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.