FSM Essential Recap: Golden Knights vs Kings - Game 79 - 2023

FSM Essential Recap: Golden Knights vs Kings – Game 79 – 2023

Franchise Sports Media

Vegas Golden Knights (49-22-8)  | Los Angeles Kings  (45-24-10)

The Golden Knights scored four quick goals in the first period and held off the Los Angeles Kings, 5-2. 

The Golden Knights vs Kings start of the first period.

The Los Angeles Kings hoped to close in to be closer to first place in the Pacific Division. But that was not the case as the Vegas Golden Knights held off the Kings 5-2 at T-Mobile Arena.

The Golden Knights started off the first period by scoring four unanswered goals to set the tempo of the game after an overturned goal from the Kings early in the first period.

The win for the Golden Knights helped them one step closer to clinching the Pacific Division title.

“I thought we were on our toes, and we were ready to play,” Knights coach Bruce Cassidy said. “I thought our forecheck was outstanding. We weren’t giving up odd-man rushes or numbers coming at us because of that. Our guys were real dedicated to that game plan tonight.”

The third line for the Golden Knights set the tone for the victory, Chandler Stephenson had a goal and two assists, and Phil Kessel and Ivan Barbashev each finished with a goal and an assist. Vegas’ other two goals came from Nicolas Roy and Jonathan Marchessault.

“[Stephenson, Kessel, and Barbashev are] on fire, actually,” Vegas defenseman Nicolas Hague said. “Every time they stepped on the ice, they scored.”

Laurent Brossoit finished the game with 30 saves and remains unbeaten in regulation this season at 5-0-3 as he tries to compete for the starting job for the playoffs.

Anze Kopitar and Vladislav Gavrikov each scored for Los Angeles, who have now lost their second straight game losing their fourth game out of their last six games.

“We weren’t ready to play. That was pretty evident,” Kings coach Todd McLellan said. “The other day, I gave credit to the team as a whole. I said it was a team win. Everybody contributed. Tonight was a team loss. There were very few players that were engaged early. You can’t play like that at this time of the year. We haven’t had one of those periods in a long, long time. That won’t be good enough for the rest of the year and playoffs. I think they know that.”

The Golden Knights vs Kings ended the first period.

The Kings got on the board first, but the goal was overturned due to an offsides call.

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

Just over 20 seconds after the overturned goal, Phil Kessel scored after a wraparound shot for a 1-0 lead.

“Phil’s still got it,” Stephenson said. “He still makes plays. Still quick. He hangs on to it and lets you get open.”

Ivan Barbashev scored to extend the lead to 2-0 after shooting a one-timer.

“‘Barby’s’ a great addition. He’s been solid ever since he’s come here,” Stephenson said. “He gets a lot of pucks. He can finish and can make plays. He has a lot of patience. You know what you’re getting from him. He gets a lot of pucks for you. That’s huge.”

Chandler Stephenson and Nicolas Roy followed through with a goal each, then Jonathan Marchessault scored the last goal for a 5-0 lead after shooting a wrist shot from the left circle.

“It was one of those nights where there were no passengers for us,” Vegas coach Bruce Cassidy said. “It really shows in the end result.”

The Golden Knights vs Kings final score was 5-2, Vegas.

On Saturday, the Golden Knights will play against the Dallas Stars at American Airlines Center. The puck drops at 12:30 pm. The game can be seen on AT&T SportsNet (channel 313 on Cox Cable), ABC (channel 13 on Cox Cable), or heard on 98.9 FM, FOX Sports Las Vegas 1340 AM.