FSM Essential Recap: Golden Knights vs Flames - Game 72 - 2023

FSM Essential Recap: Golden Knights vs Flames – Game 72 – 2023

Franchise Sports Media

Vegas Golden Knights (45-21-6)  | Calgary Flames  (32-26-15)

 

Logan Thompson returns but gets injured again. Still, the Golden Knights hold down the Calgary Flames, 3-2. 

The Golden Knights vs Flames start of the first period.

The Canadian road trip for the Vegas Golden Knights goes to 2-0-0 after defeating the Calgary Flames 3-2 at the Scotiabank Saddledome.

The Golden Knights avenged their 7-2 loss at home in their previous meeting against the Flames.

This win over Calgary keeps Vegas atop first place in the Pacific Division with a four-point lead cushion ahead of the Los Angeles Kings.

“We find ways to win,” Roy said. “I think every game there’s a line that stands out, and being healthy on [defense] makes a big difference since the All-Star break, goalies finding a way to steal a game as well. We’re finding ways to win, and I think that’s what is important at this point of the year.”

Another step in the right direction for the Golden Knights was the return of goaltender Logan Thompson, who started for the first time since February 9th. Thompson made 37 saves, but another injury sadly halted the return in the third period with six minutes left.

“Right now, obviously concerned about Logan,” Vegas coach Bruce Cassidy said. “Obviously, Logan missing that much time; we’ll have to look closely at that one.”

With Thompson leaving the game, backup goaltender Jonathan Quick stepped in and stopped all five of Calgary’s shots to close out the game for Vegas.

“It’s tough,” Vegas forward Ivan Barbashev said. “He was really good, especially coming back off of injury. He was great all game long. Tough bounce for him. He was really good today for us.”

The Golden Knights vs Flames end the first period.

The first period was dominated by Vegas taking a 2-0 lead. Marchessault and Amadio each scored a goal. 

The Golden Knights vs Flames start of the second and third periods.

Calgary cut the lead 2-1 after Milian Lucic fired a shot over Thompson’s shoulder.

“It’s a tough one,” Lucic said. “The effort was there in spurts. We’re a team that relies on all four lines and all six [defensemen] to have success, and I don’t think we’ve had that for a full 60 minutes. When you’re down 2-0, and you’re chasing the game, we weren’t able to tie it up after that.”

The second period was quiet as the score remained 2-1, but in the third period, the game became interesting.

Another player also returned to the Golden Knights lineup, and that was Nicolas Roy, who extended the lead 3-1 after a backhand shot.

“I’m just pretty happy to be back, honestly, and get the win,” Roy said. “It was a big game. Calgary’s got a great team, and it was a battle out there, so it was good to get the win.”

The Flames made it a one-goal game 3-2 after Nazem Kadri scored on a power play goal after a wrist shot from the slot.

The game was close in the third period, and despite Thompson’s exit, Jonathan Quick was able to hold off the Flames and hold on for the 3-2 victory for Vegas.

“I don’t know what happened, to be honest,” Vegas coach Bruce Cassidy said. “He just got up and left. I wish he would’ve taken his time so ‘Quickie’ would’ve had a little more time to warm up, to be honest with you.”

With no timetable for a return for Thompson, the Golden Knights hope his injury is not long-term so they can have him back in time for the playoffs.

“He knows his body; I have no idea. At the end of the day, let’s hope it’s not related to the previous injury and it’s something that will be short term.”

The Golden Knights vs Flames final score was 3-2, Vegas.

On Saturday, the Golden Knights will remain on the road when they play against the Edmonton Oilers at Rogers Place. The puck drops at 7:00 pm. The game can be seen on AT&T SportsNet (channel 313 on Cox Cable) or heard on 98.9 FM, FOX Sports Las Vegas 1340 AM.