the first period. Vegas fired nine shots on Vancouver goaltender Thatcher Demko but couldn’t convert. After the opening 20 minutes, the Golden Knights trailed 1-0.

Both goaltenders were strong in the second period shutting both teams offenses. Robin Lehner allowed only one goal through two periods but Canucks led 1-0 heading into the second intermission.

Vancouver doubled their lead 1:03 into the third period. The Canucks took a 3-0 lead later in the period putting the Golden Knights in desperation mode. Vegas coach Pete DeBoer pulled Lehner with under six minutes to go but Vancouver took advantage and scored on the empty net. Demko was flawless in net and shutout Vegas 4-0.

With their 4-0 win, the Canucks tied up the series and force a Game 7. Vegas will have another chance at clinching the second round matchup with the Canucks tomorrow. Game 7 will air on NBC Sports Network scheduled is TBD.

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Golden Knights Look To Closeout The Canucks In Game 5

The Golden Knights skated into Game 5 looking to clinch their second round series against the Vancouver Canucks. Neither team could generate offense in the first period and both goaltenders were flawless. Game 5 was scoreless after the opening 20 minutes.

Both teams got on the board in the second period. The Golden Knights came out firing on Vancouver goalie Thatcher Demko. Vegas took 18 second period shots on net and at the 15:12 mark Shea Theodore gave Vegas the 1-0 lead. Vancouver would respond quickly tying the game:24 seconds later. The game was tied 1-1 after the second period.

The Canucks took their first lead of the game early in the third period. Vancouver held their tight 2-1 lead the entire game fighting off Vegas’ late game charge.

With their 2-1 loss the Golden Knights now lead 3-2 in their best-of-seven game series. Vegas will have a another chance at clinching the second round matchup with the Canucks on Thursday night. Game 6 will air on NBC Sports Network scheduled for 645P PT.

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Vegas Golden Knights Take Commanding 3-1 Series Lead

 

The Golden Knights entered Game 4 two wins away from the Western Conference finals. Vegas took the first lead after Max Pacioretty’s quick wrist shot slipped through Vancouver goalie Jacob Markstrom’s pads. The Canucks tied the game 1-1 with a power play goal midway through the first. Two minutes later, Chandler Stephenson regained the lead for Vegas after a nice give-and-go pass with Shea Theodore. Starting goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury stopped 7 out of 8 Vancouver shots taking a 2-1 lead into the first intermission.

Vancouver evened the game early and took the lead later in the second period. It was the Canucks second power play goal that gave them a 3-2 lead. Markstrom held the Golden Knights scoreless on 14 shots in the second period.

The tide turned in the third period as the Golden Knights came out ready to take care of business. Nate Schmidt tied the game 2:52 into the final twenty minutes, and Pacioretty gave Vegas the lead 4-3 with his second goal of the night. William Karlsson joined the party stretching the Golden Knights lead 5-4. Fleury stopped 27 of Vancouver’s 30 shots on net and earned his first win of the series.

With their 5-3 victory, the Golden Knights lead 3-1 in their best-of-seven game series. Vegas will have a chance at clinching the second round matchup with the Canucks on Tuesday night. Game 5 will air on NBC Sports Network scheduled for 645P PT.

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Vegas Falls To Vancouver In Game 2. Looking To Bounce Back In Game 3

The Vancouver Canucks needed a quick start to Game 2 and they got it. Vancouver took their first lead of the series scoring on starter Robin Lehner 1:29 into the game. Vancouver doubled their lead ten minutes later to take a 2-0 lead into the first intermission.

Alex Tuch scored his sixth postseason goal in the second period to get Vegas within one. Vancouver would respond going up 3-1 with 1:25 left in the middle frame. Vancouver goaltender Jacob Markstrom was strong in net stopping 21 of 22 second period shots by the Golden Knights.

Vancouver stretched their lead to 4-1 on the first shift of the third period. It took the Canucks :18 seconds to set up their fourth goal of the game. Vegas added a second goal late on a 6-in-5 situation to make it 4-2 Vancouver. However, the Canucks would get it back on an last-minute empty-net goal. Markstrom continued his outstanding performance stifling the Golden Knights potent offense and securing a 5-2 Canucks victory.

