Golden Knights are back, baby
Golden Knights 3 Stars 0 Series tied 1-1
EDMONTON, Alberta – After running into a hot goalie late last round and being shut out in the opener of the Western Conference final, pressure mounted in the minds of the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 2.
When Paul Stastny scored to end a lengthy goal drought by Vegas forwards, the entire mood changed. William Karlsson and Tomas Nosek made it three goals in less than 10 minutes, Robin Lehner stopped all 24 shots he faced and the Golden Knights rediscovered their winning ways and beat the Dallas Stars 3-0 Tuesday night, evening the series.
“That first goal relieved a little bit of pressure,” coach Peter DeBoer said. “We got our game back, and I think once we got that first goal, i think we looked like we normally do, which was making plays and finding space and sticking pucks in the net.”
The return of enforcer Ryan Reaves was just one element of that. With Reaves suspended a game for an illegal check to the head, DeBoer didn’t start his physical fourth line as he had in 34 consecutive games since the All-Star break in January.
William Carrier, Nosek and Reaves started and came out hitting. Reaves hit Dallas captain Jamie Benn twice in the first 30 seconds, and the Golden Knights dictated the physicality the way the Stars did two nights earlier.
DeBoer believes Reaves and Carrier set the tone because “they start on time” and are ready to play. The Stars found that out quick.
After no goals in the first period, Stastny scored on a redirection in front from Max Pacioretty. With agitating Stars winger Corey Perry in the penalty box minutes later, Karlsson scored on the power play with Mark Stone sliding in front to screen Khudobin.
NOTES
To fit Reaves back in the lineup, Nick Cousins was scratched. ... Khudobin was pulled a game after becoming the eighth goalie to record his first NHL playoff shutout at age 34 or older.
UP NEXT
Game 3 is Thursday night. The Tampa Bay Lightning and New York Islanders play Game 2 of the Eastern Conference final Wednesday.