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Oscar Lindberg's #24 jersey is seldom seen on the ice these days. After carving out a decent role for himself on the New York Rangers, Lindberg was drafted by the Golden Knights in the 2017 expansion draft. Since then, he has been a healthy scratch more than he has played. This afternoon, Lindberg scored the only goal for Vegas in a 5-1 losing effort in Los Angeles, his first goal of the season. Tomas Nosek set Lindberg up beautifully and Lindberg did not miss.
Overall, it was a rough afternoon for the Golden Knights. A big, four-goal loss to the lowly Kings was not what coach Gerard Gallant had in mind when he sent out his starting goaltender, Marc-Andre Fleury, for his 9th straight start, including a back-to-back. Now Vegas finds themselves heading into the second game of this current back-to-back with a loss and seemingly no confidence in backup Malcolm Subban. Does Fleury get sent out there for another back-to-back, for his 10th straight start, to try to get back into the win column against the Stars or does Gallant go with Subban? Traditionally, the goalies trade off games on back-to-back days. It will be interesting to see what Gallant chooses to do. Fleury isn't getting any younger and he has 760+ games worth of wear and tear on his body, he will eventually need some rest.
Brendan Leipsic and Nikita Scherbak were both on waivers just a short time ago. Leipsic was released by the Canucks and Scherbak by the Canadiens. Both men played a part in the Kings' win today. Scherbak tied the game at one goal apiece, with 11:48 left in the first period. His goal, erased the 1-0 lead Vegas established with the Lindberg goal. Scherbak took the puck into the Vegas zone in transition and ripped a wrist shot past defenseman Nate Schmidt and the goaltender Fleury. It was his first of the season, a relief after fighting visa issues just to get to LA.
Leipsic struck on the Kings' first power play of the game, awarded to them on a Brayden McNabb hook on Dustin Brown. Leipsic had the primary assist on the Matt Luff PP goal as he received a quick pass in the corner from Adrian Kempe. Leipsic then sent a quick one-touch pass to the slot where Luff was camped out for the one-time goal, giving LA a 2-1 lead 12:30 into the second period.
Four minutes later, Jeff Carter extended the lead when Fleury's patented aggressiveness came back to bite him. Carter drove the net and held the puck longer than Fleury expected. When Carter held, Fleury slid out of position. With Fleury out of position, Schmidt, the closest defenseman hustled to cover for him. Carter made a nice little play, sending the puck back toward the crease, through Fleury and off of Schmidt, into the open goal. It was certainly a goal Fleury would like back.
Heading into the third period down two goals, Vegas needed a bounce to go their way. Something needed to change. LA spent two periods slowing them down and controlling the puck. Instead, the Kings scored a quick goal at 2:48 of the final period. Derek Forbort scored for the Kings, making him the third player in the game to score his first goal of the season (Lindberg and Scherbak). Forbort scored on a long wrist shot from the blue line that beat Fleury to the glove side. He never saw the puck with a Vegas defenseman and Kings forward parked directly in front of his net.
Los Angeles added another goal for good measure in the last two minutes of the game. Nate Thompson's second of the season was the icing on the cake, a kick to a downed opponent, a low blow, whatever phrase needed to make you feel the pain of the four goal loss. Thompson blasted a one-timer home as the Vegas defense was caught puck-watching. Thompson set up on the back side, was uncovered, and hammered home the Jake Muzzin pass. This game had to feel great for Los Angeles, whooping the Golden Knights team that swept them out of the 2017-18 playoffs.
Vegas will look to get back on track tomorrow night, back at home, versus the Dallas Stars. Sunday's game will start at 6pm and the Golden Knights will be hosting a toy drive. Be sure to bring a new, unopened toy to donate if you plan on attending the game. Those who donate will be entered into a drawing for a free prize, at my expense. Let's help these kids have a good Christmas!
Tune in tomorrow on AT&T Sportsnet or listen in on Fox Radio 98.9FM, if you're out and about. Until tomorrow night, have a great evening VGK fans!
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