According to Kristen Anderson of Postmedia, while the Flames were tucked in bed the night before, their mothers were painting the town red. But they ended up seeing red as the Golden Knights splattered David Rittich 7-3.
Winning Play
After an early third period Sean Monahan goal which would have tied the game at four apiece was overturned, the Golden Knights took control of the game with this Luca Sbisa goal:
After the failed 3-on-2 attack, Colin Miller pinches to keep it in. David Perron, Alex Tuch, and Erik Haula battle along the boards, before Perron pounces on the loose puck. Eventually, Tuch slides it to Sbisa walking down the slot to make it 5-3. Vegas would never look back.
Look how Haula and Perron push back Travis Hamonic and Brett Kulak with their speed, giving Miller space and time to gain the zone and make a play. This effort didn't yield an immediate result, but Perron remembered his work to gain the zone.
"It's basic, but it's everything," he said. "If you don't do the little things, you don't get the big plays."
Vegas did more of the little things last night.
Pluses
In his second full game in place of James Neal with Haula and Perron, Tuch sang Perron's praises, especially on his goal, which gave the Knights a 4-3 lead:
Credit goes first to Tuch himself, for starting the play by pickpocketing Micheal Ferland in the neutral zone.
"He wasn't expecting me," Tuch remarked.
Then, Perron took over.
"My goal, he created space. He had two guys on his back, spun away from them both," exclaimed Tuch. "He's the best puck protector I've ever seen. He holds 1, 2, 3 guys on his back and still holds onto the puck. Seen him hold onto the puck on his knees."
Look at the attention which Perron draws. Three Calgary defenders are looking at him. None have picked up the late man Tuch.
"I'm trying to engage with guys physically. Trusting my body, my strength that I'm going to win those battles," indicated Perron. "From there, I feel that the coverage is different. I can find guys."
Tomas Hyka is making a case to prolong his stay in Sin City. Once again, Gerard Gallant seemed pleased with his work. The young winger jumped out early:
Stone still looking for the license plate here (it's Hyka, no. 38). Incredible ability to turn on a dime to create space, Hyka flashed this ability last game too #VegasBornpic.twitter.com/kUWAX9t898
Gallant, however, was clearly displeased with the work of Oscar Lindberg's line, which included Tomas Nosek and Stefan Matteau.
Gallant's full comments on playing Lindberg line just one shift in 2nd and two shifts in 3rd (after game was well in hand for #VegasBorn): pic.twitter.com/QARJWiA3N4
This was a somewhat startling admission from Gallant, who rarely criticizes his players this publicly. Of course, leading the Western Conference wouldn't occasion much criticism in general. But the coach couldn't have been thrilled with how Lindberg got beat to the front by defenseman T.J. Brodie on Calgary's first goal.
Lindberg agreed, "Let in the goal to start the game. You don't want that. Guess that was the reason behind [the benching]."
However, he reminded me, "It was five minutes [of ice time], so it's tough to evaluate your performance."
With Pierre-Édouard Bellemare's injury, it's incumbent on Lindberg, and by extension, his linemates to find their game.
"You just have to keep it simple. Not try to force things. Play good in your D-zone, take it from there."
The Knights look to finish their home stand in style when they take on the Canucks tomorrow night.
***
++++I AM CURRENTLY LOOKING FOR ADVERTISERS! If you, or anyone you know would be interested in placing an ad here at HockeyBuzz, then send me a PM!++++
Vegas Golden Knights Blogger •Vegas Golden Knights Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»