The Las Vegas Golden Knights secured their third consecutive victory by defeating the Vancouver Canucks 3-1 at T-Mobile Arena on Saturday night. Brandon Saad provided the spark for the Golden Knights, scoring just 18 seconds after the opening of the third period, taking advantage of a rebound from the left circle. This goal not only put Vegas ahead for good but also marked Saad's second goal since joining the team from the St. Louis Blues less than a month ago.
With the win, the Golden Knights improved their record to 74 points, pulling two points clear of the Edmonton Oilers, who lost earlier in the day to the Philadelphia Flyers. Meanwhile, the Canucks' three-game winning streak came to an unfortunate end, as they were unable to maintain their momentum, remaining three points clear of the Calgary Flames for the final playoff spot.
The first period displayed the Golden Knights' dominance, evidenced by their 13 shots on goal compared to Vancouver's mere five. Despite their barrage of scoring chances, they were repeatedly thwarted by Canucks goaltender Kevin Lankinen, especially during three power plays granted to Vegas due to Vancouver penalties. The period ended scoreless, setting the stage for the competitive battle to follow.
It was during the second period when action finally got underway. Jake DeBrusk put the Canucks on the board first at 6:22, scoring his 20th goal of the season. DeBrusk’s goal was notable not only for its significance to the game but also as it marked his 300th career point. He received the puck from Kiefer Sherwood and beat Golden Knights goaltender Adin Hill, who was left out of position. The Golden Knights responded just minutes later when Ivan Barbashev netted his 16th of the season, tying the game at 1-1.
Momentum swung back to Vegas at the beginning of the third period when Saad's impressive shot put them up 2-1. After his goal, the Canucks fought hard to find the equalizer, outshooting the Golden Knights 18-10 during the final period. A key moment came when Teddy Blueger's apparent goal was disallowed due to goaltender interference, denying Vancouver a chance to tie the game.
When all seemed to be going the Canucks’ way, Tomas Hertl added insurance for the Golden Knights with an empty-net goal in the final minute, sealing the game at 3-1. Hill’s performance was commendable as he turned aside 32 of 33 shots he faced, displaying the skill and resolve necessary to maintain the lead during intense moments of the match. For Vancouver, Lankinen made 32 saves out of 34 shots, proving his worth especially during the constant offensive pressure from Vegas.
Looking forward, both teams have significant matchups on the horizon. The Canucks rebound quickly, facing the Utah Hockey Club on Sunday, needing to solidify their position for the playoffs. Meanwhile, the Golden Knights prepare for their next challenge against the Los Angeles Kings, where they'll aim to extend their winning streak even longer.
This victory not only cements the Golden Knights' place at the top of the Pacific Division but also emphasizes their growing chemistry and competitive spirit as the NHL season progresses. With players like Saad continuing to contribute and the defense showing strength, fans have every reason to be optimistic about what lies ahead.