Vegas is now tied 1-1 in their best-of-seven game series with Vancouver. The second round matchup continues on Thursday night. Game 3 will air on NBC Sports Network scheduled for 645P PT.

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Vegas Wins Game 1 Against The Canucks

Jonathan Marchessault scored the first goal of the series 11:37 into the opening period. Starting goaltender Robin Lehner stopped all eight of Vancouver’s first period shots to hold the 1-0 Vegas edge.

The Golden Knights offense took over the game in the second period. Reilly Smith doubled Vegas’ lead with an early period power play goal. Mark Stone added another midway through the period, and Alex Tuch snapped one late giving the Golden Knights a dominant 4-0 lead.

Vegas continued to pressure Vancouver well into the third period. The Golden Knights pushed the puck and again went to work in the Canucks offensive zone. Max Pacioretty gave Vegas a commanding 5-0 lead with his second goal of the postseason. Lehner was flawless in net stopping all 26 shots on net to secure his first career postseason shutout.

With their 5-0 win Vegas now leads the best-of-seven game series 1-0. The second round matchup against Vancouver continues on Tuesday night. Game 2 is scheduled to air on NBC Sports Network at 645P PT.

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Vegas Golden Knights Advance To Round 2

It was another possible clinching game for the Golden Knights who looked to eliminate the Chicago Blackhawks in five games. With their backs against the wall, the Blackhawks took the 1-0 lead midway through the first. Chicago extended their lead late but Max Pacioretty got Vegas within one, 31 seconds before the period expired. After the opening twenty minutes, the Golden Knights trailed 2-1.

Mark Stone tied the game 2-2 in the first minute of the second period. Chicago regained the lead 3-2 with an even-strength goal a few minutes later. The Golden Knights defenseman Alec Martinez tied the game 3-3 with a second period power play goal.

Alex Tuch didn’t hesitate to give Vegas their first lead of the game scoring 1:34 into the final period. He thought he had another but was waived off by the officials. Starting goaltender Robin Lehner stopped 23 of 26 Chicago shots to secure the Golden Knights 4-3 victory.

Vegas becomes the first team to clinch their series by eliminating Chicago in five games. The Golden Knights will get some rest as they wait for their next opponent. Dates for the second round are to be determined.

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Vegas Golden Knights Lead 3-1 In The Best of Seven Against The Chicago Blackhawks

Vegas holds a 3-1 lead in the best of 7 vs the Chicago Blackhawks. Vegas got off to a quick start in Game 3 against the Chicago Blackhawks. William Karlsson did what he does best and gave Vegas the early 1-0 lead with his second career postseason shorthanded goal. Mark Stone fed a nice pass to the middle of the ice for Karlsson to scoop and score. Marc-Andre Fleury got the call in net and had a flawless first period. Fleury was strong again in the second as he shut out a buzzing Chicago team. It took a while but Vegas doubled their lead on Patrick Brown’s first career playoff goal. After two periods the Golden Knights held a 2-0 edge. Chicago got on the scoresheet six minutes into the third period but Vegas held them to only one goal. Fleury had a strong performance stopping 26 of 27 shots.

On back-to-back days the Golden Knights and Chicago Blackhawks faced off for Game 4 and chance for Vegas to sweep the series. The first period didn’t go as planned for the Golden Knights. Chicago got on the board quickly to take a 1-0 lead four minutes into the game. The Blackhawks extended their lead 13:40 into the period, but :18 seconds later Shea Theodore cut the lead to 2-1. After the opening period, the Golden Knights trailed for the first time in the best-of-seven series.

Vegas struggled to get their power play going in the second period going 0/2. Thankfully, Chicago’s offense went cold as well. Blackhawks goalie Corey Crawford made some key saves to keep the Golden Knights from tying the game. Chicago held their 2-1 advantage after two periods in the books. Vegas poured on the pressure in the final period but couldn’t beat Crawford for a second straight period. The Blackhawks fought off a late Golden Knights push and added an empty net goal to stay alive winning 3-1.

Vegas loses their first game of the postseason and now lead the best-of-seven series 3-1. The Golden Knights will attempt to clinch again on Tuesday at 730P PT. Locally, the game will air on AT&T Sports Network.

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