Golden Knights lived on their penalty kill before the Ducks finally made them pay
LAS VEGAS (AP) — The Golden Knights' penalty kill, backed by goalie Carter Hart's stellar play, has been so good that Vegas has been able to get away with committing more penalties than usual. That is, until Sunday night when the Anaheim Ducks scored two power-play goals to win 4-3 and even the second-round NHL playoffs series at two games apiece. Game 5 is Tuesday in Las Vegas (9:30 p.
m. EDT, ESPN), and whether the Ducks found something in Game 4 or if it was a momentary blip for the Golden Knights will go a long way in determining which team advances to the Western Conference final. More than getting back to their penalty kill — which had its streak of 21 straight ended in that game — the Golden Knights will have to try to figure out a way to cut down on the number penalties while maintaining their aggressiveness.
Vegas was second in the league in the regular season in committing 3. 12 penalties per game, a hair behind New Jersey's 3. 10.
But the Golden Knights are up to 4. 00 average in the playoffs, though that is the third fewest in the league. “We've obviously got to stay more disciplined, not wanting to give them momentum off that or give them opportunities on the power play,” Vegas forward Brett Howden said.
“They obviously have a good power play, so I think our PK's done a really good job, but no sense in keep giving them those opportunities. ” The Ducks took advantage of their chances on Sunday. Anaheim had converted 8 of 16 power plays in their first-round, six-game elimination of Edmonton .