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The Knightly Recap: Week 16

Andre ParaisoBy 6 Mins Read

Last week on the Knightly Recap, the Vegas Golden Knights finished off their two game road trip against the Anaheim Ducks before playing in the second half of a back-to-back. They faced off against the San Jose Sharks at home for a two game homestand before going back on the road to finish off their season series against the Ducks.

This week on the Knightly Recap, the Golden Knights faced a big division rival in the Colorado Avalanche at home in the continuous race for the top seed in the Honda West Division. The Golden Knights also went back on the road for a back-to-back two game road trip against the Arizona Coyotes.

The Golden Knights are in the final stretch of their regular season as the Stanley Cup Playoffs are approaching. Until then, welcome to week 16 of the Knightly Recap.

April 28 vs. Colorado Avalanche

Talk About a Fast Start

In what was deemed a heavyweight matchup, the Golden Knights and Avalanche are still battling for the top seed in the division with the Golden Knights ahead by four points.

Vegas is known for their speed and quickness in their overall play but no one would’ve expected a goal to happen 10 seconds into the game. 

Cue in Golden Knights forward William Karlsson as he set a new franchise record for scoring the fastest goal in franchise history. Avalanche defenseman Samuel Girard couldn’t handle the puck after Golden Knights defenseman Alex Pietrangelo passed the puck through the neutral zone.

An Avalanche of Shots? No Problem.

Despite outshooting the Golden Knights the entire game, the Avalanche couldn’t seem to figure out Golden Knights goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury though they scored twice. Fleury saved 35 of 37 Avalanche shots on goal.

Also, the Golden Knights defense should be credited for this win especially during the penalty kill. Vegas managed to block 14-of-37 Colorado shots on goal.

Another Strong Second Period

The Golden Knights continued to show a strong outing during the second period scoring two goals. Golden Knights forwards Mark Stone and Max Pacioretty were the two goal scorers in the period.

Both teams had momentum throughout the period and the Avalanche managed to keep themselves in the game. Avalanche defenseman Ryan Graves scored the team’s second and final goal of the game to cut the Golden Knights’ lead to one. 

Matter of fact, both of the Avalanche goals came from defenseman which is a good sign for Colorado fans heading into the playoffs.

Final score: 5-2 VGK

Goal scorers: COL – Devon Toews (13:43 1st Period), Ryan Graves (17:06 2nd Period)

VGK – William Karlsson (00:10 1st Period), Max Pacioretty (9:36 2nd Period, 00:55 3rd Period), Mark Stone (14:39 2nd Period), Jonathan Marchessault (18:41 3rd Period)

April 30 at Arizona Coyotes

Strong Start. Stronger Finish.

The first period was close between both teams but the Coyotes scored the game’s first goal from forward John Hayden. Hayden’s goal gave the Coyotes confidence in starting to dictate the pace of this game despite it still feeling close.

As the game went on, the Golden Knights started to fall off a bit though they kept pushing back. Or at least they were to some degree. The Coyotes noticed this and outshot the Golden Knights 22-14 in the final two periods scoring twice in the third period. 

Also, the Coyotes seemed that much more determined as their playoff hopes are in the balance.

Final score: 3-0 ARI

Goal scorers: ARI – John Hayden (9:13 1st Period), Michael Bunting (1:30 3rd Period), Christian Fischer (17:23 3rd Period)

May 1 at Arizona Coyotes

Better Start. Sloppy Third Period.

The Golden Knights’ 10 game winning streak came to an end with a loss against the Coyotes the night before. However, they weren’t planning on staying in the losing column for long as they came out with more determination. Karlsson scored just seconds before the halfway mark of the first period. And Stone scored five minutes into the second period.

Also, the Golden Knights played better defensively as they were able to control the game at their pace. 

However, the Coyotes wouldn’t back down easily as they made a comeback to tie the game during the third period. Fischer and Coyotes forward Christian Dvorak helped force this game into overtime. And they also helped this team get another huge point to gain the final playoff spot in the division.

Overtime Kings Are At It Again

The Golden Knights have been a perfect 6-0 this season when they play in overtime. And they continue to improve on that record as Golden Knights forward Jonathan Marchessault scored the game winning goal.

The Coyotes were caught for having too many men on the ice which led to a 4-on-3 power play for the Golden Knights. Pietrangelo was credited for the assist on Marchessault’s overtime GWG.

Fleury Continuing to Make G.O.A.T Moves

After the win, Fleury had tied NHL legend Roberto Luongo in third place for having the most wins of all time. Fleury racked up his 489th career win after the 3-2 overtime victory. He has the chance to win his 490th game against the Minnesota Wild on May 5. That’s assuming the Golden Knights keep the rotation between Fleury and fellow goaltender Robin Lehner going.

Final score: 3-2 VGK (OT)

Goal scorers: ARI – Christian Fischer (9:04 3rd Period), Christian Dvorak (14:48 3rd Period)

VGK – William Karlsson (10:15 1st Period), Mark Stone (5:14 2nd Period), Jonathan Marchessault (3:04 OT)

Up Next on the Knightly Recap

As mentioned above, the Golden Knights will face the Wild. They’ll be in St. Paul, MN for a two game road trip as Vegas continues to solidify their spot at the top of the division and league. The Golden Knights will also face the St. Louis Blues for the final two times this season. Both teams will play in Las Vegas, NV on a back-to-back series.

As the season winds down for the Golden Knights, each game becomes increasingly important in order to stay in first going into the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Until next time, stay tuned for the next Knightly Recap.

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