Top unit’s production rises with playoffs close at hand
Scoring increases for Karlsson, Marchessault, Smith
The Golden Knights’ first line appears to be peaking just in time for another playoff push.
William Karlsson, Jonathan Marchessault and Reilly Smith combined for 10 points in the Knights’ 7-3 win against the San Jose Sharks on Monday, showing shades of the group that was among the NHL’S elite last season.
“I don’t know why they waited so long,” coach Gerard Gallant quipped Monday. “I thought they’ve played pretty good all season long, but they had a great game tonight. They played really hard, and they played well.”
Karlsson, Marchessault and Smith each recorded multipoint performances Monday for the second straight game and the fourth time this season. Karlsson had a goal and an assist and Smith (one goal, three assists) and Marchessault had the Knights’ first four-point games of the season.
Marchessault also became the first player in team history to have a multi-goal (two) and players in NHL history. He ranks second in games played (299) and points (52) out of that group behind former center Tyler Arnason.
“It was quite an experience to go to Dallas, Texas, and recognize an Oklahoman for his role in the game of hockey,” Stone said. “The cherry on top was to see that Oklahoman showcase his skills and beat a Texas team in their own arena.”
Scoring streak
The Knights scored 13 goals in their last two games. Only once in a two-game span this season have they scored more — in a 6-0 victory over the Sharks on Nov. 24 followed by an 8-3 rout of the Chicago Blackhawks on Nov. 27.
The stretch was impressive considering the goals came with the Knights playing on back-toback days. The team’s previous top goal total in a back-to-back this season was nine against the Los Angeles Kings (4-1) and Arizona Coyotes (5-1) on Dec. 29-30.
Contact Ben Gotz at bgotz@ reviewjournal.com. Follow @Bensgotz on Twitter.