WHEW! Underdog Golden Knights Grab Game 1; Marner & Hart Shine
The Vegas Golden Knights are just three wins away from the Stanley Cup Final. Playing without captain Mark Stone, the […]
IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect The Vegas Golden Knights are just three wins away from the Stanley Cup Final. Playing without captain Mark Stone, the Golden Knights’ depth scoring filled the net and survived a comeback from the Cale Makar -less Colorado Avalanche 4-2 in Game 1 of the Western Conference Final at Ball Arena Wednesday. The Golden Knights lead the WCF 1-0.
After a comfortable 3-0 lead well into the third period, the Golden Knights beat back Colorado’s comeback attempt when Nic Dowd (3) added the empty netter at 19:15. That was the end, as unhappy Colorado fans found the exit. Despite Colorado having the better of early play, the Golden Knights had the better scoring chances.
In fact, VGK coach John Tortorella’s system took away the middle of the ice from Colorado’s vaunted attack, which led the NHL in goals this season. Without Makar, who is out day-to-day with a lower-body injury, the Golden Knights’ structure in the first period kept the game scoreless. Golden Knights goalie Carter Hart was also brilliant, making several tough stops and plenty of glove saves as the Golden Knights clearly won the goalie battle.
As the Golden Knights’ lead grew, Colorado’s shot total ballooned as well. Hart stopped 36 of 38 shots for the biggest win of his embattled career. After a scoreless first period, the most unlikely player lit the lamp.