Golden Knights Encounter Disappointment in NHL Championships
Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images Although the Las Vegas Strip’s St. Patrick’s Day festivities continued late into the night, green-clad spectators flocked to T-Mobile Arena in droves to watch their Golden Knights host the Atlantic Division-leading Buffalo Sabres.
The 17,844 fans in attendance were treated to a good old-fashioned goaltender’s duel, and the Golden Knights fell 2-0. The Sabres are the hottest team in the league with a record of 31-4-2 since December 9th, and both teams jumped out to a fast start. The Golden Knights outshot Buffalo 11-10 in the first period, and generated 13 scoring chances while allowing only eight.
The Sabres opened the scoring at 18:02 in the first period. Adin Hill misplayed the puck behind the net, and Josh Doan beat Rasmus Andersson to it. As Hill retreated back to his crease, Doan banked a shot off his pad and into the net.
In the second period, the Golden Knights looked even more dangerous. The Sabres boasted a 9-8 shots advantage, but Vegas controlled 62. 51 % of the expected goal share.
And once again, the Golden Knights generated more scoring chances, topping the Sabres 10-7. As the game progressed, the physicality ramped up. At 9:01 in the third period, a hard hit by Brayden McNabb drew a crowd, resulting in Brett Howden and Noah Ostlund taking matching roughing minors.