The Dallas Stars defeated the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals. The Golden Knights won Game 2 with a score of 3-0. Here is a recap of Game 3 between the Stars and Golden Knights.
1st Period
Both teams started off slow but the Stars brought the physicality early on. There were momentum swings on both sides. However, it would be the Golden Knights that would dominate the period with their offensive pressure outshooting the Stars 12-4. The Golden Knights didn’t get to their game early but they had a good momentum push heading into the second period.
The game was tied at zero heading into the second period.
2nd Period
After being pushed back during the first, the Stars came back with an offensive frenzy of their own. They were able to get the Golden Knights to turn over the puck and go on multiple odd man rushes. The Stars also had multiple scoring chances that would’ve given them the lead during this period. And, their hard work paid off as Stars defenseman Jamie Oleksiak scored just before the period ended.
Dallas went into the third period with a 1-0 lead.
3rd Period
The Golden Knights would not be pushed back for an entire game especially during the Western Conference Finals. They controlled the entirety of this period scoring two goals from defenseman Shea Theodore and forward Alex Tuch. But Stars captain Jamie Benn would get one goal back and retook the one goal lead for his team. Both Theodore and Tuch’s goals tied the game 1-1 and 2-2. The Golden Knights also had chances to take the lead but Stars goaltender Anton Khudobin made crucial saves especially towards the end of the game. Golden Knights goaltender Robin Lehner also made a huge last second save on Benn.
The game was tied at two heading into overtime.
Overtime
Well, it didn’t take long until a winner was determined. Stars forward Alexander Radulov scored the overtime game winning goal 31 seconds into overtime. The Golden Knights blew their defensive coverage that left Radulov all alone and scoring the game winner.
Dallas won the game 3-2 and took the series lead 2-1.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILPPe-kPpa0]
Three Stars of the Game
Third Star: Shea Theodore (1 goal)
Second Star: Alexander Radulov (Game winning goal)
First Star: Anton Khudobin (38 saves)
Overview
Dallas Stars
Dallas started off slow but they eventually got to their game during the second period. They were able to sustain offensive pressure just like they did in Game 1. Dallas also pushed back physically getting their hits early in the first period.
However, they have to play a full defensive game because Vegas dominated two of the three periods in this game not including overtime. Yes, they did force turnovers and blocked 21 Vegas shots but they can’t always win games by only winning one period. That’s probably the one big aspect of their game they have to keep up on. Otherwise, they’ll give Vegas this series.
Vegas Golden Knights
Vegas dominated the first and third period which is no surprise to any hockey fan. But, their second period struggles still linger onto this series. They didn’t have the same second period this game than in Game 2 where they scored three unanswered goals. Vegas was outplayed on both ends off the ice and were caught being outmanned defensively. They gave Dallas way too many odd man rushes. And, that’s something that Vegas has to prevent happening going into Game 4.
Some positives they can take away from this game is their power play and penalty kill. Vegas has scored on their power play two games in a row which is a good sign moving forward in this series. Vegas’ penalty kill continues to prevail for them though they only had to kill off one Dallas power play.
However, with all the good acknowledged, Vegas needs to play and establish their defensive game early on though they did make a comeback. They’re blown defensive coverage in overtime cost them the game along with a horrible second period performance.
This is a winning team and winners respond. Vegas has to win Game 4 in order to stay safe in this series.
Game 4 of the series between the Stars and Golden Knights is on Sep. 12 at 8:00 p.m. EST on NBC.