FSM Essential Recap: Golden Knights vs Avalanche- Game 14

The matchup between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Colorado Avalanche looked much different than the game that took place on Sunday afternoon.

For starters, there was no shutout recorded tonight as both teams were able to find the back of the net multiple times. The Avs appeared more like themselves Tuesday night, and the matchup looked much closer to what most expected these games to look like. Colorado was much more potent on offense, and VGK nearly pulled off another late-game push that almost earned them at least one point in the standings. But as is the case when facing highly talented teams, late-game comebacks are not always the best road to success. That’s not to say that the Knights looked bad by any means, but rather than playing catch up is not the best recipe for success. There is a reason why teams that score first tend to win games more often than not in the NHL.

While the first period only saw one goal, the ability to gain the lead first paid dividends in a tightly contested matchup. That first goal marker nearly went in the Knight’s favor as Johnathan Marchessault almost put Vegas up around seven minutes into the game with a great chance from in close on Grubauer. Yet, the Colorado goaltender was up to the task of stopping the Vegas forward from a hard spot as he drove through the left circle. Nathan Mackinnon was the only forward from either team to score a goal in the first period as he lasered in a shot from a drop pass in the slot from Mikko Rantanen.

The second period saw Vegas answer back to the Avalanche lead only to have their momentum stopped shortly after.

The Knights nearly tied the game up a little over four minutes into the period as Zach Whitecloud let off a great shot from the left circle, but it hit the post. About four minutes later, Alec Martinez made an outstanding defensive play swiping the puck away after Fleury made a save on Burakovsky. Between his blocks and smart veteran plays like that, Alec has proved himself to be a very valuable acquisition for the Knights since they acquired him from the LA Kings last year.

With just under four minutes left in the period, VGK was awarded a powerplay, and Max Pachioretty scored from almost the exact same spot as his game-winner from Sunday. However, the momentum from the goal was short-lived as Brandon Saad gave the Avs the lead again about a minute later after going forehand-backhand to put it past Fleury. Alex Pietrangelo nearly tied the game back up with 59 seconds left but was robbed by an excellent glove save from the Colorado netminder.

Vegas is a team that is no stranger to third period comebacks as the final frame has probably been their strongest period in most games played this season.

The Knights were even awarded a powerplay in the opening minutes, but Colorado’s first ranked penalty kill came up big in preventing a goal. With about thirteen and a half minutes remaining, William Karlsson had a great look on a breakaway chance but could not beat the Avs goaltender. In a glimmer of hope, Marchessault finally beat Grubauer to tie the game up shortly after Karlsson’s missed breakaway chance, capitalizing on a scramble in front of the Colorado net. Just as the game was looking like it would go to extra time, Nazem Kadri scored with 39 seconds left to give the Avalanche the lead and what would be the game-winning goal.

Overall, I think the Knights looked solid tonight and should not be disheartened heading into Saturday’s outdoor game against the same opponent. They had the edge in shot total, faceoff, and led in takeaways by a margin of 13-2.

The Vegas Golden Knights will resume play on Saturday afternoon taking on the Colorado Avalanche for their third game in the four-game series in an outdoor game in Lake Tahoe. The puck drop is set for 12 p.m. and will be on NBC and FOX Sports Las Vegas 98.9/1340.

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-D.J. Wood– Franchise Sports Media

Follow D.J. on Twitter @DJwoody97

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